After a tragic and fatal car accident, many spouses in Georgia are left alone to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. If you are one of them, you know firsthand how devastating this can be. During this time of grief, insurance companies and creditors may come circling. This can leave newly widowed spouses feeling vulnerable and confused. What can you do after the death of your spouse to safeguard your future? Who can you trust?
You should not have to weather this storm alone. At Kim Law, our Atlanta wrongful death attorneys can take the legal burdens off of you, so you can focus on your life and your family. We can negotiate with insurance companies and handle creditors, so you can rest easier. We offer all of our services on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying us unless we can collect compensation for you and your family.
What Happens After a Fatal Car Accident in Georgia
When you lose a loved one in a fatal car accident, the next week will undoubtedly become a blur. Your focus needs to be on your family and on preparing the funeral arrangements and memorial services.
During this time, however, the investigation of your spouse’s accident will continue. Georgia State Patrol or local police always conduct a thorough investigation into all fatal car accidents. This means they will collect forensic evidence and obtain witness statements. They may even reconstruct the wreck using computer simulations. This investigation can take weeks to perform and may eventually lead to criminal charges against the reckless driver.
Unfortunately, while the police are conducting their investigation, the insurance company will also be conducting an investigation. They will look for any evidence to deny wrongdoing or reduce their own liabilities. For this reason, you need an experienced attorney on your side to conduct an investigation with your own interests in mind. Your attorney can find evidence that even the police may have missed. This evidence will go a long way towards helping your wrongful death claim succeed.
Filing a Claim in Georgia
After the loss of your spouse, you may file two separate claims:
- Survivorship claim. If your spouse initially survived the crash but then later died, a survivorship claim would seek compensation for their medical bills, as well as pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death claim. This claim is brought by the surviving family members to compensate them for the loss they’ve suffered. This includes loss of income and support, as well as loss of consortium and companionship.
In Georgia, only specific family members can file these claims after the death of a loved one. Spouses generally have this ability. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you explore your legal options and file the necessary claims within the time limits.
In the state of Georgia, surviving spouses only have two years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you will not be able to file a future claim to collect compensation.
Contact Our Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyers
If your spouse was killed in an accident in Atlanta or anywhere in the state of Georgia, you need a compassionate and aggressive wrongful death attorney on your side. The Kim Law Team is dedicated to protecting and safeguarding the future of families who lost a loved one after a tragic accident. From fatal car accidents in Buckhead to fatal slip and fall accidents in College Park, we are there for you. Call 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. Just call and JUST WIN.
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