News reports quickly circled early Tuesday morning about a fatal crash on GA 400. The crash resulted in tragedy and the loss of at least two people. Here is what we know so far about this ongoing situation.
Fatal Crash on GA 400 Leaves Two People Dead
The crash occurred on June 27, 2023 at around 4 a.m. in Roswell on GA 400 northbound between the Northridge Road exit and the Holcomb Bridge Road. Roswell Police are investigating the incident, but no details have been released yet about the cause of the crash or the victims’ identities. Two people were reportedly killed in the crash. The crash is still under investigation, and northbound lanes were shut down for several hours following the crash.
Legal Options After Fatal Auto Accidents in Georgia
If you lose a loved one in a fatal car accident, Georgia law allows certain family members the right to bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Wrongful death claims in Georgia apply when someone’s death is caused by a crime, negligence, or defective products.
The state’s wrongful death law provides a specific order of preference for who can file a wrongful death claim. These people have the right to file a wrongful death claim in the following order of preference:
- The surviving spouse
- The children of the deceased person
- The parents, if the deceased person was a child
- The estate
While no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, it is often the only way the law can compensate a victim’s family for the loss they have suffered, especially when the death was not due to a crime. A wrongful death claim allows a family to seek accountability for the death and its impact on survivors. An award can also help relieve the financial burden on the family.
Wrongful death claims can award compensation for the following damages:
- The decedent’s medical expenses for their last illness or injury
- Lost income and benefits
- Loss of household services
- Loss of care, mentorship, or companionship
- Loss of marital relations
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
An experienced wrongful death lawyer can review your situation and help determine the compensation that might be available to you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
The statute of limitations establishes a time limit by which certain legal action must be taken. In Georgia, the general time limit to file a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death. If you try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the court can bar you from pursuing your case, and you can miss out on your chance to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
Get In Touch with an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Today
If you have recently lost a loved one in a fatal auto accident, Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can help you and your family during this difficult time. Contact us today to learn more about your rights.
