Fatal Car Accidents in St. Louis County
Accidents are always a looming possibility when driving a vehicle for commuting or leisure purposes. Unfortunately, many vehicle collisions turn fatal due to the weight and speed of automobiles. These unexpected crashes could leave a family without the financial support and companionship that they were prepared to receive for many years.
If your family lost a loved one in a fatal accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, you may have legal options. An adaptable vehicle collision lawyer could explain how to handle fatal car accidents in St. Louis County and help your family file a wrongful death claim.
Locations and Causes of Fatal Crashes in St. Louis County
Lethal collisions could happen anywhere in the county, but fatal incidents most commonly occur on major highways like Interstates 270, 170 and I-7. Interstate 270, for example, is widely known as one of the most dangerous roadways in the country. Its high speed-limit and traffic density can be problematic for many drivers.
Analyzing evidence can reveal patterns and demonstrate the most common causes of fatal car accidents. Typical causes of these wrecks include but are not limited to:
- Intersection crashes;
- High speed impacts;
- Rear impact collisions;
- Tractor-trailer incidents;
- Commercial vehicle wrecks.
Any combination of these automobile crashes could have disastrous consequences for innocent motorists. If the collision was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver, the family of the decedent might have multiple options available. A compassionate attorney in St. Louis County could analyze the lethal crash to determine whether a wrongful death lawsuit is a valid next step.
When Does a Fatal Car Crash Warrant a Wrongful Death Claim?
In order for a wrongful death claim to be possible, investigators and legal representatives need to establish that the fatality was definitely caused by the car accident itself.
In cases where a motorist dies during or immediately following the accident, a medical expert will usually confirm that the car collision caused a wrongful death. In other situations, like cases where a patient dies in the hospital sometime after a wreck, a medical expert will usually examine any relevant evidence and come to a calculated decision.
Regardless of the nature of the fatal car accident, a resourceful lawyer in St. Louis County from Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers could fight to demonstrate that the wrongful death was definitely caused by the wreck itself.
Filing a Fatal Car Wreck Claim and Collecting Compensation
After a legal representative establishes that a lethal car collision was caused by the careless actions of another motorist, a family can begin filing a wrongful death claim to collect money.
The process of submitting a lawsuit begins with ensuring that the right person brings it to court. In Missouri, the children, spouse, or parents of the decedent are the only ones able to initiate a wrongful death action. Cases are usually stronger when these parties work together to construct a compelling argument.
Compensation in fatal wreck cases can be substantial and repayments usually align with the typical wrongful death reimbursement. Common examples of money damages in these cases include coverage for lost wages and loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, or loss of consortium. However, if a claimant can prove that the guilty was navigating maliciously or illegally, they could invoke punitive damages for the wrongful conduct. The defendant might also face jail time or further legal consequences. A knowledgeable attorney in St. Louis County could thoroughly assess the details of a fatal car accident to maximize financial compensation.
An Attorney Could Help after a Fatal Car Accident in St. Louis County
The dense and hectic nature of St. Louis’ highways can make fatal crashes an unfortunate but real possibility. An empathetic lawyer could be a powerful asset if you lost a family member or partner in an unexpected collision. A partner at our legal team could offer compassionate guidance and outline how to best tackle fatal car accidents in St. Louis.
You might be entitled to collect money and a consultation could help you build the case you need to hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions. Call our offices today to schedule your consultation and get started on your case.