On this page
- Common Causes in Car Accidents Cases
- Injuries Often Involved
- How Car Insurance Affects Your Claim
- Evidence That Can Prove Your Claim
- Who May Be Responsible
- What to Do Next
- Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
- Why Acting Early Matters
- How Our Attorneys Can Help
- Attorneys Who Handle These Cases
- Frequently Asked Questions
Fatal car accidents leave families facing grief and financial uncertainty; wrongful death and survival claims can provide compensation and accountability under state law.
Fatal Car Accidents cases are part of our Car Accidents practice. Our car accident attorneys represent drivers and passengers in every type of crash, from rear-end collisions at a stoplight to multi-vehicle pileups on the highway. We investigate how the crash happened, identify every insurance policy that may apply and build a claim that reflects the full cost of your injuries — today and in the future.
Common Causes in Car Accidents Cases
- Distracted driving, including texting and phone use
- Speeding, tailgating and aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Running red lights and stop signs or failing to yield
- Unsafe lane changes and improper turns
- Dangerous road conditions, poor design or missing signage
Injuries Often Involved
- Whiplash and other neck and back injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Herniated discs and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries, cuts, burns and scarring
How Car Insurance Affects Your Claim
Most states follow a fault-based system in which the at-fault driver's liability insurance pays for the injuries they cause, while some states use a no-fault system that requires injured people to first seek benefits from their own policy. Many drivers carry only the minimum coverage required by law, so your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can be just as important as the other driver's policy. We review every available policy so that no source of recovery is overlooked.
Evidence That Can Prove Your Claim
Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:
- Police and crash reports, photographs and scene measurements
- Witness statements and 911 recordings
- Traffic, dash-cam and surveillance video
- Vehicle damage and event data recorder ("black box") information
- Medical records linking your injuries to the crash
Who May Be Responsible
More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:
- The at-fault driver and their insurer
- An employer whose employee was driving for work
- Vehicle owners and fleet operators
- Manufacturers of defective vehicles or parts
- Government entities responsible for dangerous road design or maintenance
What to Do Next
- Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Report the crash to police and get the report number
- Photograph the vehicles, scene, road conditions and your injuries
- Exchange insurance information and collect witness contact details
- Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurer
- Speak with an attorney before signing anything
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
- Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses
Why Acting Early Matters
Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.
Attorneys Who Handle These Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a case involving Fatal Car Accidents?
If someone else's negligence caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a claim. The answer depends on how the incident happened, the evidence available, your injuries and the law in your state. A free consultation can help you understand your options.
What is a Fatal Car Accidents case worth?
Every case is different. Value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, long-term effects, the strength of the evidence and the insurance available. We cannot predict an outcome, but we document every element of your losses.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you, and the consultation is free and confidential.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer, and anything you say may be used to reduce your claim. It is usually wise to speak with an attorney first. Report the crash to your own insurer as your policy requires.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
Every state sets a statute of limitations for injury lawsuits, commonly between one and several years from the date of the crash, and shorter deadlines can apply to claims against government entities. Because evidence disappears quickly, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Laws differ from state to state, and every case depends on its own facts. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.