After a fatal car accident, the pain is indescribable. Combined with the added stress that a lawsuit can bring, the tragedy never ends. More than 6 million people are injured in automobile accidents in the United States each year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one car crash occurs every 13 minutes in the United States. The number of deaths caused by automobile accidents in the United States remains high even with the existence of new laws and technological advances.
The situation is particularly bad in San Jose, which has seen a scary rise in the number of traffic deaths in 2021. The 60 deaths recorded are the highest the city has ever seen. A lawyer can help you get compensation if you were involved in a car accident in San Jose. You can find San Jose car accident attorneys at Dongaline.com or other websites. They put in the effort required to help the victim’s family negotiate a settlement.
Quite often, due to the emotional trauma of the accident, victims don’t know what to look for in compensation. This article explains what type of compensation the victim’s family is entitled to after a fatal accident.
Wrongful Death Damages
The most important form of compensation is the payment of damages for wrongful death. These include various aspects, including expenses associated with the funeral, medical bills related to the final injury or illness, and the agony the deceased person endured before their death.
In addition, it includes the loss of financial support that the deceased would have offered to their families.
Loss of Consortium
Depriving yourself of the benefits of family ties due to the death of a loved one is what the term “loss of consortium” refers to. The compensation factor covers emotional loss, loss of companionship, guidance, and parental care experienced by the rest of the family.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded when the negligent party exhibits gross negligence or recklessness. The purpose of these damages is to punish the person responsible and discourage future occurrences of similar or comparable behavior.
Property Damage
The settlement also includes compensation for property damage, even though it may seem minor compared to the loss of a life. Property damage includes expenses related to repairing or replacing an automobile or any other property damaged due to the accident.
Emotional and Mental Trauma
Due to the mental anguish and emotional hardship brought on by the death of a loved one, surviving family members face a range of emotional conditions. Grieving, traumatic experiences, and psychological suffering all have significant effects. The possibility of seeking compensation for these components must be considered when filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Legal Expenses
In many cases, the costs and legal fees associated with pursuing a compensation claim are also covered by the insurance company. An example would be costs associated with legal proceedings, such as attorney fees, court costs, and other expenses.
Conclusion
It is always good to seek legal assistance from a car accident attorney when filing a compensation claim. Although it is not necessary to have legal aid, most accident victims find it extremely difficult to understand how to protect their legal rights throughout the process. Legal assistance eliminates these challenges.