Losing a loved one unexpectedly often brings significant emotional, and sometimes financial, burdens. This loss not only impacts your present life but also alters your vision of the future. A family that loses its primary breadwinner may worry about a less prosperous future. Therefore, families of victims should consider pursuing legal action following a fatal vehicle collision. With the assistance of a skilled wrongful death attorney, you can hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligent actions.
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we can help assess your case and discuss the potential legal courses of action available to you. We understand that no amount of compensation can bring back your loved one or restore the quality of life you had prior to the accident. Nevertheless, seeking monetary compensation for the loss of your loved one may be the only legal recourse when faced with substantial medical and funeral expenses. A fatal car accident attorney in Missouri City will guide you through your legal options during the initial consultation.
while most auto wrecks lead to minor bruises without causing permanent injuries to those involved. Others result in severe injuries, such as total body paralysis, herniated discs, or brain trauma. Unfortunately, others result in loss of life to passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other parties involved in the particular crash. Any accident that causes death is considered fatal.
In 2019, approximately 39,000 lives were lost in fatal car accidents across the United States according to the Department of Transportation. These tragic accidents occur due to several reasons, including:
A local attorney specializing in fatal car crashes can determine liability by examining crucial evidence, such as the police report and photographs of the accident scene.
If your loved one has tragically lost their life in a car accident, you may be unsure about how to proceed with your claim against the responsible party. Dealing with the death of a family member is an immense burden, and your legal rights may not be at the forefront of your mind. However, you can entrust the protection of your rights to a car accident attorney who has experience in handling fatal cases.
When filing a claim for the loss of your loved one’s life in a car accident, the decision to proceed rests with the closest family member, often the spouse, children, or parents. Your lawsuit will involve two main elements. First, you will seek to obtain the benefits or claims that the deceased would have earned had they lived their full life. This is known as a survival action.
Secondly, you will pursue monetary compensation for the impact of the wrongful death on the closest family members. Unlike the survival action, where you sue for damages suffered by the deceased, a wrongful death claim focuses on the direct losses you have experienced due to the absence of your loved one in your life.
As previously mentioned, a survival action involves seeking the recovery of benefits that the deceased would have been entitled to if they were alive. Since your loved one can no longer fulfill their normal activities, such as going to work and earning income, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of these benefits. This may encompass:
A wrongful death claim can be initiated by the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. Through this claim, you have the opportunity to seek monetary compensation for the following:
When filing a lawsuit for survival action or wrongful death, it is important to note that in most cases, you have a time limit of up to 2 years to formally file a claim. If this timeframe elapses without filing in court, you may forfeit your right to sue. To ensure that you do not miss out on pursuing proper justice due to time constraints, it is advisable to promptly engage the services of a fatal car accident attorney in your area.
If you have experienced the loss of a loved one in a vehicle collision, we recognize that you require compassion and guidance to navigate this challenging phase of your life. That’s why at Lone Star Injury Attorneys, our Missouri City fatal car accident attorney can assume the administrative and legal responsibilities on your behalf. Reach out to us today to arrange a free consultation and discuss your case.
