Car Accident Lawyer Green Bay, WI

Car Accident Lawyer Green Bay, WI 

Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are very similar to one another. Both involve seeking compensation for preventable injuries. In the case of wrongful death lawsuits, however, the injuries were fatal, and the victims’ loved ones must pursue justice on their behalf. If you’re thinking about filing a wrongful death lawsuit after losing a loved one in a car accident, you have a lot to consider. Know that you don’t have to navigate this situation alone. An experienced Green Bay, Wisconsin car accident lawyer from Hickey & Turim, SC can help you evaluate your legal options.

Who Was Responsible For Causing the Fatal Accident?

Car accidents can have numerous causes and contributing factors. It is important to work with an experienced Green Bay, WI car accident lawyer to determine who is ultimately liable, to negotiate with insurance providers and to determine who could be named as a defendant in the event of a lawsuit. Possible defendants include:

Negligent drivers: Motorists who drive drunk, are distracted by a cellphone or are speeding may be considered at fault for the crash (as just a few examples). Each time we get behind the wheel, we owe a duty of care to other drivers. Someone who violates that duty of care and injures or kills another person as a result deserves to be held responsible for their negligence.

Negligent commercial drivers: Drivers of large trucks and other commercial vehicles owe the same duty of care as personal-vehicle drivers, but their responsibility is greater because of the size of their vehicle and the fact that they are driving professionally. It is common for fatal truck accidents to occur because of poorly maintained equipment, oversized/unbalanced loads or truck driver error/negligence.

Employers of commercial drivers: Companies who ship goods or provide commercial transportation are responsible for hiring, training and monitoring safe drivers. When those drivers cause an accident, the companies are also considered liable for injuries and deaths that result.

Local or state governments: Fatal crashes are sometimes the result of dangerously designed or poorly maintained roads. When this happens, victims’ families can pursue compensation from the government agency responsible for the stretch of road where the accident occurred.

Automobile manufacturers: From exploding air bags to sticky accelerator pedals, design and manufacturing defects can be deadly. In many cases, auto manufacturers don’t issue recalls for years after the problem is first discovered. When a defective vehicle causes an accident or makes it more severe than it otherwise would be, the manufacturer can be held legally liable.

An Overview Of Wrongful Death Claims

Most often, the plaintiffs in a wrongful death lawsuit are family members of the victim (or an estate representative suing on behalf of family members. However, there are exceptions to this rule. A Green Bay, WI car accident lawyer can clarify whether an exception may apply in your case. While the laws vary by state, a wrongful death claim must usually include proof that:

•         Another party or parties caused or exacerbated the car accident that killed the victim
•         The named party or parties acted negligently or were otherwise at fault for the crash
•         The victim has surviving family members (spouses, children, etc.) or other beneficiaries
•         The victim’s death warrants financial compensation, including medical expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship and other damages

Legal Assistance Is Available

Wrongful death litigation is both complex and time-consuming. It should be done with the help of an experienced Green Bay, WI car accident lawyer from Hickey & Turim, SC. Even if you are unsure that you have an actionable claim, it is often wise to speak to a Green Bay, WI car accident lawyer about your rights and legal options before making assumptions about whether you have cause to file a legal claim.