Sadly, thousands of car accidents result in fatalities every year across the country. As a suburb of Las Vegas, Summerlin is not immune to the risk of these types of accidents throughout the city.
When a member of your family has been wrongfully killed in a car accident, reach out to a fatal car accident lawyer in Summerlin to discuss your options and retain a compassionate ally who will fight for you.
Shook & Stone offers personalized and compassionate support and advocacy when you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident. We understand that navigating a legal claim is the last thing you want to handle, and that’s why a car accident lawyer in Summerlin will manage your case for you. We take a holistic approach and provide comprehensive services so you receive excellent representation and results.
You Can Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable for Fatal Car Accidents
Negligent drivers who take the life of other motorists must face the legal ramifications of fatal car accidents. Part of the consequences these drivers must face is compensating family members for the damage they inflicted. However, before a family can recover losses on behalf of their loved one, they must demonstrate the at-fault driver’s actions that caused the accident, which involves showing:
- Duty of care:Â The at-fault driver was responsible for driving safely and avoiding actions that would cause harm.
- Breach of duty:Â The at-fault driver carelessly or intentionally disregarded their responsibilities and engaged in unsafe driving.
- Causation: The at-fault driver’s actions prevented them from avoiding an accident, and they caused an accident that resulted in a fatality.
- Damages:Â The at-fault driver must make restitution through damages to offset the losses they caused.
A Summerlin fatal car accident attorney knows how to use this process to hold a driver accountable when their actions lead to the death of another driver.
Lawyers will gather evidence from the accident and build a strong and customized case that includes each of these elements. Your Summerlin personal injury lawyer will fight for you regardless of how complex your case is.
Key Factors That Contribute to Fatal Car Accidents
Every car accident carries with it the potential for severe harm, including death. Every accident is also unique, and its details affect the specific outcome of a crash. However, when looking at Fatality Facts and data in the last reporting year, a few things stand out as common contributors to these accidents. Common actions and driving behaviors that contribute to vehicle fatalities include:
- Lack of seatbelt use
- Speeding
- Distractions
- Inexperience
According to the data, fatal car accidents affected motorists (59%), pedestrians (18%), motorcyclists (15%), bicyclists (3%), and large trucks (2%). Many of these accidents occurred in the evenings and on weekends. It is also important to note that car accident fatalities may result in immediate death or may occur later as a result of severe injuries or medical complications.
A Summerlin Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Wrongful Death Suit
When an individual has wrongfully died in a fatal car accident, applicable surviving family members can pursue compensation on their behalf. This not only helps offset the decedent’s medical and burial expenses, but it also provides for the surviving family member’s unexpected expenses and loss of income caused by the fatal car accident.
With the help of a lawyer, you are entitled to rightful action after a Nevada wrongful death and can file a lawsuit against the driver responsible. Wrongful death lawsuits are generally filed by the decedent’s heirs and their personal representative according to NRS § 41.085. Any recovered damages go to the decedent’s dependents or next of kin as applicable if the immediate family is not available.
These cases can be complex and emotional, so it is important to work with an experienced lawyer who can mitigate obstacles, streamline the process, and reduce your stress by managing your case and negotiating on your behalf. A wrongful death lawsuit can be the first step toward closure for your family and securing justice for your loved one. A lawyer also ensures that you do not walk this path alone.
Free Consultation We’ll help you win the benefits you need to get your life back.
Surviving Family Members Can Recover Compensation After a Summerlin Fatal Car Accident
The value of a life is priceless and cannot be replaced or undone through compensation. However, an unexpected loss can create numerous expenses and a loss of financial stability. It is these losses that compensation is designed to provide for, especially when a decedent leaves behind dependents. Damages you can expect to recover in a wrongful death lawsuit include:
- Medical expenses or end-of-life care
- Loss of income
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Death benefits
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of services
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (for acts of gross negligence)
Recovering a fair settlement for these losses can be challenging at times if insurance companies or opposing parties avoid fair payments or taking responsibility. A lawyer will advocate for you and demand better when these issues arise. They are familiar with these obstacles and know how to resolve them in a timely and beneficial manner.
A Statute of Limitations Exists for Fatal Car Accidents in Summerlin
The window to file a wrongful death lawsuit is not open-ended. Nevada allows you to take action for up to two years after a fatal car accident, according to NRS 11.190.
This means that waiting to file a lawsuit can actually hurt your chances of recovering a settlement. To avoid this possibility and make sure you do not cut yourself short on time, reach out to a lawyer soon after the accident to initiate the legal process.
Shook & Stone Provide Compassionate and Trusted Counsel
Shook & Stone compassionately guides you through the legal process after your loved one has been tragically killed in a car accident. We understand your pain, and we work diligently as we handle your case so you can mourn your loss without having to worry about your case.
To talk with a fatal car accident attorney in Summerlin, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.