Understanding Your Rights if a Family Member Is In a Fatal Car Crash

Car accidents happen all the time. They occur in a number of different manners; some serious, some minor. In many cases, the most serious car accidents can lead to death. This can be a daunting and traumatic experience for the families of those lost.

Most people know that if they’ve been hurt in a car accident caused by negligence, they have the right to take legal action. What happens when someone is lost in a fatal car crash, however? There are still legal options available.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Car accident cases can also involve a wrongful death lawsuit when someone is fatally injured as a result of the crash. There are certain requirements, however, that must be known and understood before moving forward with this type of case.

These are some of the things that need to be considered:

• Who is trying to file the lawsuit? Only certain parties actually qualify and are able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This typically includes spouses, children, and parents. There may be other parties eligible, but speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your rights.
• How long ago did the death occur? There are statutes that limit how long an individual has to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Failure to file within this time period can result in the forfeiture of your ability to file the wrongful death suit.
• Was negligence to play? In order to actually hold someone accountable for their actions, it must be shown that their negligence caused the crash that resulted in the death. Proving negligence requires legal help.

If you are unsure of whether or not you are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you should make sure you speak with legal representatives who can explain your rights to you. This is one of the most important steps to take following a car accident.

At Fieger Law, our Michigan car accident attorneys have a firm understanding of wrongful death law and what rights the family of the decedent has. We work hard to protect those rights at all times. Trust that when you hire our firm, your best interests mean the most to our team.

Call us today at (800) 294-6637 to learn more about your potential rights.