Though many of us were forced to stay at home for a large part of 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, unfortunately, we did not see a decrease in auto accident fatalities–in fact, we saw just the opposite. Auto accident fatalities in 2020 were up around 42,000 in the United States from around 39,000 in 2019–an increase of about 8%. While logically, this does not make any sense, upon closer examination, one can infer that despite a lower volume of traffic, people behaved more negligently than in previous years by speeding, texting while driving, driving while intoxicated, and more. If your loved one recently lost his or her life in an auto accident due to no fault of his own, you may have a valid wrongful death claim. Continue reading and speak with our Sacramento personal injury lawyer to learn more about how our firm can assist you through this difficult time. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Who is allowed to bring a wrongful death claim in California?
Not all those close to a loved one can bring a wrongful death claim, though if you are the decedent’s surviving spouse/domestic partner/putative spouse, a surviving child, a stepchild who was financially dependent on the decedent, or another relative who was financially dependent on the decedent, you should have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim.
What damages can a wrongful death claim cover?
Wrongful death claims can compensate someone for both economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills incurred by the loved one before his or her passing, funeral expenses, the cost of lost wages your family now faces as a result of your loved one passing away, emotional distress, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and more.
How long will I have to bring a wrongful death claim in California?
In California, it is critical that you take legal action within the state’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in California is, generally, two years, which means that you cannot wait any longer than two years from the date of death to take legal action against the liable party. We understand that this is a difficult time, but our compassionate firm is here to guide you through every step of the process ahead. You are not alone.
Contact our experienced California firm
Whether you’ve been injured in an accident due to negligence or you’ve been charged with a DUI, you cannot afford to proceed without strong legal representation at your side. Here at The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we are dedicated to helping all those in need of an attorney who can efficiently fight for their rights. Contact our firm today so we can discuss your case.