Can you file a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one has been the victim of a negligent driver? Probably so. When someone is killed in a car accident and the at-fault driver was driving at a high speed, intoxicated or intentionally driving recklessly, you may indeed have a wrongful death case. Always contact a car accident attorney who is skilled in handling wrongful death lawsuits when a loved one has been fatally injured by a reckless driver. You may be entitled to compensation and even punitive damages if the driver exhibited especially egregious acts behind the wheel of a car.
What is the First Step in Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Getting legal assistance is your first priority. Although you could file and litigate your own wrong death claim, the time and stress involved with gathering all necessary documents, correctly filing court papers in a timely manner, learning about the statutes regulating wrongful death lawsuits and arguing your case in court is not something a layperson can be expected to do. Your wrongful death car accident attorney will not only handle all aspects of the case but will also communicate with insurance companies, talk to bill collectors to inform them a wrongful death suit is pending and thoroughly investigate the circumstances causing the death of a loved one. Evidence collected is invaluable for identifying all potential compensation sources.
What Happens After a Wrongful Death Lawsuit is Filed on Your Behalf?
Once your car accident attorney presents the case for arbitration or trial, the case is litigated and a verdict is delivered. The post trial phase involves appealing or challenging the outcome if your attorney does not agree with the verdict. Most wrongful death cases are settled during the trial phase. The judge then grants an award settlement and the case is completed.
To begin the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit, please call the Decker Law Office to make a consultation appointment with one of our attorneys.