Did your loved one die as a result of a collision? Grief is heartbreaking no matter the details, but it can be even more overwhelming and distressing if you lost somebody as a result of another person’s reckless or careless behavior.
You deserve justice, and a Nassau County fatal car accident lawyer can provide legal help with your case. With a history of recovering over $100 million for our clients, Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers is home to attorneys with 50 years of combined experience.
Together, we have what it takes to represent you and your family. When you work with our car accident lawyers in Nassau County, you can expect to be treated like family. Plus, our law firm works with a sense of urgency rarely offered elsewhere. Contact us today for more information.
Wrongful Death Claims Start With the Fatal Crash
A fatal collision can result in a wrongful death claim when someone else engages in any of the following and causes the death of another person or people:
- Wrongful act
- Neglect
- Default
Your personal injury lawyer in Nassau County can investigate the collision. In doing so, they will determine if another driver, vehicle owner, company, or another responsible party should be included in the claim.
New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 5-4.1 allows the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate to bring an action on behalf of surviving beneficiaries.
The purpose of a wrongful death case is to give surviving family members a way to pursue financial compensation for the losses resulting from the death when another party is legally responsible.
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Establishing Fault Requires More Than a Police Report
A police report is important, but it is not necessarily the entire case. Your attorney can conduct an independent investigation into how the collision occurred. These are examples of evidence that your fatal auto accidents attorney in Nassau County will review when carrying out an investigation:
- Photographs
- Traffic-camera footage
- Vehicle damage
- Witness statements
- Roadway conditions
- Electronic vehicle information
- Medical records
- Other available evidence
Depending on the circumstances, the investigation could address issues such as speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, running a traffic signal, following too closely, impaired driving, or other negligent conduct.
The legal question is whether the evidence establishes that another person’s conduct caused the fatal collision. Our fatal car accident attorneys in Nassau County can organize the available evidence into a case that clearly connects the driver’s conduct to the death.
Insurance Coverage Can Be a Major Part of Your Case
After a fatal crash, insurance companies will likely get involved quickly. You might receive calls, letters, or settlement offers while you are still trying to process what happened. However, you don’t have to respond to them by yourself. Instead, let your fatal car accident lawyer in Nassau County handle those communications for you.
We can identify applicable policies, communicate with insurers, request coverage information, and evaluate settlement proposals. New York Insurance Law § 5103 explains personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, and New York Insurance Law § 3420 contains provisions concerning these matters:
- Automobile liability insurance
- Uninsured or unidentified motor vehicles
Your coverage can be important when the person responsible for the collision has no applicable insurance or cannot be identified. After a fatal car crash in Nassau County, your lawyer can examine the available policies and determine which sources of coverage should be pursued.
Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim Follow New York Law
When identifying who’s liable for your loved one’s death, it’s normal to wonder what damages can be recovered after a fatal accident. New York’s wrongful death statute establishes the types of financial losses that can be recovered.
EPTL § 5-4.3 provides for the recovery of reasonable medical, nursing, and funeral expenses connected to the injury and death. Your fatal car accident lawyer in Nassau County can also examine the financial relationship between the deceased person and the people who depended on that person to seek a recovery for:
- Loss of household income
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of household contributions
- Loss of parental guidance
- Other losses recognized under New York law
Your attorney can collect the records needed to document those losses and present them to the insurance company or court.
You might also be wondering how much a fatal car accident case is worth in New York. However, a wrongful death case is not based on an arbitrary number. Your recovery will depend on the unique losses your family has experienced.
For Advice From a Nassau County Fatal Car Accident Attorney, Call Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers
At Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers, our firm’s approach is personal. Our team treats every client like family, and our Nassau County fatal car accident attorneys work with a sense of urgency that reflects the seriousness of these deadly collisions.
As our client, you’ll receive direct access to your attorney’s cell phone number. Plus, our entire team is Spanish-bilingual, and we can come to you if it’s hard for you to make it to our office. We also work on a contingency-fee basis.
That way, your family doesn’t have to worry about affording any upfront attorney fees. Contact our firm to discuss your situation, learn about your legal options, and understand what compensation might be available. You can also see our previous verdicts & settlements for examples of our work. Come in as a client, leave as a friend. Contact us today!
