Fatal car accidents occur far too often. While the auto industry and tech companies take measures to reduce the number of deadly car accidents each year, the continued increase of vehicles on the road pushes that number in the opposite direction. Despite all the new safety features and technological advancements, fatal car crashes still happen. Losing a loved one in a car accident can turn your life upside down.
Following the death of a loved one, compensation is unlikely to be the first thing on your mind. However, recovering compensation can be crucial when attempting to rebuild your life after a tragic loss, especially if the deceased was the primary earner for your household. At Berry Law, we understand how the loss of a loved one affects most people emotionally and financially.
Before you can recover compensation after a fatal car accident, the insurance company must first determine who is at fault for the crash. Sorting out fault after an accident can be complicated. Often, multiple parties could potentially be held liable.
The last thing you need to worry about after losing a loved one is trying to prove fault. Fortunately, when you hire an experienced fatal car accident lawyer in Lincoln, NE, they will know exactly what to look for to determine fault.
Your attorney will investigate your case and attempt to establish who is liable for your damages while gathering evidence to support your claim. After establishing fault you may be able to move forward with an insurance claim or a wrongful death lawsuit.
Damages You Can Pursue After a Fatal Car Accident
After a fatal car accident, your lawyer will figure out what damages apply to your case to ensure you claim and collect all the money to which you are entitled. The damages you can potentially recover after an accident are split into two categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover any financial losses you suffer after a fatal car accident. Economic damages include any expenses you incur as a result of the accident. Additionally, you can receive economic damages for income your household was prevented from earning after a crash.
These damages include losses you currently face, as well as losses you will likely face in the future. Common economic damages include:
- Loss of past and future earnings from your deceased loved one
- Medical bills
- Funeral costs
- Burial costs
- Property damage
Depending on the specifics of the accident, a variety of other economic damages may apply to your case. For example, if losing your loved one forces you to pay for childcare services that were not necessary when your loved one was still alive, you could recover compensation for these expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate victims for any other losses that result from a fatal car accident. Because the death of a loved one is such a profound loss, the compensation awarded for non-economic damages often makes up the largest portion of a court-ordered payout or settlement.
The loss of a loved one is irreplaceable, which makes putting a fair price on this loss impossible. However, financial compensation is the only form of justice our civil court system can offer victims after a fatal car accident. Common non-economic damages include:
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- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Lowered quality of life
- Pain and suffering
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Time Is of the Essence When Filing a Lawsuit for a Fatal Car Accident
When attempting to recover compensation after a fatal car accident, it is important not to delay. Waiting to take action can lead to a variety of complications and prevent you from recovering the money you are entitled to after a crash. Hiring a car accident wrongful death lawyer right away will put you in the best position possible to get fair compensation.
One reason acting quickly is so important is that the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Nebraska is typically two years. If you fail to submit your lawsuit on time, you could find that you have lost your right to pursue compensation from the liable party.
Another reason to get started early is that it will give your fatal car accident attorney in Lincoln, NE, the best opportunity to recover evidence before it can become lost or corrupted. Additionally, any witness testimony you intend to use in the case will be more reliable the closer it is given to the date of the crash.
Get Help from an Experienced Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Lincoln
At Berry Law, we have a long history of helping accident victims recover the compensation they need and deserve after a fatal car crash. Our team of Lincoln lawyers works hard to ensure you receive the money you are entitled to receive under the law.
Call us or complete our online contact form today to schedule your free consultation with a member of our team.
