You can face criminal charges if you accidentally kill someone in a car accident. In addition, the family of the deceased person (decedent) can request compensatory damages from you as part of a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.
Seek legal help if you accidentally kill a person in a car accident. Or, if you lose a family member in a fatal auto accident caused by someone else, speak with a compassionate and empathetic Bellevue wrongful death lawyer. At this point, your attorney will let you know if you have grounds for taking legal action against the liable party.
What if You Accidentally Kill Someone in a Car Crash in Washington State?
In Washington State, you are subject to criminal charges and possible imprisonment if you kill someone in a car accident by mistake. The charges and penalties you face will depend on the circumstances of your accident and whether the court finds you acted negligently.
Also, the family of the decedent can pursue economic and non-economic damages from you as part of a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. This means you may have to compensate the family for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, burial and funeral expenses, and other quantifiable and subjective losses relating to their loved one’s death.
Meet with a Bellevue car accident lawyer with wrongful death case experience if you lose a family member in a fatal auto crash. Sadly, your family member is gone, but you can hold the party liable for your loved one’s fatal accident responsible for their actions. Your attorney will explain what a wrongful death case entails and, if warranted, serve as your legal representation.
What if You Accidentally Kill Someone in a Multi-Car Collision?
You can be held accountable if you kill someone in a multi-car collision by accident. If an investigation of the incident reveals you are to blame, you can receive criminal penalties. Meanwhile, the decedent’s family can sue you for damages.
If your family member is killed in a multi-car collision, consider your next steps carefully. Ultimately, if you do nothing, you take responsibility for the losses associated with your loved one’s tragic death. On the other hand, if you proceed with a wrongful death claim or lawsuit, you can seek justice and compensation from any responsible parties.
Per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 4.16.080, you have three years from the day of your family member’s fatal auto accident to ask for compensation from any liable parties. Weigh your legal options with a wrongful death attorney. Then, you can make an informed decision on which of these options may work well for you and your loved ones.
Why Should You Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer if Someone Accidentally Kills a Family Member in a Car Accident?
Wrongful death lawyers offer legal services and emotional support to the families of those who were killed in auto accidents. Reasons to hire a wrongful death attorney as you cope with the aftermath of your loved one’s fatal car accident include:
Your Attorney Will Provide Comprehensive Legal Guidance and Advice
Generally, you can file a wrongful death claim for a loved one in Washington if they are killed in an auto accident and someone else is liable. Trust a wrongful death lawyer to handle your legal matters. They will assist you at each stage of your case proceedings. As they do, you and your family can continue to care for and support one another during a challenging time.
Your Attorney Will Protect Your Legal Rights
The legal process is overwhelming, and you have no idea what to expect. Your attorney remains on your side at each stage of this process. They will teach you about the various types of wrongful death claims and what will take place during your legal proceedings. No matter what happens, your lawyer prioritizes your legal rights and those of your family.
Your Attorney Will Maximize Your Compensation
Financially, your family is in a tough spot after your loved one dies in an auto accident. Your lawyer looks at your financial losses. They want to secure fair compensation from anyone who accidentally killed your family member in an auto crash. If your attorney succeeds, you and your loved ones will get money that safeguards your financial future.
Who you select as your legal representation makes a difference in your wrongful death case. Work with an attorney who has a track record of success. This lawyer will give your case their undivided attention and position you to get case results that match or exceed your expectations.
Talk With a Lawyer About Your Fatal Car Accident
If you have accidentally killed someone in a car accident, discuss the incident with a criminal defense lawyer who can help you defend against criminal charges. For those who have lost a loved one in a fatal auto crash, ask for help from a wrongful death lawyer, as they can pursue compensation from any at-fault parties.
Premier Law Group is a Washington personal injury law firm that is big enough to win and small enough to care. We have over 55 years of combined experience. Our team knows how a fatal auto accident can impact a family. If you are debating whether to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit after a fatal car crash, we are here to help. Contact us today.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.