The owner of the vehicle, regardless of who drove it at the time of the accident, is responsible for compensating the victim. The liability would lie with the insurance company if there were third-party insurance. The police will close the case in all cases where the victim dies. You'll have two years from the date of the accident to file for damages after a personal injury accident, and that time can go by quickly.
Under articles 51-1-6 of the Georgia Code, the person who causes a car accident is legally responsible for all damages, including the costs of injuries and property damage.
