Personal Injury Law Blog

Fatal Car Accident in Los Angeles

Fatal car accident in Los Angeles: key points

Fatal car accidents in Los Angeles leave a lasting effect on families and communities. When a life is lost in a car crash, the emotional and financial repercussions can be overwhelming.

At Glotzer & Leib Personal Injury Lawyers, we know the gravity of these tragic events. Our experienced law office is dedicated to supporting victims’ families through these tough times.

The aftermath of a fatal car crash leads to more than emotional distress; there are also legal complexities to navigate.

Whether you are dealing with insurance claims, potential lawsuits, or seeking compensation for your loss, knowledgeable legal support is essential. Our firm is here to walk you through the process, ensuring your voice is heard and you receive the justice you deserve.

Understanding The Impact of Fatal Car Accidents

The loss of a loved one in a car accident is a profound and devastating event. It brings sudden grief and huge changes to the lives of those left behind. Families have to cope with the emotional loss and the financial strain that can follow. From funeral expenses to lost income, the economic implications can be substantial.

In addition to personal loss, fatal car accidents affect the community. They raise concerns about road safety and can lead to changes in local traffic laws or improvements in road design.

Recognizing these effects can help communities and policymakers take steps to prevent future tragedies. Our firm supports families during these times, offering legal advice and compassionate guidance.

What Makes a Car Accident Fatal?

Some car accidents are more severe than others, leading to fatal outcomes. Due to the intense force, high-speed collisions are more likely to result in fatal injuries. When vehicles collide at high speeds, the force can be strong enough to cause life-threatening injuries or death.

The type of vehicle involved also plays a role in the severity of an accident. Larger vehicles, like trucks, can cause more damage and graver injuries than smaller cars.

Safety features in the car and whether passengers wear seat belts also influence the survival rates in accidents. Our legal team examines all these factors to familiarize ourselves with the full scope of each tragic incident.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Common causes of fatal car accidents

Many fatal car accidents are preventable, and recognizing their common causes can help formulate strategies for avoiding them.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a common cause of motor vehicle accidents that can be fatal. Texting, using GPS, eating, or any other activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road can lead to a catastrophic crash. Drivers must know the risks and pay attention to driving to prevent such tragedies.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and overall ability to drive safely. These substances can lead to poor decision-making on the road, resulting in fatal accidents. It is illegal and dangerous to drive while impaired, and doing so can have deadly consequences.

Speeding

Speeding is another key factor in fatal car crashes. Driving over the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to handle curves or objects in the road, causes the car to increase its stopping distance, and increases the distance a car travels while the driver takes evasive action. Faster speeds also increase the severity of crash trauma, making death or serious injuries more likely.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving covers aggressive behaviors such as changing lanes abruptly, driving over the speed limit, and not obeying traffic signals. This disregard for road safety can easily lead to accidents that may end fatally. Reckless driving puts others on the road at risk, not just the reckless driver.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Bad weather conditions like rain, fog, or ice can also lead to fatal accidents by reducing visibility and making the roads slippery. Drivers must adjust their driving behavior to match the weather conditions to maintain control of their vehicles and prevent accidents.

Legal Implications of a Fatal Car Accident

When a fatal car accident occurs, several legal implications can arise, affecting the bereaved family’s pursuit of justice and compensation.

Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim develops when an individual is killed due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. This type of claim allows the deceased’s family members to pursue compensation for their loss, including funeral costs, lost pay, and loss of companionship. Submitting a wrongful death claim requires a detailed awareness of the law, which our attorneys provide.

Handling a wrongful death claim involves navigating complex legal pathways and dealing with sensitive issues. Our attorneys are experienced in these matters, providing the compassionate and comprehensive legal representation needed during such a difficult time. We work diligently to ensure that families receive the maximum compensation to help them move forward.

Criminal Charges

If reckless or negligent actions by another driver led to a fatal accident, that driver might face criminal charges. These can include vehicular manslaughter or even homicide, depending on the circumstances. The outcome of criminal proceedings can also affect civil cases, like wrongful death claims. When a person is killed in an accident, the authorities may look for evidence of a crime.

Criminal charges add a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings following a fatal car accident. Our firm can guide you through these cases’ criminal and civil aspects, ensuring that all legal avenues are explored. We strive to hold responsible parties responsible for their actions in criminal court and civil claims.

Liability in Fatal Car Accidents

Determining liability in a fatal car accident is a must for the success of any subsequent legal action. This involves proving that another party’s negligence directly caused the accident and the resulting death. Factors such as disobeying traffic laws, driving under the influence, or not maintaining a vehicle properly can all contribute to establishing liability.

Liability issues in fatal car accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties and various forms of evidence. Our legal team works tirelessly to uncover the truth, utilizing accident reconstruction experts and other specialists to build a strong case on your behalf. We ensure that all liable parties are held accountable, maximizing your chances for a successful resolution.

What Should You Do if You Are in a Car Accident When Someone Is Killed?

What should you do if you are in a car accident when someone is killed

  1. Ensure safety. First, ensure you and anyone else involved are safe. Move to a safe location, if you can, away from traffic. Stay a safe distance from where the accident occurred.
  2. Call 911. Immediately call 911. They will send the necessary emergency services and police to handle the situation. Let the Los Angeles police department handle the scene. Remember that the fire department might also need to access the fire hydrant.
  3. Do not admit fault. It’s important not to admit fault at the scene. Anything you say can be used in legal proceedings.
  4. Gather information. Gather contact and insurance information from all parties involved. Also, get contact information from witnesses.
  5. Document the scene. Snap pictures of the crash site, including all cars involved, visible damages, and road conditions.
  6. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, getting a medical evaluation is important. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  7. Contact a personal injury attorney. Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you on the next steps and start gathering evidence for your case.

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Compensation should cover economic and non-economic losses in cases stemming from car crashes. This includes medical bills incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future income, and the family’s pain and suffering. Ensuring that all these factors are considered is imperative to obtaining fair compensation.

Claim compensation in wrongful death cases involves detailed documentation and often negotiations with insurance companies or other parties. Our attorneys are skilled in calculating the full extent of your loss and advocating for your rights. We ensure that every possible source of compensation is explored to provide financial stability for the family moving forward.

Calculating Fair Compensation

Calculating fair compensation

Calculating fair compensation in a fatal car accident involves several factors. You must consider the immediate costs of the accident, such as medical and funeral expenses, and long-term financial losses, like lost future earnings and benefits.

Calculating these amounts requires competency and experience involving complex formulas and negotiations. Our team works with economic experts to accurately assess the total repercussions of your loss. We battle to ensure that the compensation you receive reflects the true cost of what you’ve endured due to someone else’s negligence.

Common Challenges in Fatal Car Accident Cases

  • Proving negligence. Establishing that the other party’s negligence caused the accident can be challenging. You need strong evidence and expert testimony.
  • Dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Negotiating with them can be difficult without legal expertise.
  • Emotional strain. Pursuing a fatal accident case can be emotionally draining for the family. You should have compassionate legal support during this time.
  • Legal complexities. Fatal car accident cases involve complex legal issues and require navigating multiple legal processes. Expert legal guidance is essential.
  • Timely filing. There are strict deadlines for filing claims known as statutes of limitations. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from filing a claim.

How Glotzer & Leib Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Glotzer & Leib, we understand the devastating effect of losing a loved one in a car accident. Our experienced personal injury lawyers provide compassionate support and aggressive representation to protect your rights. We handle every aspect of your case, from the accident investigation and evidence collection to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court.

We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your family. Our team works tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, helping alleviate your loss’s financial burdens. With Glotzer & Leib by your side, you can focus on healing while we take care of the legal details.

Schedule a Free Case Consultation With Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Schedule a free case consultation with our Los Angeles car aaccident lawyer

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, contact Glotzer & Leib today for a free case consultation. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are here for you after a fatal crash. If you have been injured, see a doctor first. Then, contact us to schedule a case consultation.

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      “Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.

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      “Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”

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