T-bone crashes are very serious in nature, leading to severe injuries or even death. If your loved one died in a T-bone crash, you might be able to recoup compensation for your losses through a wrongful death claim.
Like a personal injury claim that is filed by the family on behalf of the decedent, a wrongful death claim allows the family to hold the liable party responsible for the loss of their loved one.
Because a claim for wrongful death after a T-bone crash can be complicated, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer who handles wrongful death claims.
Damages Pursued in a Wrongful Death Claim After a T-Bone Crash
Specific damages are pursued in a wrongful death claim, much like a personal injury claim. These damages are divided into specific timelines.
The first timeline is for damages that start from the time of the initial act of negligence that caused the crash up until the death of the accident victim. These damages usually include medical expenses, funeral expenses, and lost wages.
The next timeline covers lost wages from the time of the victim’s death until he or she would have retired at the regular age. Depending on your state laws, you might be able to also claim loss of consortium, which is loss of love and companionship from the deceased.
Your wrongful death attorney will know which damages you can seek in your claim for wrongful death after a T-bone crash.
The Role of Negligence in a T-Bone Accident
Many T-bone accidents are because of the failure to yield right-of-way or because traffic lights or stop signs are run. Just as you would with a personal injury claim, you will need to prove negligence for a successful wrongful death claim after a T-bone accident.
In this case, it is easy to prove the first element. All drivers have a duty to drive safely and adhere to traffic regulations.
The second element is you must show that duty was breached. As an example, the driver was speeding and ran a stop sign, crashing into the other vehicle.
The third element is showing that breach of duty caused the crash. In this case, running the stop sign and speeding caused the car to T-bone your relative’s vehicle.
Then the last element is to show that your relative died because of the injuries suffered from the crash caused by the breach of duty. When you can prove negligence, you can have a successful wrongful death claim.
Consult with a Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one because of a T-bone crash, consult with a personal injury attorney who handles wrongful death claims. Wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose.
There is a statute of limitations, so if you wait too long you will miss your opportunity to recover damages. Schedule your free case evaluation for pursuing a claim for wrongful death after a T-bone crash.
