When a Loved One is Killed in a Southern California Car Accident

Losing a loved one in a Southern California car accident can be devastating for the whole family. It can leave family members wondering what to do.  If you are in this situation, we want to extend our condolences to you.

When you are injured in a car accident you can file a claim against the other driver to try and collect compensation. However, what can you do if your loved one is killed? Who files the claim?

The good news is that you have options. If the fatal accident was caused by negligence by the other driver you can pursue a wrongful death suit and potentially collect damages for the surviving dependants.

In short, in a wrongful death suit it is alleged that the victim was killed because the defendant was negligent and caused the accident. It is assumed that the victim would not have been killed if the defendant wasn’t negligent. Again, it allows the victim’s dependants an opportunity to collect damages.

The main difference between a personal injury claim and a wrongful death suit is in who is doing the suing. The victim is the one who brings the action in a personal injury case while someone else other than the victim files the claim in a wrongful death suit.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one in a Southern California car accident, you should contact an experienced Los Angeles workers car accident attorney at Steinberg & Spencer at (800) 350-8888.

Read the article, Southern California Car Accident Attorney Explains Wrongful Death Lawsuits, for more information.