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Fatal Car Accidents in Los Angeles    

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in Los Angeles County and throughout California. In 2022, 8,944 individuals were injured and killed in car accidents in Los Angeles. While nothing can relieve families of their grief after fatal car accidents, seeking justice through a wrongful death claim can deliver closure, accountability and well-deserved financial compensation.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Los Angeles 

Deadly motor vehicle accidents in Los Angeles can often be prevented. In many cases handled by car accident lawyers in Los Angeles, driver errors and negligence cause fatal car crashes. “Negligence” refers to any act or omission by a driver that falls short of the duty of care. Examples include: 

Determining the cause of a fatal car accident in Los Angeles is the first step toward seeking justice for a loss of life. If another driver broke a traffic law or behaved recklessly, the deceased victim’s family may have grounds to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Legal Options if a Fatal Car Accident Takes the Life of Your Loved One in Los Angeles

Since California is an at-fault state, the driver or party responsible for causing a fatal motor vehicle accident can be held liable, or financially accountable. Most of these car accident cases are based on the legal doctrine of negligence.

Under California’s wrongful death laws, financial compensation can be awarded when one person’s wrongful act or neglect results in the death of another person or party. The defendant’s fault for the death must be proven using evidence.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California After a Fatal Car Accident?

Under California law, various surviving family members of a deceased person have the right to file a claim following a fatal collision. This includes:

  • A surviving spouse or domestic partner
  • Surviving children and grandchildren
  • Parents of a minor child 
  • Other heirs entitled to compensation

In addition, a legal representative or the administrator of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of all beneficiaries.

Financial Compensation Available for a Fatal Car Accident in Los Angeles

Filing a wrongful death claim after a fatal motor vehicle accident in Los Angeles can result in financial compensation for various losses suffered by the victim’s estate and surviving loved ones, such as:

  • Final medical bills associated with the car accident
  • Lost earnings and future wages that would have been earned
  • Loss of inheritance
  • Reasonable funeral and burial costs 
  • The victim’s pain and suffering
  • The family’s grief and mental anguish
  • Punitive damages, in some cases

The value of a fatal car accident case will depend on the circumstances. It will benefit you to speak to a wrongful death attorney in Los Angeles about how much your fatal car accident case is worth before accepting an insurance settlement.

How Can an Attorney in Los Angeles Help?

Hiring an attorney to represent you during the legal process can help you achieve the results you deserve after the tragic loss of a loved one in a fatal motor vehicle collision. An attorney can navigate the complex legal elements of your case while you focus on healing.

A Los Angeles injury lawyer can investigate the deadly crash, determine the liable party or parties, deal with car insurance companies on your behalf, collect and preserve evidence, and represent you in court if your case has to go to trial to achieve fair results. You can count on a lawyer to fight for justice on your loved one’s behalf while you focus on what matters most to you and your family. For a free consultation about a recent car accident involving one or more fatalities in Los Angeles, contact Rose, Klein & Marias LLP.