Vehicle Collision Wrongful Death

Traffic crashes are a leading cause of death in the U.S. The National Safety Council reports that an estimated 40,000 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2018. If you have lost a loved one in a vehicle collision caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Brodhead Law in Atlanta, Georgia today for a dedicated vehicle collision wrongful death lawyer.

Why Choose Us?

• We are dedicated advocates for the families of wrongful death victims. We invest the time and effort necessary to prove liability and damages and present a compelling case to the jury.
• Our attorneys have a full understanding of how to handle vehicle collision wrongful death cases. We can craft legal strategies to help you pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
• We are committed to holding responsible parties accountable for negligence resulting in wrongful death. Insurance companies know that we actually will go to trial to fight for our clients.

What Is a Wrongful Death Collision?

A wrongful death traffic crash is an unintended fatality caused by negligence or recklessness. In a wrongful death collision, the liable party may be an at-fault driver, a vehicle or parts manufacturer, or a government authority responsible for maintaining the roads. A vehicle collision wrongful death claim is not a criminal action. It is a civil suit for damages filed against a party whose negligence or recklessness caused the death of a loved one.

Traffic Crash Fatality Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that:

• 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle collisions in the U.S. in 2017, representing a 1.8% decrease from the previous year
• SUV occupant fatalities increased by 3% from 2016 to 2017
• Fatalities in crashes involving large trucks increased by 9%
• Passenger car occupants accounted for 36% of all traffic fatalities
• Light truck occupants accounted for 27%
• Non-occupants (pedestrians and bicyclists) accounted for 19% of traffic deaths
• Motorcyclists accounted for 14%
• Large truck, bus, and other vehicle occupants accounted for only 4% of all traffic fatalities in 2017
• Alcohol-impaired driving played a role in 29% of overall 2017 traffic fatalities

Causes of Wrongful Death Collisions

Driving is a risky activity, as a life can be suddenly cut short when another driver is operating a vehicle in a reckless or dangerous manner. Despite the tremendous volume of information warning against dangerous driving behaviors, negligent and reckless drivers continue to cause accidents resulting in wrongful death. Common causes of wrongful death collisions include:

• Distracted driving (particularly texting while driving)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving (weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, running red lights and stop signs, and failing to yield the right-of-way to other motorists)
• Fatigued driving
• Teen drivers (who may be distracted and lack safe driving skills)
• Hazardous roadways
• Vehicle manufacturing defects

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?

The surviving spouse of the deceased may bring a wrongful death claim for damages, or a child or children of the deceased if there is no surviving spouse. If the deceased had no surviving spouse or children, a parent or parents of the deceased, or the personal representative of the estate of the deceased, may file a claim for wrongful death.

Contact Us Today

A wrongful death claim is a legal means to seek justice for your deceased loved one, along with compensation for your family’s future. If you have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle crash caused by the negligence or recklessness of another, call Brodhead Law as soon as possible. Our wrongful death lawyers are among the finest practicing in this field.