Lakewood Car Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer
Motor vehicle collisions are highly dangerous, and it is not uncommon for these wrecks to result in fatal injuries. When a person suffers a fatality as a result of another party’s accidental or intentional action, the deceased person’s estate could be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Thus, if a car accident results in a fatality, the estate of the deceased person could file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.
If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal auto wreck caused by negligence, a Lakewood car accident wrongful death lawyer could help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out today to discuss your case with a dedicated attorney.
The Nature of Car Wreck Wrongful Death Cases
State law defines a wrongful death as a death that is caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or the fault of another person or entity. A wrongful death claim can be brought in any accident where a person could have brought a personal injury claim had they survived.
A death does not have to be an immediate result of an accident in order for a wrongful death claim to be pursued. If someone suffered fatal injuries in an accident and succumbed to them later on, their family could still bring forward a suit with the help of a seasoned Lakewood attorney.
Fact Patterns Surrounding Fatal Car Collisions in Lakewood
There is a common misconception that auto accidents usually occur in urban areas. In reality, most fatal accidents take place on rural two-lane roads. Twists and turns, poorly lit areas, and poor weather can make these areas especially dangerous.
Fatal accidents are also commonly caused by excessive speeding. High speeds are among the most common factors present in fatal car accidents, because those traveling at high speeds are often unable to stop or evade the accident. Other contributing factors include cell phone use and other distractions, lack of safety belt use, and the angle of the vehicles.
Fatal Accidents Involving Criminal Acts
Wrongful death actions can be pursued when a person is killed because of another party’s negligence or misconduct following an auto accident. However, there may also be criminal prosecution related to that fatality, depending on the facts surrounding the accident.
The standard of proof is lower in a civil case than in a criminal case for vehicular homicide or manslaughter, meaning that it will generally be easier to prove fault in a wrongful death case. A knowledgeable Lakewood attorney could speak with witnesses and gather evidence from the accident to establish the at-fault driver’s liability in a fatal accident case.
Available Damages in a Fatal Car Wreck Case
In a typical civil case such as a wrongful death case, individuals will be able to pursue economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to those that are tangible and easily calculable, such as funeral costs and lost income. Non-economic damages refer to emotional losses such as pain and suffering.
If the at-fault driver behaves egregiously, the survivors may pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar actions in the future. When criminal charges are involved, punitive damages may come into play.
An example of a case where punitive damages may be awarded is a drunk driving case. In this scenario, the at-fault driver made a conscious decision to drive while intoxicated, knowingly putting others in danger. A skilled attorney could help a family understand which damages they may be entitled to in a fatal vehicle accident case.
Reach out to a Dedicated Car Accident Wrongful Death Attorney
After the loss of a loved one, it can be tough to know who to turn to. If you have lost a family member in a vehicle wreck caused by someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate in reaching out to a Lakewood car accident wrongful death lawyer. A seasoned attorney can get the process started for you, pursuing the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing. Call today to get started on your case.