Savannah Fatal Accident Lawyer

Losing someone so suddenly does something to you. One moment, you are living a typical day. Someone drives near Oglethorpe Mall or heads home from work, and everything feels routine. Then a phone rings or a knock comes, and the whole world you knew feels different. You are grieving, tired, confused, and trying to figure out things you never expected to handle this early in life. Funeral costs, bills, work… all while trying to breathe through the pain.

In Georgia, families can file wrongful death claims. That means you can hold the person responsible accountable and get some help to cover the life that was lost. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, our Savannah fatal accident lawyer team walks families through every step. We handle the complex legal work while you focus on your family and your grief. You can call 912-341-6644 for a free consultation and let us carry the burden so you don’t have to.

Common Causes of Fatal Crashes in Savannah

Fatal crashes come out of nowhere, and you won’t be able to protect yourself often. Have you ever thought that everyday things could ruin your life? Some of the most common reasons we see for fatal crashes are:

• Speeding or reckless driving. Some drivers recklessly race through red lights on busy highways or blatantly ignore the speed limit on quiet residential streets, without thinking about the potential consequences.
• Fatigue. Semi-truck drivers are often overworked by companies that ignore state and federal regulations. The drivers then nod off and drift into oncoming traffic. When a standard-sized car is hit head-on by a semi, the results are almost always fatal.
• Mechanical problems. Tires, blow-outs, or failing brakes cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. If they are on I-16, this usually means they are going to hit someone at extreme speeds. If they are driving on a road with lots of pedestrians, multiple people can be injured in a single accident.
• Impairment. Unfortunately, drunk drivers are fairly common in Savannah, especially near late at night in downtown bars. Intoxicated driver cases are unique because it combines both a personal injury investigation with a criminal one.
• After a crash, families are left searching for answers as they try to process the shock. Understanding who is responsible can feel impossible.

Identifying All Responsible Parties

Most fatal accidents involve more than just one person. Responsibility can stretch far beyond the driver.

• Trucking companies. They may push drivers to keep moving even when exhausted. How often is pressure from above a hidden factor in these tragedies?
• Cargo handlers. Overloading trailers makes them harder to control. A small mistake during loading can ripple into something deadly.
• Vehicle manufacturers. Brakes or other parts that fail too easily can be the hidden cause of disaster.
• Bars serving people too many drinks, who then go on to cause fatal intoxicated driver crashes.
• Contractors leaving potholes or guardrails in bad shape.
• City agencies are taking too long to fix dangerous roads, sometimes after months or years of neglect.

Our Savannah fatal accident lawyer team digs through all the evidence so that families don’t miss out on the help they need.

Gathering Evidence Before It Disappears

Evidence after a crash can vanish quickly. Traffic camera footage may be deleted in days. Skid marks wash away in the rain. Black box data can be overwritten in days. Cell phone records disappear if not requested in time. Memories fade.

• Police reports that show exactly what happened.
• Video from nearby cameras or stores.
• Black box data from the vehicles.
• Statements from witnesses. People remember details differently, but even small recollections matter.
• Maintenance logs. Roads or vehicles that weren’t up to standard can show preventable causes.

Missing even one piece can change a case. That’s why acting quickly is so important.

Federal Regulations That Affect Your Case

Trucks and buses follow federal rules, and breaking them can be substantial evidence. Did you know that missing a brake check or driving too many hours can become key proof?

• Hours of Service. Drivers can only work so many hours before they must rest. Fatigue can be deadly.
• Vehicle Maintenance. Daily inspections and periodic checks are required. Skipping them can lead to tragedy.
• Weight Limits. Trucks carrying too much weight risk flipping over.
• Driver Qualifications. Health checks, drug tests. Rules aren’t random. They save people’s lives.
• Logging Devices. Track speed, braking, hours on the road. Small records can show big truths.

We check all of these, so no rules are broken for everyone.

We combine black-box data, toxicology reports, and eyewitness accounts to pinpoint who caused the tragedy. Why guess when the evidence can show the truth?

How Black Box Data Helps?

Commercial vehicles record more than people realize. A few seconds of information can show the truth.

• Hard braking shows panic
• Speeds far beyond the limit
• Sudden steering right before impact

We work to secure this data before it disappears.

Georgia’s Two Wrongful Death Claims

Did you know that the Georgia law allows you two claims after a fatal crash? Filing both ensures you receive what you deserve.

1. Wrongful Death Claim. Surviving spouses, children, parents file this. Covers lost earnings, retirement, health benefits, household help, and companionship.
2. Survival Claim. Filed by the estate. Covers medical care, suffering before death, and direct crash costs.

Both claims work together to help you in your situation.

Using All Available Insurance Policies

Many families do not realize how many insurance layers can apply. Some may include:

• Commercial auto policies
• Umbrella policies
• Umbrella or excess policies, which can reach $10 million
• Personal policies for off-duty incidents
• Uninsured motorist coverage, which protects families when the at-fault driver has no insurance
• Dram shop coverage, from bars serving someone who caused the crash
• Product liability, if defective parts contributed to the accident

Our Savannah fatal accident lawyer team reviews all of them to ensure families do not overlook the support they deserve.

What Families Can Expect as the Case Moves Forward

Grief after a loved one is killed in a fatal accident is unavoidable. Trying to manage deadlines, court steps, and paperwork while everything still feels raw can feel impossible. Here is what often happens, though every case is different:

First, police reports get written. It usually takes a few weeks, sometimes up to two months. You might feel impatient, but these reports set the stage for everything else.

Then comes discovery, where lawyers gather evidence and information. This can take a few months. It may feel slow, but each piece brings the truth closer.

Depositions usually follow. You might be asked to tell your story, and this can happen at any time from 4 to 9 months after the crash. It is normal to feel anxious about this, but your voice matters.

Mediation often happens next, around month eleven. It is a chance to try to settle without a trial. Still, it also gives your lawyer another opportunity to fight for the support your family deserves.

If the case goes to trial, it usually happens more than a year after the crash. That might feel far away, but each step is moving toward justice.

Through all of this, your family will never be left in the dark. Our team walks with you, explaining what is happening, answering questions, and making sure you never feel alone while healing.

Punitive Damages for Reckless Behavior

Georgia allows punitive damages for reckless or grossly negligent behavior. Some of the people included in these statutes include:

• DUI drivers or intoxicated commercial drivers.
• Carriers falsifying maintenance records.
• Hit-and-run offenders.

Verdicts in these cases often reach into several millions of dollars, showing the importance of holding reckless parties accountable. These damages show that reckless choices have consequences.

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm Provides Strong Representation

With decades of trial work, our team acts fast, handles costs upfront, offers Spanish support, and only gets paid if we win. We explain everything in simple words so families understand what is happening.

What To Do Right After a Fatal Crash?

The first few days are overwhelming. Many families are unsure what to do. Helpful steps include:

• Calling our 24-hour response line so we can begin protecting evidence
• Avoiding early settlement offers from insurance companies
• Preserving clothing, reports, or the vehicle if possible
• Keeping a record of all funeral and burial costs

We handle communication with insurance companies and government offices so you can focus on your family.

Comprehensive Personal Injury Support

From burns to medical malpractice, the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm handles all personal injury cases. Fatal crashes require special attention to local courts, insurers, and community expectations. Our strategies and compassion deliver results when families need it most.

Get Justice for Your Loved One with the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm Team 

Losing someone to a fatal crash is one of the worst things you can experience. You deserve support and accountability as you honor your loved one’s memory. The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm’s Savannah fatal accident lawyer team is here to guide you through every step when you feel ready. Call 912-341-6644 for a free consultation.