Losing someone in a crash changes everything. If your loved one was killed in a traffic collision in Burbank, CA, you may be trying to make sense of what happens next. This page is here to help you understand your legal options.
You’ll find clear steps on how to file a claim, who can take legal action, and what compensation may be available. Our Burbank fatal car accident lawyer team provides legal representation for families during this difficult time.
We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. To speak with a car accident lawyer in Burbank, call (626) 793-8607 today.
When a Car Accident Becomes Fatal
A fatal auto accident happens when someone dies because of the crash. These cases often involve life-threatening injuries that lead to death at the scene or shortly after.
Losing someone this way affects every part of your life, emotionally and financially. Families may face not just grief, but also unexpected costs and hard questions about what comes next.
Car accident deaths are handled differently than injury claims. The law allows close family members to file what's called a wrongful death claim. This can help with costs and bring some sense of accountability.
In 2023, about 40,901 people died in traffic crashes across the U.S.. In California, car accident deaths dropped from 4,539 in 2022 to 4,061 in 2023, but the risk remains. (Sources: NHTSA and OTS)
Fatal Car Accident Risks in Burbank and Nearby LA County
Burbank, California is a busy area where car accidents are more likely to happen, especially during rush hours or late nights. Certain roads and intersections are known for higher risk.
These are common areas in Burbank where accidents often occur:
- SR 134 and I-5, which have fast-moving traffic and merging lanes
- Magnolia Boulevard, where pedestrians, parked cars, and tight turns raise the risk
- Streets near schools, bars, or nightlife spots, where drivers may be distracted or impaired
Burbank is part of Los Angeles County, which sees hundreds of traffic deaths each year. In 2024, LA County reported about 653 fatal crashes, a number that has remained steady in recent years.
While we may not have exact numbers just for Burbank, these county-wide figures show the serious risk drivers and passengers face every day in this region.
Leading Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Burbank
Fatal car accidents are often the result of driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. In many cases, one small mistake can lead to a crash that changes everything. Knowing the common causes can help families understand what might have gone wrong and why legal responsibility matters.
Some crashes are caused by speeding or reckless behavior. Others happen because someone wasn’t paying attention or made a risky move at an intersection. These are the most common causes of fatal accidents in Burbank and nearby areas:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using GPS
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe turns or failure to yield at intersections
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Hit-and-run crashes
- Accidents involving rideshare or commercial trucks
- Poor road design or low visibility
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes or weaving through traffic
- Head-on collisions and T-bone accidents
In California, more than half of the drivers involved in fatal accidents tested positive for impairing substances. (Source: NHTSA) This highlights the serious impact of human error on traffic safety.
What Families Should Do After a Fatal Crash
Losing a loved one in a car crash brings shock and confusion. While no one wants to think about legal steps right away, knowing what to do can protect your family’s future. These actions can help if you decide to file a wrongful death claim later.
- Call 911 and make sure a Traffic Collision Report is filed
- Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies too soon
- Save any evidence you can, photos, dashcam footage, and witness contacts
- Keep important documents like funeral costs and medical records together
- Talk to a lawyer before signing anything or starting the claims process
These steps may feel hard during this time, but they can make a real difference. A lawyer can explain your legal rights and help you understand if you have a wrongful death claim or auto accident claim. Most offer an initial consultation at no cost.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Auto Accident
A wrongful death claim is a legal way for families to seek justice after losing someone due to another person’s actions. Under California law, this type of claim lets certain family members recover for the harm caused by the death. It’s part of the state’s personal injury law and helps hold the at-fault party responsible.
The law allows a spouse, child, parent, or financial dependent to file a wrongful death claim. These rules are found under California Civil Code § 377.60. If the person who died didn’t have close family, others who depended on them may also qualify.
To move forward, three things must be proven:
- Negligence – that someone acted carelessly
- Causation – that this carelessness caused the death
- Damages – that the family suffered real losses
Some cases can be more complex, such as when a government vehicle was involved or the crash happened on a poorly maintained road. These situations may follow different timelines or notice rules under California law. Learn more about wrongful death cases here.
What Compensation Can a Wrongful Death Case Cover
Losing someone you love changes everything. And while no amount of money can ever make things right, a wrongful death claim can help relieve some of the financial pressure that often comes after a fatal crash.
In California, the law gives families the right to seek compensation for what was lost, not just money, but support, care, and the role your loved one played in your life. This can help you move forward without carrying the full cost alone.
Some of the things a wrongful death claim may cover include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income your loved one would have earned
- Loss of help around the house, like cooking or childcare
- Loss of love, care, and emotional support
- Any medical bills or pain your loved one had before passing
Every case is different. A lawyer can walk you through what kinds of compensation might apply to your situation and what steps to take next.
Proving Fault in a Fatal Car Accident Case
In a fatal crash, finding out what happened and who was responsible, is one of the most important steps. California uses a fault-based system, which means the person who caused the crash can be held legally and financially responsible.
Proving fault often takes more than just a police report. A lawyer will look at all the details that help explain the crash. This includes records, footage, and anything else that shows what went wrong.
The types of evidence that are often used include:
- Police and medical examiner reports
- Dashcam or street camera video
- Black box or event data from the vehicles
- Phone and text records
- Drug or alcohol test results
- Statements from people who saw the crash
California also follows what’s called comparative fault. This means even if your loved one was partly at fault, your family might still be able to recover compensation. The amount may be reduced, but it doesn’t take away your right to file a claim.
Common Challenges in Fatal Crash and Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death cases are hard, not just legally, but emotionally. Families are grieving while also trying to deal with insurance companies, paperwork, and deadlines. It’s a lot to manage.
One common problem is when there’s confusion about who was at fault. Sometimes drivers blame each other, or the insurance companies drag things out. We step in to help clear things up and push for answers.
These are some of the most common challenges we see:
- Drivers or insurers arguing over fault
- More than one person or company may be responsible
- Insurance offers that are far too low
- Reports or evidence that are missing, delayed, or unclear
- The stress of dealing with it all while trying to grieve
Insurance adjusters may try to settle quickly before you understand your full rights. Having someone on your side can help make sure your family isn’t rushed or pushed into accepting less than what’s fair.
Why Choose Our Burbank Wrongful Death and Fatal Accident Team
When you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, choosing the right legal team matters. Our Burbank personal injury attorneys focus on wrongful death and fatal crash cases throughout Burbank and Los Angeles County. We understand how these cases work and how to help families through them with care and focus.
Our team brings real experience to the table. We’ve handled cases like yours and have helped families recover through settlements and, when needed, in court. If insurance companies won’t make a fair offer, we’re ready to take your case to trial.
Here’s what sets our team apart:
- Extensive experience with fatal crash litigation in Burbank and LA County
- A record of results in similar wrongful death cases
- Trial-tested lawyers who aren’t afraid to go to court
- Clear communication and respectful legal counsel
- No win, no legal fee - we work on a contingency basis
- Multilingual support for clients and families who need it
We believe in strong, professional representation without adding stress. You’ll always know where your case stands and what your next steps are.
Experienced Burbank Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Ready to Help Your Family
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti helps families after a fatal car accident with legal representation built on experience and care. Our goal is to help you move forward while holding the right parties accountable.
Our Burbank fatal car accident lawyers handle each wrongful death case with personal attention. We work hard to build your case, deal with insurance companies, and protect your rights every step of the way.
We offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and understand your options. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
To speak with an experienced fatal accident attorney, call us today or use the contact form. You can also connect with us through live chat. If possible, have the accident report, funeral documents, or any records you’ve gathered ready for your consultation.
