Speak With a Phoenix Wrongful Death Car Accident Lawyer Today
Losing a loved one in a car accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. Beyond the emotional trauma, families are often left facing sudden financial burdens, unanswered legal questions, and overwhelming uncertainty about the future. When a fatal crash is caused by another driver’s negligence, Arizona law allows surviving family members to pursue justice through a wrongful death claim. If your family has suffered a tragic loss in a collision, working with an experienced Phoenix wrongful death car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offers compassionate, free consultations to families throughout Phoenix who have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and are prepared to guide you through every step with care and determination.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. In the context of car accidents, this may include crashes caused by:
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Drunk or drug-impaired driving
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Speeding or reckless driving
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Distracted driving
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Commercial truck negligence
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Hit-and-run incidents
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Defective vehicle parts
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Unsafe road conditions
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit separate from any criminal charges that may be filed against the at-fault driver.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, the following parties may bring a wrongful death claim:
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The surviving spouse
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Surviving children
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Surviving parents or legal guardians
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The personal representative of the deceased’s estate
Each case is unique, and determining who has legal standing to file can require careful review. A Phoenix wrongful death car accident lawyer can help clarify your family’s rights.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Phoenix
Fatal crashes frequently occur on high-speed roadways such as I-10, I-17, Loop 101, and Loop 202. Common causes include:
Speeding
Excessive speed increases both the likelihood and severity of crashes.
DUI and Impaired Driving
Impaired drivers often cause head-on or high-impact collisions.
Distracted Driving
Texting or using mobile devices leads to delayed reactions.
Commercial Truck Accidents
The size and weight of trucks often result in fatal outcomes.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Chain-reaction crashes can involve devastating force.
Understanding the cause of the crash is critical to establishing liability.
Proving Liability in a Fatal Car Accident Case
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, it must be shown that:
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The at-fault party owed a duty of care
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That duty was breached through negligence or recklessness
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The breach directly caused the fatal crash
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The surviving family suffered damages
Important evidence may include:
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Police accident reports
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Toxicology results
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Event data recorder (“black box”) information
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Witness statements
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Surveillance or traffic camera footage
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Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Prompt investigation is essential to preserve evidence.
Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, financial compensation can help ease the burdens placed on surviving family members.
Economic Damages
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Medical expenses incurred prior to death
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Loss of financial support
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Loss of employment benefits
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Loss of future earnings
Non-Economic Damages
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Loss of companionship
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Loss of guidance and support
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Emotional pain and suffering
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Loss of consortium
Arizona law allows juries to consider the full impact of the loss on surviving family members.
Survival Actions vs. Wrongful Death Claims
In some cases, both a wrongful death claim and a survival action may be pursued.
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A wrongful death claim compensates family members.
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A survival action allows recovery for damages the deceased could have pursued had they survived (such as pain and suffering before death).
An experienced attorney can evaluate which claims apply.
Comparative Negligence in Arizona
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system. If the deceased was partially at fault, compensation may still be recovered—though reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to minimize payouts, making experienced legal representation critical.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Wrongful Death Claims
Because wrongful death cases often involve significant damages, insurers may:
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Dispute liability
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Challenge income and future earning projections
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Minimize emotional damages
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Offer low settlement amounts
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Delay negotiations
A skilled Phoenix wrongful death car accident lawyer ensures that your family’s claim is fully valued and aggressively pursued.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Fatal Car Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand that wrongful death cases are about more than financial compensation—they are about accountability and justice.
Our legal team:
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Conducts thorough crash investigations
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Preserves critical evidence
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Works with economic and accident reconstruction experts
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Calculates lifetime financial losses
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Handles all insurance communications
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Negotiates assertively for full compensation
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Takes cases to trial when necessary
We handle these cases with compassion, discretion, and determination.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning your family pays nothing unless we recover compensation.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
In most cases, wrongful death claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the date of death. Claims involving government entities may require earlier notice.
Missing deadlines can permanently bar recovery, making prompt legal action essential.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Fatal Car Accident in Phoenix
If your family has lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, you do not have to navigate the legal system alone.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, confidential consultation with a Phoenix wrongful death car accident lawyer. We are ready to stand by your family, pursue accountability, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Sources
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Arizona Revised Statutes – Wrongful Death Laws
https://www.azleg.gov -
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Fatal Crash Data
https://www.nhtsa.gov -
Arizona Department of Transportation – Traffic Fatality Statistics
https://azdot.gov
