If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain of what you should do next. One decision you will have to make is whether or not to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
For more information and help with your case, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777. If you have a viable case, a Metairie car accident lawyer will work for you for no upfront fees.
How Fatal Car Accidents Happen
Losing someone you love is always painful, but losing them due to someone else’s carelessness is as infuriating as it is tragic. If you want to hold the liable party accountable for their actions and perhaps even pursue compensation, you can file a lawsuit against them with help from a Metairie personal injury lawyer.
Fatal car accidents can and do happen just about anywhere under a wide variety of circumstances. In 2018 alone, 768 people in Louisiana lost their lives in traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some common car accident causes are listed below.
- Driver error: sometimes, drivers make honest mistakes, like misjudging a situation and reacting in the wrong way or panicking when something unexpected happens.
- Driver carelessness: on the other hand, drivers can also deliberately engage in risky behaviors, such as ignoring the speed limit or traffic signals, texting and driving, or drinking and driving.
- Negligent maintenance: if the people responsible for keeping your (or the other driver’s) car in good working order failed to do their jobs properly.
- Negligent manufacturing: if the company who assembled part of your (or the other driver’s) car allowed a faulty component to go to market.
Per the Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, in most cases, survivors have just one year from the date of their loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within that time, you may be forfeiting your rights to monetary compensation. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you navigate this and any other law that affects your case. Contact us at (337) 777-7777 to speak with a member of our team. They will evaluate your case at no cost and no obligation to you.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientWhat You May Recover After a Fatal Accident
Resources are available to help you figure out how much you can sue for. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), for instance, offers an online tool for calculating funeral expenses. Below, you will find a brief overview of damages available to those who lost a loved one in a fatal accident. However, if you want information tailored specifically to your case, consider hiring a Metairie fatal accident lawyer.
Non-Economic Damages
“Non-economic” simply refers to physical or emotional harm as opposed to financial harm. In short, if your loved one’s health suffered in any way prior to their death, or if their death affected you in any way, you may qualify for compensation.
What kinds of non-economic damages can you sue for? Examples include but are certainly not limited to:
- Pain and suffering: if your loved one experienced physical and/or emotional distress before they passed away.
- Loss of companionship: if your loved one is no longer around to care for you or give you advice.
Economic Damages
Accidents, especially fatal ones, can generate a lot of bills. If you have had to bear the financial burden of your loved one’s passing, you may be eligible for damages like:
- Medical costs: if your loved one lived long enough to receive treatment for their accident injuries.
- Funeral costs: if you were financially responsible for laying your loved one to rest and settling their estate.
- Loss of financial support: if your loved one’s income helped you pay bills and support your family, and without it, you must find a different way to make ends meet.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWhat You Can Expect from a Law Firm
No law firm can guarantee a positive result in your case. However, by hiring legal representation, you are taking a huge weight off your shoulders. You will not have to worry about completing any legal tasks whatsoever; your lawyer will do it all for you, including:
- Finding evidence: this evidence may include police reports, surveillance footage, photos, or anything else that proves you are entitled to damages.
- Calculating compensation: we can make sure that you are asking for the maximum possible amount of damages.
- Communicating with others: at no point do you have to speak with the liable party directly. In fact, it is better that you do not, as their representatives may turn your words against you to deny you compensation.
- Pursuing the money you may deserve: many cases are successfully concluded through negotiations with the liable party’s insurance company. Others end up in court. Either way, your lawyer will represent you through all of it.
- Review agreements: if the insurance company offers you a settlement, we will look it over before you accept it. This way, you can be sure the agreement is fair and does not rob you of any of your rights.
- Helping you make decisions: your lawyer will keep you informed about developments in your case and what options are available. Their input can help you make the best legal choices for you and your family.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is truly sorry for your loss. We will do everything in our power to help you get the justice and the compensation your family may deserve. If you are looking for a lawyer who serves Metairie, call us at (337) 777-7777. Your Metairie fatal accident lawyer will defer all fees until they help you win your money.
