Fatal Car Accident Lawyer | Personal Injury Lawyers (2024)

Every year, thousands of families experience the devastating loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident. It is an experience like no other and something that we would never wish on anyone. The sudden and often violent nature of car accidents can lead to an overwhelming sense of grief and confusion, making it difficult for those affected in the aftermath.

Such a tragic event can be stressful for the surviving members of the deceased’s family. At the same time, it is crucial to understand that there are legal options available to you, especially when you’re dealing with the emotional situation of losing a loved one.

Hiring a skilled attorney specializing in fatal car accidents will provide you with the necessary guidance and support. They can help families pursue justice and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable while securing the compensation that will alleviate their financial burdens.

If you believe that legal action is necessary for a fatal car crash involving the death of your loved one, this guide may be able to help. Let’s go through everything you need to know before you make that crucial decision.

Incident Overview

A fatal car accident is defined as a vehicular collision resulting in the death of one or more individuals involved. Such accidents include cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. These accidents can occur on highways, city streets, or rural roads. The severity and impact of such accidents can lead to fatalities at the scene or shortly afterward when victims succumb to critical injuries.

The aftermath can be chaotic and distressing. Emergency services such as police, firefighters, and ambulance crews are dispatched to provide medical assistance, secure the area, and begin an investigation. In these critical moments, caring for the survivors and thoroughly documenting the scene is paramount.

Investigators will photograph the wreckage, collect witness statements, and identify all involved parties. This documentation is essential if a fatal car accident results in legal action. Preserving evidence and documentation following a deadly car crash ensures that accurate records will support the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Police report medical records and accident reconstruction data will be vital, along with witness statements, photographs, and vehicles. The preservation of evidence helps establish liability, demonstrate negligence, and support the claims of those seeking justice and compensation for their tremendous loss.

Factors Leading to the Accident

Several factors can contribute to an accident, even if the result is fatal. Let’s take a look at some of the critical factors you need to be aware of:

Driver Behavior

One of the significant factors in many fatal car accidents is driver behavior. This can include but is not limited to:

• Speeding: Excessive speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time to stop and increase the severity of crashes.
• Distracted driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, and even prescription medications can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired driving can lead to fatalities not only for the driver but also for passengers. If the driver survives the crash and is found to be impaired, they could face criminal penalties, which are more severe if fatalities result.
• Reckless driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic signs pose severe risks.

Vehicle Maintenance Issues

Proper vehicle maintenance is critical to safety. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents, including:

• Brake failures: Malfunctioning brakes can prevent a vehicle from stopping in time to avoid a collision.
• Tire blowouts: Worn or improperly inflated tires can blow out, causing the driver to lose control.
• Engine problems: Engine issues can cause sudden breakdowns, especially in dangerous areas like the middle of the road.
• Lighting issues: Faulty headlights or brake lights reduce visibility and the ability to signal to other drivers.

Road and Environmental Conditions

The condition of the road and the environment can also play a significant role in car accidents. Factors involved may include:

• Road design and construction issues: Poorly designed intersections, inadequate signage, or road work zones can contribute to accidents.
• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
• Poor lighting and obstructions: Malfunctioning street lights and obstructions can make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians, other vehicles, and road hazards.

Legal Implications and Consequences

In cases where a fatal car accident is caused by reckless or negligent behavior, the responsible driver may face criminal charges, including but not limited to:

• Vehicular manslaughter: Considered a class C felony if done in the first degree, punishable by a maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in prison, with a minimum sentence of 1 to 3 years.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): In New York, a DUI crash resulting in fatalities can lead to a 15-year prison sentence if convicted.
• Reckless driving: Excessive speeding or aggressive driving can result in criminal charges and severe legal consequences. If death results from a car crash, the penalties may be similar to vehicular manslaughter.

Civil Liability and Wrongful Death Lawsuits

The legal issues extend beyond the criminal aspect. Surviving family members of the deceased can file a civil liability and wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. These lawsuits seek damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence caused the fatal accident, known as proof of negligence. Settlements and verdicts of wrongful death cases are typically settled out of court, but some proceed to trial and are determined by a judge or jury regarding compensation.

The State of New York has a statute of limitation pertaining to filing a lawsuit in a fatal car accident. It is two years from the date of death, which is a year shorter than the three year statute of limitation for personal injuries from car crashes. Regardless, the timing is counting down before you need to make a decision in terms of filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are 36,000 fatalities every year from motor vehicle crashes in the United States, highlighting the frequency and severity of fatal car accidents and the need for legal and preventative measures.

Support Services for Those Affected

Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is a traumatic experience that can devastate families. Grief counseling and support groups can be crucial resources for affected family members. Consider attending support group meetings for families affected by such tragic experiences.

These include organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The Compassionate Friends, and local community groups. If your loved one was killed in a fatal car accident, know that you are not alone. Others who have suffered this kind of experience can provide comfort and support during your time of need.

When to Hire a Lawyer When a Loved One Has Been a Victim of a Fatal Car Accident

There are several reasons to hire a lawyer after your loved one has been a victim of a fatal car accident. Navigating the complex legal system on your own can be challenging, especially when dealing with the emotions of losing a loved one. Hiring a lawyer ensures that a legal case is possible.

A fatal car accident attorney will help you navigate the legal complexities and work to ensure you get the best judgment possible. They will handle the process involving multiple parties, insurance companies, and criminal and civil courts. An experienced attorney will protect the rights of the deceased and the surviving family members and advocate in their best interest.

Finally, lawyers specializing in fatal car crashes will help families seek the maximum compensation. This will cover medical costs, funeral costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

A free consultation will be offered by Duffy & Duffy to ensure whether or not a case is possible. We will do our part to thoroughly investigate the incident and gather the necessary evidence to determine liability. Once we are able to do so, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf against the liable parties. From there, the proceedings will begin.

We will try to negotiate with the other party in regards to a settlement. Most of the time, these cases will be settled out of court. In the event of a deal not being reached, the civil suit will go to trial where it will be heard in front of a judge or jury. Please note that the negligent party may also be facing criminal charges as well due to their role in the fatal car crash.

How to Select the Right Attorney

When selecting the right attorney, you want someone experienced and specialized in personal injury and wrongful death cases, particularly those involving fatal car crashes. Consider the attorney’s track record and how they handle similar cases. Many law firms and lawyers have successful outcomes and positive client testimonials.

A lawyer who demonstrates compassion and is responsive to a family’s needs is also essential. They should provide regular and transparent updates as the case progresses. Finally, the attorney should ensure you have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident, including access to reconstruction reports, expert witnesses, and other evidence supporting the case.

A fatal car accident lawyer is responsible for investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, filing lawsuits, and providing emotional support. They will be your advocates in and out of court whenever the situation arises.

Duffy & Duffy has over 30 years of experience helping clients in New York City and Long Island, particularly in wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits. Our team of lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure that your loved one’s death does not go unnoticed and that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions. We will also make sure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

The financial implications of a loved one’s death can have a considerable impact. Getting the compensation you need to cover these expenses is crucial. It takes the right attorney to ensure you get the fair amount you deserve. At Duffy & Duffy, we know that no one should ever have to suffer through the painful loss of a loved one due to a fatal car accident.

As for the financial aspect of the legal proceedings, Duffy & Duffy, per New York law, strictly works on a contingency fee structure. This means you won’t pay for our services unless you have been successfully awarded compensation. We will make sure you get a fair judgment so you can be able to handle any financial hardship that you have faced since your loved one’s death.

Conclusion

Fatal car accidents are tragic and leave lasting impacts on families and communities. You can pursue legal action if necessary by understanding the factors of these accidents, the importance of gathering evidence, and the legal implications for those responsible. If your loved one was killed in a fatal car crash, consider finding an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the obstacles during this difficult time.

serves the people of New York City and Long Island in fatal car accident cases. We will sit down with you, discuss the situation, and provide options for where to go. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation, call us today at 516-394-4200. Duffy & Duffy’s office is in Uniondale, New York, at 1370 RXR Plaza.