Have you lost someone close to you in a car accident? No one expects their life to end prematurely due to someone else’s reckless behavior on the road. Unfortunately, auto accidents resulting in wrongful death happen far more than they should.
What’s worse is that when a person dies due to another driver’s negligence, they cannot seek justice themselves. But there are steps loved ones can take to hold responsible parties accountable and try to obtain some sort of closure after such a traumatic event has occurred.
We’ll explore how negligent drivers or other parties can cause fatal auto collisions and what legal options may be available for those affected.
Need the legal assistance of a personal injury lawyer who specializes in wrongful death cases? Injury.io can help!
A Leading Cause of Preventable Deaths
Losing a loved one in an auto accident is devastating. No family should have to experience the physical, emotional, and financial turmoil that comes with wrongful death caused by car crashes. Unfortunately, this tragedy occurs too often. In fact, motor vehicle accidents one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths in the U.S. There are over 40,000 fatalities annually, according to National Safety Council data.
Causes Of Auto Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death
Every year, thousands of people die in car accidents, leaving families with a sense of despair and injustice. When this happens, there are many possible causes that could have led to wrongful death.
Negligence and Recklessness
First, reckless or negligent driving is a common cause of fatalities in car wrecks. This may include:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving (texting while driving)
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield right-of-way
Poor Road Conditions and Vehicle Conditions
In addition, certain environmental factors, such as poor road conditions due to construction or weather, can lead to fatal crashes.
Other potential contributing factors include vehicle defects like manufacturing flaws and design deficiencies. Vehicle maintenance problems can also contribute to collisions, and they include tires that are overused or underinflated and brakes that aren’t properly maintained.
Each factor presents its own set of risks and must be considered during an investigation into a wrongful death case involving an auto accident.
Understanding why these types of tragedies occur can help grieving families gain some level of closure and begin their journey toward healing..
Legal Rights Of Families Affected By Wrongful Death In Auto Accidents
Losing a loved one to an auto accident is like being struck by lightning – sudden, unexpected, and devastating. Families are often left in shock trying to grapple with the tragedy that has befallen them while dealing with legal matters around it. Understanding your rights can help you understand the process better and ensure you receive the justice you deserve for your loss.
Right of Survivorship
Families affected by wrongful death in auto accidents have certain legal rights when seeking closure or compensation. The right of survivorship allows family members to claim damages related to lost income after an accident resulting in death. This includes any wages, benefits, and other financial support the deceased may have provided prior to their passing.
Additionally, if at-fault parties are identified, relatives can pursue claims against those responsible for pain and suffering caused due to their negligence.
When seeking justice through court proceedings, families should aware of all available options so as not to miss out on any potential remedies. It’s useful to consult with a lawyer experienced in handling such cases. They can help you understand which laws apply in different situations and seek the best possible outcome for you.
Common Damages Sought In Wrongful Death Auto Accidents Cases
In wrongful death auto accident cases, families of the deceased often seek damages for their losses. These can include emotional suffering, medical costs, and lost wages due to the injuries and death of their loved one.
Below is a list of some common sources of damage sought in these types of cases:
- Lost wages – Families can recover money for lost work income from the person who died in the auto accident.
- Medical expenses – If medical care was required before passing away, families might have the right to receive compensation for those costs.
- Pain and Suffering – When a loved one dies suddenly, family members are likely to experience extreme anguish that they should not have to bear alone. In certain situations, there are financial reparations as well as other forms of relief available.
- Funeral Expenses – Funerals are expensive, and when an individual passes away unexpectedly, it can cause significant financial hardship for the grieving family. These expenses are recoverable through legal action or insurance settlements if applicable.
These are just some examples… Other damages are available depending on the circumstances surrounding each unique case. It is important that affected families understand their rights and what kinds of compensatory awards they can pursue in order to find closure after such a tragedy.
Resources For Families Affected By Wrongful Death In Auto Accidents
Navigating the aftermath of a wrongful death in an auto accident is overwhelming. For families affected by this tragedy, resources are available to assist with their grief and legal needs.
Victims’ Compensation Funds
First, many states and local municipalities provide assistance through victims’ compensation funds. These funds are meant to help families cover funeral expenses or medical bills incurred due to the accident.
Counseling Services
Additionally, there are organizations dedicated to helping families cope with the emotional trauma associated with wrongful death. Organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offer emotional support and assistance with understanding the legalities of filing a wrongful death claim or lawsuit after losing a family member in an auto accident.
Wrongful Death Lawyers
There are also lawyers who specialize in these types of cases. They can provide guidance throughout the claims process, ensuring that family members receive fair compensation for all damages suffered.
Employer Bereavement Benefits
Finally, bereavement leave policies provided by employers may give some financial relief during difficult times following a loved one’s passing in an auto accident.
Hope and Clarity When You Need it Most
The experience of losing someone in an auto accident is heartbreaking; no amount of money can bring back what has been lost. However, knowing that there are resources to aid those suffering from auto accidents resulting in wrongful is comforting and provides some measure of solace.
With knowledge about causes, damages sought, and existing legal rights comes the power to bring justice forward – allowing us to look towards brighter days ahead despite our current sorrows.
Contact Injury.io for help finding the legal resources you need to navigate life after this sudden loss.
