When someone dies in a car accident, California's Wrongful death statute allows certain family members to seek compensation for the financial and physical harms that were caused.
If a loved one has passed in a fatal car accident, a Burbank car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can give you and your family the legal assistance you need to make a claim for compensation so you can begin healing.
Who Can File a Fatal Car Crash Claim in Burbank?
In California, certain people can file a wrongful death claim if someone they loved has died due to another person's actions or negligence. Typically, the people who can file this claim include the deceased person's spouse, children, or parents. If there are no close family members, others like siblings or relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased may also be able to file. This claim helps the survivors seek compensation for their loss and any costs related to the death. It's important to act quickly since there are time limits for filing these claims.
How Much is the Average Settlement of a Fatal Car Accident in Burbank?
When it comes to fatal car accidents, it's important to understand that there is no average settlement amount. The money given to a family after such a tragic loss can vary a lot because it depends on many different factors, like the circumstances of the accident and the financial situation of the people involved. Losing a loved one in an accident is one of the most tremendous losses anyone can experience, and no amount of money can truly make up for that loss. Each case is unique, and it's essential for families to have support during this difficult time.
What are the Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents?
Car accidents can be serious and even deadly, impacting many lives. One major cause is distracted driving. This happens when drivers take their attention away from the road to do things like text, eat, or use their phone. Distracted driving can lead to serious crashes. Another significant cause is drunk driving. When people drive under the influence of alcohol, their judgment and reaction times are affected, making it dangerous for everyone on the road. Lastly, speeding and reckless driving contribute to a lot of fatal accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit or ignore traffic signals, they put themselves and others at risk.
Potential Damages Recoverable in a Fatal Car Accident
In California, when someone loses a loved one due to another person's actions, they can file a wrongful death claim to seek damages. These damages can help cover several things, like burial and funeral costs, lost income and financial support that the deceased would have provided to you, the decedent's pain and suffering, and loss of consortium and companionship.
What Does Loss of Consortium and Companionship Include?
When someone we love dies in an accident, it can be very hard emotionally. In legal cases about wrongful death, two important terms come up: "loss of consortium" and "loss of companionship."
Loss of consortium happens when a spouse or partner dies. This can be very painful for the surviving partner because they lose emotional support, intimacy, and shared dreams.
They lose the plans and future experiences they were looking forward to.
Loss of companionship refers to the sadness felt by family members, like children and parents, when they lose someone close. They experience a loss of the emotional connection they once had, the loss of guidance that the loved on provided, and the family dynamics, which thing very hard emotionally.
How a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Burbank Can Help You
Losing a loved one in a car accident is a heartbreaking experience that leaves families in pain. During this tough time, hiring a Burbank fatal accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process while you focus on healing.
Know Your Rights
When you lose someone, it can be hard to think clearly about legal matters. An experienced Burbank lawyer can explain your rights and the steps you need to take. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can break down complex legal terms, making it easier for you to understand your options.
Taking Care of the Claims Process
A skilled lawyer can help collect important evidence, like witness statements and photos of the scene, which are crucial for your case. They can ensure that your claim is strong and gets the attention it deserves from insurance companies.
Finding Out Who's at Fault
In California, it can be challenging to figure out who is responsible for an accident. Even if your loved one had some fault, you might still get compensation. A knowledgeable auto accident attorney can help gather evidence to prove who was liable, ensuring your loved one’s memory is honored.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
The costs after a sudden loss can add up fast, including funeral expenses and lost income. A lawyer can help you assess your total losses—both financial and emotional—and work to get you the compensation you need.
Providing Support Through Tough Times
Facing legal challenges while grieving can feel overwhelming. A compassionate Burbank lawyer not only has the legal knowledge but will also support you emotionally, helping you focus on remembering your loved one instead of the stress of legal matters.
Reach Out for Help
In these difficult times, getting legal support from the right law firm can be a huge step. You don’t have to go through this alone. A Burbank fatal accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can fight for your rights and help you seek rightful compensation for your loved one. With their guidance, you can start to heal.
Proving Negligence in a Fatal Car Accident Claim
A Burbank fatal accident lawyer proves negligence by demonstrating that the other driver acted irresponsibly, which led to the accident. Here are the key steps involved in this process:
- Establishing Duty of Care: Every driver is expected to drive safely and responsibly, which constitutes the duty of care.
- Evidence of Breach: The lawyer identifies proof that the other negligent driver breached this duty, which may include things like, speeding, texting while driving, or running a red light
- Causation: The lawyer connects the negligent party's behavior to the accident, showing that the irresponsible actions of the other driver directly caused the crash.
- Documenting Damages: Evidence is gathered to illustrate the impact of the accident on your life.
Burbank Fatality Accident Statistics
Car accidents are a big problem in Burbank. In 2020, there were 1,234 accidents reported in the city. Over the last five years, the number of accidents has been going up by about 8% each year. This shows that traffic safety is still a major issue we need to deal with.
As of October 2024, Burbank has experienced 28 crashes with severe injuries and 4 fatality car accidents.
One of the main reasons for these accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving is when a driver is not paying full attention to the road, like when they use their phone or are talking to someone in the car. Distracted driving causes about 35% of all auto accidents, which shows we need to be more aware of this problem. Moreover, nearly 20% of accidents include pedestrians, which means people walking are at risk too.
Some areas in Burbank, like the intersection of Buena Vista Street and Victory Boulevard, are particularly known for having many accidents. These spots have seen a lot of crash incidents from 2015 to 2020, which means it’s important to focus on making these places safer.
City officials, including the Burbank Transportation Commission, are making serious efforts to make the city a safer place through various initiatives, including Vision Zero Burbank. The goal of this initiative is to "eliminate[ ] pedestrian, bicyclist, and vehicular fatalities." We need to find ways to prevent accidents and improve responses after they happen.
Call Our Burbank Fatal Car Accident Attorney
If a loved one has died in a car accident, the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti is here to help you. We offer a free, no-cost, no obligation initial consultation. And we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't pay unless we win. Let our legal team do all the work for you, so you can begin the healing process.
We have an impressive record of success. Call us today or contact us by using the online form.
