Every year, hundreds of motorcyclists in the state suffer serious injuries while riding and lose their lives as a result. Savannah, in Chatham County, experiences a sizable number of these fatal crashes. In many instances, these deaths are caused by another motorist’s or road user’s negligence or recklessness. No one deserves to lose a loved one in that manner.
At Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to helping grieving relatives of deceased motorcyclists hold the person who caused the crash responsible. While money will not heal your pain or bring back your loved one, it can help reduce the financial strain that accompanies these incidents. Call now to discuss fatal motorcycle accidents in Savannah.
Common Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Wrecks
Insight into why a fatal motorbike crash occurred makes it easier to assign fault and bring the liable party to justice. In Savannah, the leading causes of fatal motorcycle crashes include:
- Collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects
- Motorists failing to yield
- Dooring incidents where a car passenger opens a car door directly onto the path of a rider
- Reckless driving, excessive speeding, or distracted driving
- Sudden braking by other motorists
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Malfunctioning or failed motorcycle parts
- Bad roads
Tourist activities in the Historic District and the city’s aged, cracked, and uneven road infrastructure can also lead to fatal crashes among motorcyclists.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Not every relative can bring a wrongful death action after a fatal motorcycle collision in Savannah. That responsibility lies solely with the spouse—domestic partners are not recognized in Georgia—the deceased’s children, and the parents.
In the rare case where none of the aforementioned relatives is available, the court-appointed personal representative of the decedent’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The claimant can pursue compensation for lost future income that the deceased would have earned had they lived. They can also seek relief for loss of companionship and the value of the deceased’s household contribution.
Essentially, plaintiffs seek to obtain the full value of the deceased’s life. These financial remedies can help ensure that the future of the deceased’s family members is secure.
Reach out to our team of skilled motorcycle accident attorneys to learn more about whether you are able to bring a claim.
Survival Action in a Wrongful Death Claim
Similar to a wrongful death claim, a survival action allows for the recovery of all losses associated with the motorcyclist’s death. However, compensation typically goes to the deceased’s estate to cover funeral and burial costs, hospital and treatment fees up to the time of death, and other debts or expenses the deceased incurred while still living. The ultimate goal is to use the money to settle all creditors and lenders before distributing the rest to the estate’s beneficiaries. This action can be filed along with the wrongful death claim.
However, insurance companies and liable parties often contest these claims while actively exploring ways to reduce the settlement. Without legal representation from a competent wrongful death attorney in Savannah, claimants may not receive the substantial compensation that they are entitled to after a fatal motorcycle crash.
Seek Legal Help From a Savannah Fatal Motorcycle Wreck Lawyer
Your loved one likely enjoyed riding their motorcycle and living fully. It is not fair that someone’s carelessness took this from them. You have the right to seek justice and hold the defendant accountable for what they did.
The experienced attorneys at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the complex claims process, negotiate with insurance providers, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us today to talk to an attorney about fatal motorcycle accidents in Savannah.
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