No one expects a routine day to end in tragedy, but when a loved one is taken too soon in a crash, families are left facing unimaginable grief and uncertainty. Alongside the emotional devastation, you’re also left dealing with funeral costs, unanswered questions, and financial disruption.
In times like these, a fatal car accident lawyer in Atlanta can help your family find clarity, seek justice, and take the next step forward. At Shane Smith Law, we focus on supporting families during the most difficult moments of their lives.
As your Atlanta car accident lawyer, we combine over 10,000 clients served with a compassionate approach tailored to your needs. With more than $100 million recovered, we’re here to guide you through the legal process while respecting the emotional weight of your loss.
Should You Hire an Attorney After a Fatal Crash?
Grieving families often hesitate to contact a lawyer right away, and we understand that. But the truth is, wrongful death cases involve strict timelines, complex liability, and aggressive insurance defense.
An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you act quickly while preserving your loved one’s story and protecting your rights.
What sets fatal crash cases apart is that they involve damages beyond injury. Our team handles:
- Loss of household income and future earning potential
- Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills resulting from emergency care prior to death
We coordinate everything, from gathering police reports to consulting economic and medical experts. Most importantly, we communicate with you clearly and regularly through a mobile-friendly portal that feels like texting with our team.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal car accident lawyer serving Atlanta, call (980) 246-2656
Who Has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Georgia, not everyone can file a claim after someone passes away. State law gives specific relatives the right to bring a wrongful death action. These include:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children (if no spouse is living)
- Parents (if the decedent had no spouse or children)
- Estate representative when no immediate family is available
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to file, our Atlanta wrongful death lawyers will walk you through it during your free consultation. Our goal is to provide answers as early as possible. During a time like this, you need more clarity, not more confusion.
Atlanta Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Fatal Crash Claim?
In Georgia, two separate types of legal claims are often filed after a fatal accident to ensure your family recovers all losses:
The Wrongful Death Claim (The Family’s Loss)
This claim seeks compensation for the “full value of the life of the decedent,” as measured from the perspective of the person who died, not the survivors. This amount has two components:
- Economic Value: Compensation for lost income and future earning potential, including all wages and benefits the deceased would have earned over their lifetime
- Intangible Value: Compensation for the loss of the enjoyment of life itself, including the deceased person’s lost love, companionship, protection, and guidance
The Estate Claim (The Decedent’s Loss)
This separate claim is filed by the estate’s representative and seeks to recover damages sustained by the deceased before death:
- Medical bills resulting from emergency care, hospitalization, or treatment prior to death
- Funeral and burial costs that the estate must pay
- Conscious pain and suffering the decedent endured between the time of injury and death
We manage both the wrongful death claim and the estate claim simultaneously to ensure your family receives comprehensive financial recovery.
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What Steps Should You Take After a Fatal Crash?
No one prepares for this kind of tragedy. But knowing what to do next can help protect your rights and start the process of recovery:
- Secure the accident report: Request the full police report as soon as it’s available.
- Keep documentation organized: Save any medical bills, funeral expenses, and communication with insurers.
- Do not accept early settlement offers: These are often designed to limit the insurer’s liability.
- Reach out to a fatal accident attorney in Atlanta: Even one conversation can give you a clearer sense of your options.
We’re here to walk with you through each of these steps—never rushing, always listening.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Why Families Trust Shane Smith Law
Our approach is simple: we treat your family like we would our own. We understand that you’re going through one of the hardest moments of your life, and we’re here to make the legal part of that journey easier to carry.
Here’s how we help:
- Free virtual consultations so you never have to leave home during the early stages
- Portal–based communication for updates and quick check-ins
- Lien–based referrals for treatment (when needed for surviving passengers or family injury cases)
- Contingency–only fees, so you pay nothing unless we win your case
When families trust our fatal car accident law firm in Atlanta, they get more than just a legal team; they get dedicated advocates who care.
Talk to a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Today
If you’ve lost a loved one in a crash, we know that no legal outcome can replace what was taken. We also know how powerful it can be to hold the right parties accountable and protect your family’s financial future.
At Shane Smith Law, our mission is simple: provide reliable, compassionate legal help when families need it most. With over 100 years of combined experience, we’re ready to help you navigate this next step with strength and support.
In pain? Call Shane. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you honor your loved one by pursuing the justice they deserve.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
