Wrongful Death Lawsuit after a Car Accident
When someone's negligence or recklessness causes a fatal car accident, they may be held liable for financial damages through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawyer can help the victim's family in filing their claim and recovering a fair settlement.
Attorney Hardin Ramey represents families who have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in and around Dallas, TX. If you have lost a family member and want to file a wrongful death lawsuit over the fatal car accident, the Ramey Law Firm can discuss your options during a legal consultation.
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death is defined as a death that occurred due to the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity. Depending on the factors surrounding a car accident, the liable party or entity for a wrongful death may be a reckless driver, the party responsible for maintaining the road, or a vehicle manufacturer.
When a wrongful death occurs, the surviving family members, such as the spouse, children, or parents (if the death was of a minor), may bring a claim against the negligent party or entity. Our Dallas law firm will attempt to collect compensation to recover the costs associated with the death of their loved one.
Causes of Wrongful Death Car Accidents
Wrongful death car accidents in may occur for a number of reasons related to the negligence of someone else. Some common causes include the following.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment, increasing the likelihood of reckless driving which can lead to a fatal car accident.
Distracted Driving
Drivers have a responsibility to stay focused while driving. This means paying full attention to the road, the surroundings, and the operation of their vehicle. Texting, playing with their car's radio, even talking to other passengers are examples of distracted driving. It can be considered negligence when someone causes a car accident due to driving while distracted.
Road Maintenance Issues
Roads that are poorly maintained, usually a responsibility of a government entity, may be the cause of a wrongful death car accident. Other road issues may include failure to ensure signage is visible or failure to warn of known road hazards.
Vehicle Defects
Vehicle defects, such as faulty breaks, defective tires, or other manufacturer flaws in a vehicle, can cause a fatal car accident. When this happens, it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim against the automaker, the vehicle parts manufacturer, or the vehicle distributor.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
In the unfortunate event of a wrongful death after a car accident, filing a wrongful death claim can help surviving family recover compensation for pain and suffering, something that insurance alone won't provide.
Of course, no amount of compensation can heal the pain of losing a loved one, but it can help ease the financial burden often left when someone is the victim of an untimely death.
Legal Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Through a wrongful death claim it may be possible to obtain compensation for such damages as:
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of wages
Contact the Ramey Law Firm
If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death car accident, wrongful death lawyer Hardin Ramey can review the details of your claim to help determine your next step forward. To schedule a consultation, please call our Dallas law firm at (972) 437-5577 or contact our law firm online.
