If your loved one has died because of someone’s negligence causing a car accident, you might be able to pursue a claim for wrongful death after a chain reaction accident. Like a personal injury claim, a wrongful death claim is filed by the family of the deceased to recoup the damages suffered by their loved one and their family. A chain reaction accident is always started by one driver’s error, and that error is usually the result of negligence. Most states limit the pursuit of a wrongful death claim to immediate family, such as a surviving spouse, parent, or children or a representative on behalf of the decedent’s estate. Consult with a personal injury lawyer who handles wrongful death claims if your loved one died in a chain reaction accident.
Damages Pursued in a Wrongful Death Claim After a Chain Reaction Accident
When a loved one dies, the family is affected emotionally, but they are also facing financial challenges. While your family might suffer multiple damages from the loss of your loved one, the damages are basically divided into two groups. The first group of damages covers the timeframe from the moment of the negligent act, which in this case started the chain reaction crash, up until the death of the accident victim, which could be immediate, or which might be months afterward. These damages include medical expenses, funeral expenses, and sometimes, lost wages. The next damages are lost wages from the time of the death until his or her regular retirement age. Depending on the state laws, sometimes families can claim loss of consortium, which is loss of love and companionship.
The Role Of Negligence in a Chain Reaction Accident
When pursuing a personal injury claim, you must prove the other party was negligent for your claim to be successful. The same stands for a wrongful death claim. All four elements of negligence must be met. First, you will need to prove that the driver had a duty or responsibility. That is evident because drivers must adhere to traffic laws and drive safely to protect others from harm. Next, you must show that duty was breached. As an example, the driver was distracted and rear-ended the car in front of him, setting the chain reaction crash into motion. Next, show that breach – in this case, being distracted – caused the crash that resulted. And lastly, show that the injuries caused from the crash led to the death of your relative. Your wrongful death lawyer will gather the supporting evidence.
Consult With a Wrongful Death Attorney
If you lost a relative in a chain reaction accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who handles wrongful death claims. Your lawyer will help you file a claim for wrongful death after a chain reaction accident. These attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Schedule your free case evaluation today, so you can get your claim on track and you can recoup compensation to cover your family’s financial losses.
