Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of wrongful death claims in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 40,000 people die in car accidents each year in this country. Each one of those deaths leaves behind a family that is struggling with grief, financial uncertainty, and the knowledge that their loved one's death could have been prevented.

At Dr. Ted Injury Law, we have helped dozens of families who lost loved ones in fatal car accidents across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. While no legal action can bring your loved one back, a wrongful death claim can provide the financial security your family needs and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Fatal car accidents are most commonly caused by:

  • Drunk driving: Despite decades of public awareness campaigns, impaired driving continues to kill thousands of people each year.
  • Distracted driving: Texting, phone use, and other distractions cause an increasing number of fatal crashes.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of a collision.
  • Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage.
  • Fatigue: Drowsy driving is particularly dangerous in truck accident cases.
  • Defective vehicles: Airbag failures, tire defects, brake malfunctions, and other vehicle defects.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Accident

A wrongful death claim following a fatal car accident follows the same general framework as other wrongful death cases, but there are some unique considerations. Insurance coverage becomes particularly important, as the at-fault driver's liability insurance may be the primary source of recovery. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, the deceased's own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional compensation.

In cases involving drunk drivers, punitive damages may be available to punish the driver for their reckless behavior. In cases involving commercial vehicles, the trucking company and other parties may also be liable.

Investigating a Fatal Car Accident

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations of fatal car accidents, including obtaining the police accident report, working with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the collision occurred, analyzing vehicle data from event data recorders, reviewing toxicology reports, obtaining cell phone records to establish distracted driving, and interviewing witnesses.

Compensation for the Family

A successful wrongful death claim can provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the deceased's lost future income and benefits, loss of the deceased's companionship, guidance, and support, the deceased's pain and suffering prior to death, medical expenses incurred between the accident and death, and punitive damages when the at-fault driver's conduct was particularly egregious.

Time Limits Apply

Wrongful death statutes of limitations are strict. In North Carolina, you have two years from the date of death. In South Carolina, three years. In Georgia, two years. Do not wait to seek legal advice.

Contact Dr. Ted Injury Law at (800) 555-HURT for a compassionate, free consultation about your wrongful death case.