Car accidents can be detrimental to anyone who has ever experienced them. In an unfortunate scenario, a person can lose his or her life as a result of being involved in a car accident. In certain cases, these accidents could have transpired due to the carelessness of another party. In general, if a negligent driver caused a tragic accident, the driver will face criminal charges for causing someone’s untimely death.
The aftermath of these cases often leave many families with a tremendous emotional and even financial loss. In an effort to cover expensive funeral costs, lost wages and compensation and more… families have the opportunity to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. If you have suffered the sudden loss of a loved one as a result of an auto accident, consider speaking to a qualified attorney that has experience in wrongful death claims. An attorney with the right experience can help you through the entire claims process.
Defining Wrongful Death in Auto Accidents
A wrongful death accident is defined in accordance to the law as an unintended and accidental fatality caused by another’s recklessness or negligence. In a car accident, the following could cause a wrongful death:
- Vehicle manufacturers,
- Other motorists, or
- City or municipalities responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of roads.
As previously mentioned, the purpose of a wrongful death claim is not to incarcerate the accused party. Instead, filing a claim against the accused party will allow the victim’s survivors the opportunity to pursue financial damages. Criminal charges could be brought by County District Attorneys if they deem those charges warranted. If so, those cases are filed and handled in California Criminal Courts, separate from any civil claims. Families that experienced the loss of a loved one could seek to obtain financial compensation for the pain and suffering the victim may have experienced leading up to his or her demise.
Other Important Factors to Consider
Every state will have different laws with regard to car accident wrongful death claims and how they may be filed. It is important to understand these rules and regulations of your state in order to have a valid claim. In most cases, not abiding by the law can result in an invalid claim. For instance, in the State of California, a person seeking to file a wrongful death claim must do so under a specific time. This is legally referred to as a statute of limitations.
Further, it is also important to know that other specific rule and regulations can be involved if the car accident involved government owned property. The claim could require different steps if the victim died as a result of a city bus, commercial truck, or private owned vehicle.
Obtain the Legal Support of a Specialized Attorney
If you have lost a loved one as a result of a deadly car accident, you should know that you might have the opportunity to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. A wrongful death claim is a complicated process and you should consider seeking the legal advice and support of an expert attorney.
Those seeking to file a claim should understand that seeking a wrongful death settlement is not the same as filing for an insurance claim. Most insurance companies will see to have the claim processed rapidly and inexpensively. Insurance companies are generally not concerned with the pain or neither a mourning family nor the agony the victim could have endured. Seek the support of an experienced attorney that can champion on your behalf.
The attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation have extensive experience in handling wrongful death cases. They are dedicated to helping families obtain financial compensation for the loss of their loved one as a result of a negligent party.
