Grief and emotional distress are common for those who have lost a family member in a fatal car crash. In the aftermath of a loved one’s fatal auto accident, remember you have access to help.
A fatal car accident lawyer in Everett empathizes with those in this situation. If you want to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit, they can help you take the first step to do so.
Allow a car accident lawyer in Everett from Murphy Trial Law to review your case. Our team has years of experience, and we want to help you with your case against anyone liable for your loved one’s fatal auto accident. Contact us today for more information.
Why Now Is the Right Time to File a Fatal Car Accident Claim in Everett, Washington
It can be overwhelming to file a fatal car accident claim. Ultimately, your claim does not change the fact that your loved one is gone, and that someone else is liable for their fatal accident. However, it can provide you with an opportunity to pursue justice and compensation for the harm that you and your family have suffered.
An Everett personal injury lawyer can explain the claims process and what can happen if you move forward. They can share information about Washington State’s car accident laws and others that apply to your case. At each stage of your claim, your lawyer is available to address your legal concerns and questions.
If you are considering the many reasons to get a lawyer after a car accident, it’s often a good idea to speak with the team at Murphy Trial Law.
We have recorded millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our fatal car accident attorneys in Everett can assist you with a fatal car accident claim and help you make informed decisions every step of the way. Request a free case consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal car accident lawyer serving Everett, call (425) 835-2614
What to Expect If You File a Fatal Car Crash Claim
Unfortunately, just because you file an insurance claim for a fatal car crash in Everett doesn’t guarantee that a liable party’s insurer will offer a fair settlement. The insurance company can dispute or deny your claim or propose a settlement that encompasses only a fraction of the losses that you face from your loved one’s fatal accident.
Your Everett car accident lawyer can communicate with an at-fault party’s insurer for you. They can describe how long it can take to get a car accident settlement. If no settlement agreement is reached, your attorney can help you proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit.
Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 4.16.080(2), the statute of limitations for most wrongful death lawsuits is three years from the date of death. Based on this, if you are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased person (decedent), you generally have up to three years from the date to sue as part of a fatal auto accident lawsuit.
Everett Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (425) 835-2614
Who Can File a Fatal Auto Crash Lawsuit
In alignment with RCW 4.20.020, specific family members of a decedent can ask for compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, a decedent’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or stepchildren can be primary beneficiaries who can sue for damages. If a decedent doesn’t have primary beneficiaries, their parents or siblings are eligible to sue.
Your fatal auto accidents attorney in Everett can provide you with FAQs and other resources regarding the requirements for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington. If you meet these requirements, they can help you sue for economic and non-economic damages.
In your fatal auto collision lawsuit, you can recover damages for your loved one’s burial and funeral expenses, medical bills that they incurred before death, and other tangible losses. Outside of these losses, you can be compensated for your loss of companionship and other subjective harm.
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Evidence That You Can Use in a Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit
Your wrongful death attorney will investigate your loved one’s fatal auto accident to identify any responsible parties. In addition, the investigation will help your lawyer gather evidence to support your compensation request. Below are types of evidence that your lawyer can use in your lawsuit:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Statements from witnesses who saw the accident
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Pay stubs
Evidence can help your lawyer in settlement negotiations with an at-fault party or their insurance company. In the midst of these negotiations, your attorney will still treat your case as if it will go in front of a judge or jury. That way, in a trial, your lawyer will be well-positioned to use the evidence at their disposal to prove negligence.
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How to Show Negligence in a Fatal Auto Accident Case
Wrongful death lawyers can put together arguments around negligence. If you have lost a family member in a fatal auto accident and sue for damages, your lawyer will argue that your loved one’s death was the result of the defendant’s negligent acts.
For example, a motorist is speeding and can’t stop in time to avoid a fatal collision involving your loved one. In this situation, your lawyer can describe to a judge or jury how the motorist broke the law by speeding, which represents a breach of duty of care. They can also explain how the motorist’s actions led to the accident and left you with losses.
According to RCW 4.22, pure comparative negligence applies to fatal auto accident lawsuits. If you sue someone for a fatal car accident in which you’ve lost a member of your family and your loved one is deemed partly liable, the court will reduce your damages by their percentage of fault.
Our Everett Fatal Car Accident Lawyers Strive to Fight for Our Clients and Restore Hope
Get help from an Everett fatal car accident attorney from Murphy Trial Law. Our compassionate and caring wrongful death lawyers are prepared to help you with your fatal auto accident claim or lawsuit. Contact us today to learn more.
Call or text (425) 835-2614 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form