Los Angeles Fatal Car Accident Lawyers Who Fight For Justice

Compassionate legal representation for grieving families in Southern California

The loss of a close loved one to a deadly car accident is one of the most challenging experiences that any person can ever be forced to endure. At Oaks Law Firm, our fatal car accident lawyers are compassionate, experienced, and dedicated advocates for families. For over 20 years, we have helped grieving families in the San Fernando Valley and throughout LA County obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. We know what it takes to build a strong case that gets results.

Common causes of fatal car accidents in LA County

Fatal car accidents can occur under various circumstances. The likelihood of fatalities often depends on factors such as speed, point of impact, safety features of the vehicles involved, and the preexisting health of the occupants. Here's a list of some of the most common types of car accidents that are known to be particularly deadly in California:

Head-on collisions. These happen when the fronts of two vehicles hit each other while moving in opposite directions. The combined speed amplifies the impact, significantly increasing the chance of severe injuries or fatalities.
High-speed collisions. Accidents that occur at high speeds, regardless of the type (e.g., head-on, side-impact). Higher speeds reduce the effectiveness of vehicle safety features and increase the force of impact, leading to more severe injuries or fatalities.
Side-impact collisions (T-Bones). Occurs when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape. The sides of vehicles have less protection compared to the front and rear, making occupants more vulnerable to injuries.
Rollovers. When a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. Rollovers can crush vehicle roofs and eject passengers if seatbelts are not used, often leading to fatal outcomes.
Multi-vehicle pile-ups. Accidents involving multiple vehicles, often occurring on highways. The chaos and multiple impacts increase the possibility of severe injuries, and escaping the wreck can be difficult, increasing the risk of being caught in subsequent collisions.
Hit and runs. Accidents, where at least one involved party leaves the scene before offering help or reporting the crash, have an increased risk of death due to the likely delayed medical response resulting in otherwise preventable fatalities.
Drunk driving accidents. Accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications because these substances can dramatically decrease a driver's reaction time, decision-making skills, and overall vehicle control, leading to severe crashes.
Distracted driving accidents. This type of crash involves drivers who are not fully paying attention to the road due to texting, eating, or other distractions. Like impaired driving, decreased attention to driving increases the likelihood of severe accidents.

Each of these accident types is particularly dangerous due to unique factors that increase the severity of impacts, reduce the effectiveness of safety measures, or increase occupant vulnerability.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?

In California, certain individuals have the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit when a loved one dies due to another party's negligence or wrongful actions. Understanding who is eligible to bring such a claim is crucial for seeking justice and compensation after a fatal car accident. The following individuals are typically eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California:

Surviving spouse or domestic partner: The deceased person's spouse or registered domestic partner has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim.
Children: The deceased person's children, including biological and adopted children, can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Parents: If the deceased person had no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, their parents might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
Siblings: In cases where there are no surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or parents, siblings of the deceased person can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Dependents: Individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased person, such as stepchildren or putative spouses (a person who had a good faith belief that they were legally married to the deceased), may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
Personal representatives: A personal representative of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the estate and any heirs.

It's important to note that California law also allows for claims by minors who have resided in the deceased person's household for at least 180 days prior to the death and were dependent on the deceased for at least 50% of their financial support.

Compensation for a fatal car accident in California

When a loved one tragically loses their life in a car accident in California, the surviving family members may be entitled to compensation. This financial recovery aims to ease the burden of the loss and cover various damages resulting from the accident. The types of compensation available in a wrongful death claim include:

Economic damages: These are quantifiable losses that include:

Medical expenses: Costs for medical care related to the accident before the victim's passing.
Funeral and burial expenses: Reasonable costs for laying the deceased to rest.
Loss of financial support: Compensation for the income and financial support the deceased would have provided to the family.
Loss of benefits: The value of benefits, such as health insurance or pension plans, that the deceased provided.

Non-economic damages: These damages compensate for the non-financial impact of the loss, including:

Loss of companionship and comfort: Compensation for the emotional support, love, and companionship the deceased provided.
Loss of consortium: For spouses, this includes the loss of affection, sexual relations, and companionship.
Loss of guidance: For children, compensation for the loss of parental guidance and nurturing.

Punitive Damages: In certain cases, if the at-fault party's actions were particularly reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Securing compensation for a fatal car accident can be challenging, as it often involves dealing with insurance companies and proving the full extent of the losses. Surviving family members should seek legal representation to navigate the legal system and ensure they receive fair compensation.

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one due to a fatal car accident, an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue a wrongful death claim to recover the compensation you deserve.

Oaks Law Firm is here to listen and help

Wrongful death claims involving fatal car accidents are among the most complex types of legal cases. Time is a critical factor. With limited exceptions, California’s statute of limitations to file a wrongful death lawsuit is two years. Some families have even less time to take legal action.

If your loved one died in a Southern California car accident, contact Oaks Law Firm to schedule a free and confidential case consultation. A member of our team will listen to what happened, answer related legal questions, explain your options, and help you decide what to do next. Don't face this alone when you can have attorney Matthew Nezhad by your side fighting for what’s right every step of the way.

With offices throughout California, including in Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills, we advocate for the rights and interests of grieving family members in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley region, and statewide.