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Writer's pictureBrad Keating

What Happens When Someone Is Killed in a Car Accident?

An at-fault party who causes a collision that kills a family member, passengers, or pedestrians can be held legally responsible. If an individual is driving a car and someone is killed because of the incident, they should get legal assistance from best car accident lawyer in Columbus as quickly as possible.


Many individuals die every year because of car accidents all around the world; in fact, it is one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the US.


Furthermore, most individuals are ignorant of what occurs when someone dies in a fatal car accident, despite how common it is.


Legal Challenges One Could Face

Legal Challenges One Could Face


If another person causes the loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident, specified parties have the right to sue the responsible driver for wrongful death compensation; according to the law, the following people may be entitled to damages:

  • The remaining spouse and the children

  • A child if the husband or wife was also killed in the collision

  • If every person in the vehicle accident died, the parents or relatives

Funeral and burial costs, medical bills, pain and suffering, and emergency transportation may all be covered by compensation. People can call The Keating Firm for a free case evaluation if they have questions about wrongful death or a personal injury claim. In some situations, the responsible driver may be held liable.


Even if it’s the last thing on their minds, a family may discover that filing a personal injury lawsuit after a fatal car accident is beneficial. This is because the case's settlement allows them to focus on their grief and recovery after the death of a loved one.


After a fatal car accident, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy to grieving, and finding a new normal is a time-consuming process. Sticking to a routine, looking after one another, and not being hesitant to seek help, even from an attorney, when necessary may help the family manage.


Does the Party Responsible for the Fatal Accident go to Jail when Someone Dies in a Wrongful Death Accident?


Fatal car accidents happen all the time, which can be tough for mourning families to deal with, especially if they aren't aware of what occurs when someone dies in a catastrophic accident.

People also find it difficult to carry on with a lawsuit or legal proceedings following the unintentional loss of a loved one. Following a deadly collision, many people look for someone else to blame; however, not all people face criminal charges.


When fatal accidents occur due to circumstances beyond the person's control, such as unexpected mechanical problems or poor road conditions, drivers are rarely prosecuted. As a result, drivers are not accountable for natural events such as flooding, hailstones, harsh winds, and other natural phenomena that are considered "Acts of God."


If an accident happens because of careless or reckless driving, a wrongful death lawsuit or vehicular manslaughter charge can be made.


Furthermore, the local district attorney evaluates whether a person is criminally culpable for a deadly collision; they consider a variety of variables, including the at-fault driver's actions before the incident.


In some states, a person who was under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other substances at the time of the collision would be held legally responsible for any fatalities. Even sober drivers might face criminal penalties if they broke the law.


A driver may be held liable for a fatality if they drive too fast, fail to obey traffic signs, or commit other offenses.


Both the government and the insurance provider perform thorough investigations after an accident. They must determine how the incident happened and who is responsible. Officers question the drivers of both cars, as well as any bystanders who might have witnessed the crash.


The authorities also undertake an investigation in order to understand more about the accident. They inspect each car for personal damage, skid marks, or any other indicators of a road accident, as well as any signs of minor injuries to the occupants. Moreover, the police can also conduct blood tests, keep an eye on nearby camera footage, and look into past driving records.


Furthermore, the accident report is critical in evaluating whether a person is found guilty or not in fatal accidents. If a person is found to be criminally culpable, they may be sentenced to prison. The term of the sentence can range from several months to many years.


Do Insurance Companies Pay Out for Wrongful Death in Car Accidents?

Do Insurance Companies Pay Out for Wrongful Death in Car Accidents?


Contacting insurance firms after a wrongful death or the death of a family member after a fatal accident can be challenging at times. It is generally more convenient to have a lawyer or law firm consult with the insurance company. After losing a loved one in a car crash, several family members find it difficult to pay hospital bills, maintenance charges, fees, investigation fees, burial and funeral costs, and other expenditures. This is particularly true if the decedent was the household's primary source of income.


In rare cases, they may be able to obtain financial aid by filing a wrongful death case with an insurer against the at-fault party. On behalf of the deceased, a personal representative, such as a spouse, children, parents, relatives, or other loved ones, must make insurance claims.

Both financial and injury losses might be acknowledged during the final settlement of a wrongful death case or lawsuit.


Almost always, the culpable party would be liable for at least a percentage of the financial damages, such as medical expenses, burial costs, and lost wages.


Non-economic losses, such as mental distress and reduced quality of life, are frequently considered in a wrongful death claim. If the driver acted irresponsibly, compensation may be granted.


Even if no one is arrested, the deceased's family member may be eligible for monetary recompense.


The viability of a wrongful death claim, however, is contingent on the culpable party. If the victim's children, relatives, or spouse want to pursue a wrongful death claim, they must first figure out who to sue.


Other factors can be utilized in court in addition to police reports in deciding guilt. Families should hire a professional lawyer to have a look at all of the details necessary to build a compelling wrongful death lawsuit. Those liable for fatalities, incidents, and other damages would be found by a competent prosecutor.


A driver who is engaged in a car accident might or might not be held responsible. If the person does not own the car, the owner is responsible for a portion of the fault or liability.

If a poorly kept road results in a car accident, the local government can be held accountable. In the case that a corporate vehicle or employee is involved in a crash, companies that send drivers during business hours may be held accountable.


Traffic accident victims may be entitled to pursue an insurance claim for wrongful death as a result of the collision; however, it's crucial to remember that not all policies are made equal. Some persons may pay the entire sum of the damages, while others may simply pay a portion of it.


Families may be eligible for a death benefit in certain circumstances if the decedent is named on the insurance policy.


Individuals might also seek reimbursement from the at-fault party's insurance company. If the car is destroyed or a passenger is wounded, their insurance may cover up to a certain sum, especially if the individual had to see a doctor.

Even though insurance is required, it is critical not to rely on the coverage of others to meet expenses following a car accident. If someone dies in a car accident, one can check to see if their insurance policy includes a compensation package.



Do You Need Assistance with a Lawsuit? Call The Keating Firm Today!


Unfortunately, car accidents are a common cause of wrongful death. Coping with the aftermath of a family member’s loss in a car accident can be challenging.


On the other side, understanding what to do if someone dies in a car accident helps individuals plan for the future. Any financial or legal difficulties that may occur should not catch people off guard.


Victims of fatal car accidents may file a wrongful death claim or criminal charges, and family members of the deceased might be eligible for financial compensation.


Furthermore, individuals must remember that the best way to deal with accident injuries and accidents is to be proactive. People may help lower the number of accident deaths and injuries each year by following the rules of the road and taking steps to keep all passengers safe.


When facing wrongful death claims, litigation, or reimbursement for medical expenditures and injury, contact The Keating Firm for a personal representative lawyer. When a family is mourning the loss of a loved one, the last thing they want to deal with is insurance companies assessing who was to blame at the accident scene, liability claims, and physical injuries.

Allow a lawyer from our firm to handle the situation so that the lost or deceased victim receives an appropriate and respectful funeral and burial.

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