Losing a loved one in a car accident is a devastating experience that no family should have to endure. Sadly, fatal car accidents happen every day on California roads, often because of another driver’s negligence. While nothing can replace the life lost, a wrongful death claim can provide financial support and hold the responsible party accountable.
The Reality of Fatal Car Accidents in California
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 4,000 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes in California each year, making it one of the deadliest states for drivers. You can read more about national traffic fatality statistics here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/fatality-analysis-reporting-system-fars
Common causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Fatigue or drowsy driving
- Poor road or weather conditions
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought by the surviving family members or estate of a person who has died due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. In California, eligible parties can include:
- The surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children of the deceased
- Other dependent family members
The California Courts provide more details about wrongful death laws here: https://www.courts.ca.gov/1246.htm
Damages Available in a Fatal Car Accident Case
While no amount of money can truly compensate for a loss of life, a wrongful death claim can help cover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injuries
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before passing (through a survival action)
Proving Liability in a Fatal Car Accident
To recover compensation, your legal team must prove that the at-fault party’s negligence directly caused your loved one’s death. This often involves:
- Accident reconstruction
- Reviewing police reports and witness statements
- Gathering traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Consulting accident and medical experts
How Hillstone Law Can Help
At Hillstone Law, we know that fatal car accident cases require compassionate legal support and aggressive representation. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on grieving and healing, while we fight to hold the negligent party accountable.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in California, our team is ready to stand by your side.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
