Losing a loved one in a car accident is profoundly devastating. In the midst of intense grief and confusion, financial stresses may also quickly arise. Navigating the legal process after a fatal crash is an overwhelming prospect. However, a Lansing car accident lawyer can help.
The Lansing fatal car accident attorneys of White Law PLLC can guide your family with compassion while tirelessly pursuing accountability and compensation. More than skilled legal counsel, we aim to be a caring advocate you can lean on in this time of emotional upheaval.
By thoroughly investigating liability, we work to build the strongest case possible while handling insurance claims to help alleviate your financial concerns. Though no lawsuit can erase the pain, holding responsible parties fully accountable may bring some solace and the resources you need to move forward.
We Can Help You After the Loss of a Loved One
Here are some details on how a Lansing car accident attorney can help after a fatal crash:
Gather Evidence
We will obtain all police and crash investigation records like any surveillance footage, data recorders, and witness statements to fully understand the cause of the accident. An accident reconstruction may be done.
Identify Liable Parties
Your Lansing personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties. This could include negligent drivers and vehicle owners, manufacturers if a defective vehicle part was involved, or even third parties who may share liability.
Calculate The Value of Your Claim
A complete calculation of losses will be performed. Medical records are gathered detailing the injuries and treatment timeline leading to death. These help determine the damages being claimed on behalf of heirs.
Your fatal car accident attorney will interview family members to learn about the deceased – who they were as a person, relationships, income earned over their work lifespan, non-economic contributions to heirs, and more. This forms the basis of determining the total case value.
Aggressively Negotiate for Fair Compensation
Your attorney will handle all contact with opposing parties and insurance companies. Negotiations are conducted with all defendant insurance providers, presenting the evidence and demanding fair compensation for things like lost financial support, companionship, and more intangible losses to beneficiaries.
Pursue Your Claim and Represent You in Court
An experienced Lansing car accident wrongful death lawyer with our firm will be well-versed in trial procedures and tactics should negotiations stall and the claim need to be litigated.
As in pre-trial negotiations, the ultimate goal in trial is achieving a resolution honoring the victim’s memory through enforcement of accountability.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Damages Available in a Fatal Car Accident Claim
When someone dies in an automobile accident in Michigan, their loved ones can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent driver to recover whatever damages the victim would have been entitled to if they had lived. Damages recoverable could cover not just medical bills and lost wages but also emotional distress and companionship.
Here are some types of damages generally available in a wrongful death claim resulting from a fatal car accident in Michigan:
- Economic Damages: This includes monetary losses suffered as a direct result of the death, such as lost wages and financial support the deceased would have provided to heirs over their work life.
- Loss of Society & Companionship: Heirs can be compensated for the non-economic losses of affection, counsel, care, attention, companionship, comfort, and protection they are deprived of by the family member’s death.
- Mental Anguish: Surviving family members may claim damages for the severe emotional distress caused by the loss of their loved one in the accident. Things like grief and ongoing psychological suffering are considered.
In Michigan, there is no cap on the total damages a court can award in a wrongful death case. Compensation aims to fairly value all aspects of the loss based on the unique circumstances and proof provided. An experienced fatal car accident attorney in Lansing will help maximize the claim.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Car Accident in Lansing, Michigan?
A wrongful death claim must be filed on behalf of the family by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This individual is the only one with the legal standing to file the suit. A member of the family is often appointed as the personal representative. Typically, the representative is a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. The legislation is outlined in Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.2922
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Michigan?
In general, you have 3 years from the date of death to file a claim. There can be exceptions that affect this time frame, so it is important to seek help from a fatal car accident lawyer in Lansing as soon as possible. Additional details and exceptions on the Statute of Limitations can be found in Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.5852.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Contact A Fatal Car Accident Law Firm In Lansing To Learn About Your Legal Options Today
With time and support, day by day, healing is possible. We walk beside you on this journey, committed to honoring your loved one’s memory through diligent, sensitive legal advocacy. Please know you don’t have to face this alone. Contact White Law PLLC today for a free, confidential, no-obligation case evaluation.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
