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Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
Experienced Ohio and Northern Kentucky Injury Attorneys for Fatal Accident Claims
Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is undoubtedly an emotionally devastating experience. On top of the overwhelming grief, you may also face concerns about the future of your loved one’s family, particularly any children they may have left behind and how to provide them with the life your loved one would have wanted. This is where a fatal car accident lawyer comes in.
If another negligent driver is responsible for this tragedy, you have the right to seek justice and financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, our Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati wrongful death attorneys are committed to helping families of fatal car accident victims navigate this complex and emotional legal process. With decades of experience handling fatal car accident claims, we understand the unique challenges that grieving families face. Whether the accident involved a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle, we are prepared to work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and justice is served.
When your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve an attorney who will dedicate all of their time, knowledge, and resources to your case. At TLF, we guarantee we will do all this and more. By pursuing a wrongful death claim with the help of our experienced attorneys, you can seek proper compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll this deadly accident has had on your family. Contact us today by calling (800) 698-4054 toll-free or reach out online to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you during this difficult time.
Common Causes of Fatal Accidents
As busy urban areas, Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky see plenty of traffic. Unfortunately, with such a large number of vehicles on the roads comes an increased chance of serious, sometimes fatal car accidents. According to fatal car accident statistics provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the average number of traffic fatalities in Ohio per year (over the past 5 years) is an astounding 1,252. In Kentucky, the average number of car accident deaths over the same time span is 775.
These devastating car accidents happen for a number of reasons, but there are a few that stand out. Distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding are typically the most common. What a distracted driver, drunk driver, and speeding/reckless driver all have in common is the fact that their ability to react quickly and make sound judgments while operating a vehicle is significantly impaired.
Running red lights or stop signs and not wearing a seat belt are also frequently noted as factors contributing to fatal motor vehicle accident injuries. Other common causes include poor weather conditions, fatigued driving, and vehicle defects. Of the different types of car accidents, head-on crashes are notorious for being the most dangerous and deadly.
The Emotional and Financial Impact of a Fatal Auto Accident
The emotional toll on surviving family members after a fatal car wreck is often devastating. The grief of losing a loved one due to something that could have been prevented, coupled with the loss of companionship, can deeply affect the family’s emotional well-being. The sudden absence of a spouse, parent, or child leaves an irreplaceable void, and the healing process is often long and challenging.
In addition to the emotional burden, the financial impact of a fatal accident can be overwhelming, to say the least. Families are often left to deal with mounting medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income that their loved ones would have contributed. This sudden financial strain can make an already difficult time even more stressful.
While we know that no amount of money can replace a loved one, pursuing justice through personal injury claims can help families begin the process of closure. Working with a Kentucky or Ohio fatal car accident lawyer like those at TLF: The Medical Injury Firm can help you pursue compensation for these losses, easing the financial burden and allowing you to focus on healing.
Wrongful Death Claims for Fatal Car Accidents
When motor vehicle accidents result in the tragic loss of life due to the negligence of an at-fault driver, wrongful death claims may arise. These claims allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for the financial and emotional impact caused by the accident, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, the loss of future income, and more.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Car Accident?
In Kentucky, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, typically appointed by the court, is the only person who can file a wrongful death claim. However, the damages recovered in the lawsuit are distributed to the deceased’s surviving family members, such as spouses, children, and parents.
In Ohio, a wrongful death lawsuit must also be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, with compensation going to close family members, including the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased.
Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Surviving family members of victims killed in motor vehicle accidents may be entitled to a wide range of damages through a wrongful death claim, including economic, non-economic, and in some cases, punitive damages. These damages are designed to help ease the financial and emotional burden that comes with losing a loved one in a tragic accident.
At TLF, our Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati car accident lawyers fight for maximum compensation for things like:
- Outstanding medical bills for the serious injuries related to the victim’s accident before their passing
- Funeral and burial expenses incurred by the family
- Lost wages and future income the deceased would have provided
- Property damage to the victim’s vehicle or personal belongings resulting from the accident
- Lost benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other employment-related benefits
- Any emotional and physical pain related to the car accident injuries endured by the deceased before their death
- Compensation for the emotional impact of losing a loved one, including emotional distress and the loss of care, support, and guidance
In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault driver.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Fatal Accident Claim in Ohio?
Ohio sets the same statute of limitations for a wrongful death case as it does for a personal injury case. This means, in Ohio, the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim following a motor vehicle accident is two years from the date of the victim’s death. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the right to pursue a claim in court.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Fatal Accident Claim in Kentucky?
The statute of limitations in Kentucky works a bit differently in Kentucky. The time frame for filing a wrongful death claim in Kentucky is typically one year from the date the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is appointed. The state also only allows one year from the date of the loved one’s passing for a surviving spouse or minor children to file a loss of consortium claim, unless the child is a minor at the time, in which case it is one year from the day they turn 18.
However, for fatal car accidents specifically, the time frame for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is extended to two years. We know this can be confusing, which is why consulting with a personal injury attorney early in the process is key to ensuring your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
Why You Need an Experienced Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
When dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident that results in the tragic loss of a loved one, it’s crucial to have an experienced fatal car accident lawyer on your side. Insurance companies often attempt to settle quickly and for far less than what’s deserved, but an experienced Cincinnati car accident attorney like those at TLF will know how to fight back to ensure you receive a fair settlement. By gathering evidence such as medical records, interviewing witnesses, obtaining expert testimony, and analyzing the police report, your auto accident attorney can help build a strong case on your behalf.
If negotiations with the insurance company don’t pan out, your attorney can take the case to court to secure fair compensation and justice for your family there. Overall, having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your wrongful death claim.
Proving Liability in a Fatal Car Accident Case
Proving liability in a fatal car accident case involves identifying the person responsible (or persons), demonstrating that they acted negligently, and proving that this negligence led to the victim’s death. This requires collecting evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis to establish fault.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that there may be more than one party responsible for the accident. In some cases, multiple factors contribute to a fatal crash, such as another negligent driver, a vehicle manufacturer with a defective part, or even a government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions. An experienced personal injury attorney can help identify all liable parties and ensure they are held accountable for their role in the accident.
Common Challenges in Fatal Car Accident Cases
Following any personal injury lawsuit, especially those involving a fatal car accident, several challenges can arise. One common difficulty is dealing with the insurance company, which, as we mentioned earlier, will likely attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. What’s more, it can be more difficult than you might think to determine liability, especially if multiple parties are involved or if evidence is disputed.
At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, our experienced car accident attorneys are familiar with these challenges and know what it takes to gather evidence supporting your claim, negotiate with difficult insurance companies, and overall build a solid case to ensure families receive the justice they deserve.
Why Trust the Kentucky Ohio Fatal Car Accident Attorneys From TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm?
When families of fatal accident victims work with an experienced attorney at TLF, they can trust that they are receiving top-tier legal representation, enhanced by our unique access to medical expertise. Unlike many other law firms in the area, we have medical professionals on staff and of counsel, giving us the ability to deeply understand the medical aspects involved in a wrongful death claim. This allows us to assess the full extent of injuries and damages by accurately interpreting medical records, injury reports, and other critical evidence, all of which are crucial in building a strong case for compensation.
By combining our legal and medical knowledge, TLF provides a comprehensive approach to securing justice for our clients. To speak with an experienced fatal car accident attorney on our team, we encourage you to call (800) 698-4054 today.
Helping Families of Victims File a Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit
Our law firm has extensive experience working directly with insurance companies to secure quick and fair settlements for families who want to move forward after a tragic loss. If your priority is to obtain financial compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other losses as soon as possible, a fatal car accident lawyer on our team can effectively negotiate with insurers to help you receive what you deserve in a timely manner.
However, if seeking justice in court is your goal, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We are committed to going the extra mile to set your case up for success, meticulously building a strong foundation for a courtroom battle. Our Ohio and Kentucky auto accident attorneys have secured some of the highest verdicts for families in the region in recent years. When we take your case, we dedicate ourselves to focusing on every detail necessary to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or trial.
If You Lost a Loved One in a Deadly Car Accident, Call TLF Today ∙ Free Initial Consultations
At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, we believe that those who have lost loved ones due to fatal car accidents deserve proper justice and financial relief. That’s why we are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the fair compensation you deserve by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party or parties.
For a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced lawyer from our firm, call (800) 698-4054 or contact us online and take the first step toward securing justice for your family today.
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We are happy to offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. If you hire us as your legal counsel, we will represent you on a contingency-fee basis. You will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover financial damages.