Fatal car accidents can cause unimaginable grief and potential financial hardship for the family of the deceased. Car accidents are a leading cause of deaths in the U.S. for people aged 1-54, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you unexpectedly lost a loved one due to a car accident, you may still be in shock, not knowing where to turn. While no lawsuit can bring back your loved one, you could receive compensation for costs related to the death of your family member. You could also receive compensation for the financial hardship and suffering you may be enduring as the result of losing your loved one in an accident.
A Los Angeles fatal accident lawyer can help to guide you if you are looking to file a wrongful death lawsuit. We can help you to protect your best interests.
We understand that losing a loved one can cause financial hardship for an entire family. We offer free consultations, and if you decide to go forward with a claim, we do not charge any attorney’s fees upfront. We only get paid when we win your lawsuit. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free evaluation of your case at (800) 794-0444.
Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
Fatal car accidents can have many causes. However, some of the leading causes of car accidents with deaths have been identified as:
Speeding
Speeding is involved in about one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2018, more than 9,000 people lost their lives in a speeding accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another major contributor to fatalities on U.S. roads. Distracted driving caused almost 3,000 deaths in 2018, according to the NHTSA. It not only contributes to fatalities of other car drivers and passengers but was also the cause of the death of hundreds of pedestrians and many cyclists in 2018.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs, medication, and alcohol can severely impair a driver’s ability to drive safely. According to the NHTSA, one person dies because of drunk driving every 50 minutes in the U.S.
Fatal car accidents can happen for many reasons due to reckless driving or unintentional, momentary errors in judgment. Some other causes contributing to fatal accidents are:
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Not adjusting speed to weather and road conditions
- Failing to obey traffic signals or road signs
Fatal Accident Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death lawsuit is typically brought forward by a close relative of the deceased, such as a spouse or child, against a party whom they feel was negligent and caused their loved one’s death. A wrongful death lawsuit is a way for the family of the victim to receive compensation for financial losses suffered by the death of their loved one.
Not all fatal car accidents automatically constitute a wrongful death lawsuit. However, if another driver caused an accident through negligence or recklessness, and the death of your loved one was the direct consequence of this accident, you may have a case against the negligent party.
You will need to prove negligence for a wrongful death lawsuit to be successful. This can include evidence such as eye witness statements, police reports, and sometimes traffic camera footage. A fatal accident lawyer can help you build a case, as well as fight for you and your family in court.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California
Typically, close family members of the deceased are able to file a wrongful death lawsuit, which includes the decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children, according to California Code of Civil Procedure section 337.60. It can also include others who have an entitlement to the deceased’s property under California law. A Los Angeles fatal accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm might be able to help clarify who may be able to file a claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Fatal Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Compensation for Fatal Accidents
A wrongful death lawsuit is generally intended to compensate the family of the deceased for the support they would reasonably have expected to receive from the deceased if they had not died in the accident. Compensation, therefore, depends on a number of factors, including the life expectancy of the deceased at the time of the accident. However, some of the types of compensation generally awarded in wrongful death lawsuits can include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Financial support and potential earnings of the deceased
- Loss of benefits from the deceased
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
- Mental pain and suffering of the survivors
There could be other compensation due to the family of the decedent, and it can be helpful to consult with a fatal accident lawyer in order to find out more about your specific case.
Los Angeles Fatal Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Help Is Available From a Los Angeles Fatal Accident Lawyer
If your loved one died in a car accident that was not their fault, you might be grieving and trying to adjust to life without your loved one. It is also easy to feel overwhelmed by paperwork and formalities after a loved one’s death.
However, holding the responsible party to account and getting justice can be helpful for the family of the deceased. Getting compensation for your losses can also help with any financial hardship you and your family may now suffer as a result of losing your loved one.
You do not have to do this on your own. We can deal with the aspects of building your case and take some weight off your shoulders. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for your free consultation today, and let us help you get justice and compensation at (800) 794-0444.
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