Speak With a Los Angeles 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. When the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence—such as reckless driving, speeding, or drunk driving—the grief is often accompanied by anger, confusion, and serious financial stress. Families may suddenly face funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of a loved one’s income and support.
If your family has lost someone in a fatal crash, working with an experienced Los Angeles wrongful death car accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and financial compensation. While no legal action can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and hold negligent parties accountable.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to families throughout Los Angeles who have lost loved ones in serious car accidents.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies as the result of another party’s negligent or wrongful actions. In the context of car accidents, this typically means that the driver who caused the crash failed to operate their vehicle safely.
Common examples of negligence that may lead to wrongful death claims include:
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Drunk or impaired driving
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Distracted driving (such as texting while driving)
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Speeding or reckless driving
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Running red lights or stop signs
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Unsafe lane changes
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Drowsy driving
When these actions result in a fatal accident, surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California law allows certain family members to file wrongful death claims after a fatal accident.
Eligible parties typically include:
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The deceased person’s spouse or domestic partner
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Children of the deceased
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Grandchildren (if the children are deceased)
In some cases, other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased—such as stepchildren or parents—may also be eligible to file a claim.
Because wrongful death laws can be complex, families should speak with a Los Angeles wrongful death car accident lawyer to determine their legal rights.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has some of the busiest roads in the country, and serious crashes occur every day.
Fatal accidents are often caused by:
Drunk Driving
Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment.
Distracted Driving
Drivers using phones or other devices may fail to notice traffic hazards.
Speeding
High speeds significantly increase the likelihood of fatal injuries.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating and unsafe lane changes can lead to catastrophic crashes.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads or confusing traffic patterns may contribute to accidents.
Types of Fatal Car Accidents
Several types of crashes frequently lead to wrongful death claims.
These include:
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Head-on collisions
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High-speed rear-end accidents
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T-bone or side-impact crashes
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Multi-vehicle pileups
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Pedestrian accidents
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Motorcycle accidents
These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries that prove fatal.
Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim
Families who pursue wrongful death claims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
These damages compensate families for financial losses resulting from the death.
Examples include:
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Medical bills related to the final injury
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Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
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Loss of household services
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address the emotional and relational losses suffered by surviving family members.
Examples include:
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Loss of companionship
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Loss of love and emotional support
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Loss of guidance and care for children
The value of a wrongful death claim often depends on factors such as the deceased person’s age, health, income, and role within the family.
Proving Liability in a Fatal Car Accident
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, it must be shown that another party’s negligence caused the fatal accident.
Evidence used in these cases may include:
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Police accident reports
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Traffic camera footage
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Witness statements
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Vehicle damage analysis
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Accident reconstruction expert reports
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Medical records
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Toxicology reports in DUI cases
A skilled Los Angeles wrongful death car accident lawyer can gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident.
Even if the deceased person was partially at fault, surviving family members may still recover compensation. However, the final award may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned.
Insurance companies frequently use this rule to try to minimize payouts.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Wrongful Death Claims
Insurance companies often challenge wrongful death claims because they can involve significant compensation.
Insurers may attempt to:
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Dispute liability for the accident
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Argue that the victim contributed to the crash
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Minimize the financial impact of the loss
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Offer settlements that undervalue the claim
An experienced attorney can negotiate with insurers and ensure families receive fair treatment.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Wrongful Death Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand the profound loss families experience after a fatal car accident. Our legal team is committed to helping families seek justice while handling the legal complexities of wrongful death claims.
We focus on:
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Conducting thorough accident investigations
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Gathering critical evidence
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Working with medical and accident reconstruction experts
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Calculating the full financial impact of the loss
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Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
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Taking cases to trial when necessary
Our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning families pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
In California, wrongful death lawsuits must generally be filed within two years from the date of the person’s death.
However, cases involving government entities or dangerous road conditions may involve shorter deadlines.
Because evidence can disappear over time, it is important to speak with a Los Angeles wrongful death car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Fatal Car Accident in Los Angeles
If your family has lost a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers, justice, and financial support.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles wrongful death car accident lawyer. Our team is here to support your family and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
Sources
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California Office of Traffic Safety – Traffic Fatality Data
https://www.ots.ca.gov -
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics
https://www.nhtsa.gov -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Motor Vehicle Injury Data
https://www.cdc.gov
