A negligent driver causes an accident in which a family member is killed. This incident is emotionally devastating for you and your loved ones. Hiring a Columbia fatal car accident lawyer may be the furthest thing from the top of your mind at this time, but doing so can help you get through this difficult period.
The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward focus on getting our clients results that matter. We have recovered millions in damages in personal injury lawsuits, and we will help you in any way we can as you deal with the ramifications of your loved one’s fatal car accident. Contact us today to discuss your case with our car accident lawyers in Columbia.
Who Is Responsible for a Fatal Car Accident?
In many cases, a driver is at fault in a fatal auto accident. For example, a motorist is driving while distracted and takes their eyes off the road. When they do, they crash their car into another vehicle, causing a fatality.
There are times when an automaker, government entity, mechanic, or another party is liable for a fatal car crash. A Columbia fatal car accident attorney will review your case in detail. They will help you identify any at-fault parties so you can seek damages accordingly.
It is emotionally taxing to consider an auto crash claim after a loved one’s death. The Thumbs Up Guys understand this, and we offer compassionate legal representation. Speak with our personal injury lawyers in Columbia about your case.
Who Can File a Columbia Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit?
A fatal car accident lawyer serving Columbia can file a wrongful death claim on your behalf. You may be eligible to submit this type of claim if you are a surviving family member of a deceased person (decedent) or an executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate. People who could file a wrongful death lawsuit after a family member’s fatal auto accident include:
- Child
- Parent
- Sibling
- Spouse
Meet with a Columbia wrongful death lawyer to find out if you are eligible to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will empathize with you, making sure you and your family receive plenty of support as you cope with the loss of your loved one. They can also calculate your losses and help you pursue maximum compensation from any parties responsible for your loved one’s death.
Damages You Can Request in a Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit
You can request economic and non-economic damages in your lawsuit. A judge or jury may award economic damages for quantifiable losses and non-economic compensation based on subjective harm. Here are some of the damages you could receive.
Burial and Funeral Expenses
No one expects a family member to die in an auto accident. After your loved one’s fatal accident, you and your family pay your loved one’s burial and funeral expenses. You can ask the party at fault for your family member’s accident to cover these costs.
Medical Bills
Your family member received extensive medical care after their car accident. As a result, they incurred steep medical bills. With help from a fatal car accident attorney serving Columbia, you can request damages to cover your loved one’s hospital fees, treatment costs, and other medical expenses.
Lost Income
If a family member dies in a car accident, you and the rest of your family could face financial hardships due to lost income. You will lose money since the income your loved one provided helped you cover your utilities and other household expenses. A lawyer can use pay stubs and other documentation to show you deserve damages based on your loved one’s lost wages.
Pain and Suffering
The pain and suffering you experience after your family member’s death can affect you for the rest of your life. Your attorney will account for these losses as they examine your damages. They will help you pursue compensation for pain and suffering and similar emotional and psychological losses.
Expect your attorney to ask for these and other damages in your fatal car accident lawsuit. They will do everything within their power to make the legal process easy for you and your family members. As your lawyer explores ways to help you get your desired case results, you and your loved ones can focus on taking care of yourselves during this challenging period.
When to File a Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit
Per South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-3-530(6), the statute of limitations is three years for a wrongful death claim. You have up to three years from the date a family member dies in a car crash to ask for damages. If you choose not to file your claim within this period, you could be solely responsible for all of their accident-related losses.
A car accident claim can go through a liable motorist’s insurance company. If it does, the insurer is likely to put its client’s best interests above your family’s. The business could look for ways to dispute your claim, hoping you will give up on it or accept a lowball settlement.
Your lawyer wants you to get fair compensation. To achieve their goal, they can negotiate with an insurance company on your behalf. They can also submit your lawsuit, build a body of evidence, and craft a compelling argument to support your case.
Our Columbia Fatal Car Accident Lawyers Make a Difference in the Lives of Our Clients and Their Families
A fatal car accident puts your family in danger. You have no idea how you and your loved ones will deal with the aftermath of losing your family member. A Columbia personal injury lawyer provides you with a legal advocate who will continuously account for your family’s best interests while you cope with your loved one’s death.
The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward will help you and your family get the compensation you deserve. We prioritize the emotional health and well-being of you and your loved ones and offer legal services and support throughout your fatal car accident case. Request a consultation with our lawyers.