Chicago Car Accident Wrongful Death Lawyers
If you have lost a loved one in an Illinois fatal car accident, you may not know what to do next. It is a time of grief and emotional trauma. Families who have lost a loved one also feel a lot of financial strain in terms of taking care of medical bills, funeral expenses and losing a source of income - in some cases - their only source of income. In auto accident cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking damages.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Car Accidents
In 2009, The Illinois Department of Transportation reported 911 fatalities resulting from car accidents. Some of the common causes of fatal collisions include:
- Drunk Driving - 41.2 percent of all Chicago car accidents were caused by drunk drivers. In such cases, a wrongful death claim may be filed against the drunk driver. If the driver was on-the-job at the time of the accident, his or her employer can also be held accountable.
- Distracted Driving - It is illegal to text while driving. Illinois law also prevents teenagers 18 years old and younger from using a cell phone while driving. Drivers who text or use a mobile phone while driving are much more likely to cause an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 fatalities were reported in the United States as a result of distracted driving in 2008.
- Dangerous Roadways - Poorly designed and maintained roads can lead to fatal collisions. The governing body in charge of the roadway may be held liable for damages.
- Failure to Yield Right-Of-Way - Running through a stop sign or traffic light is a common cause of fatal Chicago car accidents.
- Auto Defects - Defective brakes, tires and accelerators can lead to fatal crashes. Faulty seatbelts and defective airbags can fail to protect victims of serious car accidents. In such cases, the auto maker can be held liable for the victim's wrongful death.
Compensation Available to the Family of Fatal Crash Victims
No amount of money can compensate for the loss of a family member. A wrongful death claim will, however, help the family move on, maintain their financial stability and hold the wrongdoer accountable. Here is what families can usually claim in a Chicago wrongful death lawsuit:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost future income
- Loss of love, care and companionship
- Loss of benefits and pension
Some of these claims are more quantifiable than others. For example, it is relatively easier to produce receipts for medical or funeral expenses. It is more challenging to calculate lost future income – which is basically income that would have been earned by the deceased victim. It is, however, far more difficult to put a price on the "immeasurable" aspects such as the love and companionship of a loved one.
Wrongful death claims can be extremely complex. If you have recently lost a loved one in an Chicago Illinois car accident, please get in touch with the experienced Chicago fatal car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm. We strongly believe in holding negligent drivers accountable for fatal car accidents. We handle all cases with heart and sensitivity and treat our clients as we would treat our own family members. Please let us help you at this time of grief. Call us today for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.
Auto Accident Wrongful Death Verdicts & Settlements:
$4,007,000 Judgment in Truck Maintenance Negligence Wrongful Death Case.
$2,000,000 Settlement in 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Wrongful Death Case.
$1,000,000 Settlement in Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim.
$1,000,000 Settlement in Fatal Tractor Trailer Accident Case.
$321,398.50 Verdict in Auto Accident Wrongful Death Case.
$300,000 Settlement in Fatal Motorcycle Accident Case.
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