Losing a loved one in a car accident is an incredibly traumatic experience. Beyond grieving, you may also be suffering from financial hardship as a result, which only adds to the stress and pain. No one should have to worry about how they are going to survive financially after the loss of a family member. If your loved one was killed in an accident that wasn’t their fault, then you could be entitled to compensation. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Sarasota to learn more.
Contact our team of car accident lawyers in Sarasota at The Law Place today and see how we can help. We have over 75 years of collective experience dealing with car accident cases in Florida. We know what a difficult time this is for you and your family. We will work with you to take away some of the stress and do everything in our power to win you compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation on (941) 444-444. Our phone lines are always open so that we can be there when you need it most.
Fatal Car Accidents in Sarasota
Car accidents are common occurrences in Sarasota and Florida. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), in 2018 alone, there were 403,626 accidents, and 3,135 of those accidents led to fatalities.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, including people texting while driving. Another common cause is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When the cause of a fatality was avoidable, such as in the instances mentioned above, it can be particularly painful for family members. If your loved one was killed by a distracted driver, then you should be entitled to compensation.
But no matter the cause, you should contact a car accident attorney so that they can review your case and offer free legal advice as to what your next steps should be. If you agree to representation from us, then we will handle all of the paperwork and legal proceedings, so you don’t have to.
Proving Liability in Fort Myers Car Accidents
In order to obtain compensation for the death of a loved one, your Sarasota car accident lawyer will need to prove that another person acted negligently and that this caused the accident that led to a fatality.
It could be another driver who was negligent. They may have been driving distracted or behaving recklessly. Or the car manufacturer or local governing body responsible for the upkeep of the roads could be responsible. In which case, your lawyer may look to take a car company or mechanic to court. Examples of this include faulty car parts, such as tires, airbags, or seat belts. An example where a governing body might be responsible is if there was loose debris on the side of the road.
If you have lost a family member due to someone else’s negligent behavior, then your car accident attorneys will help you to seek compensation through Wrongful Death Action. These are civil cases, not criminal, which means that the harm did not have to be intentional for someone to be held responsible. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will tell you if we think you have a valid claim.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Sarasota Car Accident Resulting in a Fatality?
In Sarasota, a wrongful death claim under Florida Statute 768.21 can be pursued by a family member of the deceased. This includes a spouse, children, or parents. A sibling or other blood relative may also be able to claim if they were dependent on the deceased.
A personal representative, as mentioned in a will, may be able to claim. Or if they did not have a will, the family may be able to decide on a personal representative.
This can seem complex. However, a Sarasota lawyer will be able to help you figure out who would be filing the lawsuit and what type of compensation they may be able to claim. Speak to us today for a free consultation.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Compensation for an Auto Accident Resulting in Fatalities in Sarasota County
No amount of money can make up for the pain of losing someone close to you. However, you should not have to deal with financial hardship on top of your grief. You should let us fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.
The damages you may be able to seek in Sarasota are:
- Medical bills – Any medical treatment following the accident.
- Loss of wages – If your loved one was a source of income to your household, then you could claim for their lost wages.
- Pain and suffering – You can recover compensation for the pain and suffering experienced for the grief of losing a loved one.
- Loss of companionship – If the deceased person is leaving behind a spouse or children in Sarasota, then you may be able to recover compensation for the loss of care, companionship, and comfort.
- Cost of funeral arrangements – Funerals are expensive, and you should not be left with the bill. Instead, seek help from injury lawyers who will help you to claim compensation.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Sarasota County
According to Florida Statues 95.11, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years. This is unlike personal injury claims, where the time limit is usually four years.
Two years may seem like a long time, but it is a good idea to seek legal help as soon as possible following an accident. The sooner you act, the better, as we will be better able to gather evidence and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve. The insurance company of the at-fault party will get to work quickly to limit their liability. Therefore, it is important that you do the same.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and we can discuss your options.
The Process of Filing for Wrongful Death for Accidents in Sarasota County
When you contact The Law Place, you will receive a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, who will determine if they think you have a valid claim. At which point, you will be assigned an attorney suited to your case and will be invited for an in-depth review.
Your attorney will explain how everything works, including fees, your legal options, and what to expect going forward. At which point, you can decide if you wish to proceed with the representation.
If you do, we will get straight to work. We will review your case as a team so that you can benefit from our combined understanding. At the same time, you receive a personal attorney who will become your advocate and do everything in their power to take away some of the stress you are experiencing and gain you the compensation you deserve.
Most cases rarely go to court. Instead, they are often settled by insurance companies. This is good because it takes away the need for a stressful court battle. Your attorney will determine how much your case is worth and will ensure that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies who are looking to save money at your expense. If you cannot come to an agreement with the insurance company, your attorney will be prepared to face them in court.
You should be wary if an insurance company is quick to offer you a settlement. It is likely less than what you deserve, especially when you consider your future losses, pain, and suffering.
Contact The Law Place in Florida Today
If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Sarasota or elsewhere in Florida, then contact The Law Place today for a free consultation. We will help you to determine whether you have a valid compensation claim and how much your case is worth. We will collect evidence and deal with all the legal stuff, taking away some of the stress of such a difficult time.
With over 75 years of combined experience and a team of dedicated and knowledgeable attorneys, we are ready to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation on (941) 444-444.
