If you’ve lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you may feel unsure about your next steps and where to turn for help. Deadly accidents can leave families dealing with rapidly rising expenses and facing a complex legal system.
You do not have to try to navigate the legal process on your own in this situation. Instead, you can reach out to a Norwalk fatal car accident lawyer from our team at Skiber Law for compassionate and professional assistance.
A Norwalk car accident lawyer from our team will provide answers to your questions, explain your legal situation, and offer the support you deserve. We have over 50 years of combined experience, and we’re ready to stand by your family in this challenging time.
How Can a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Norwalk Help Your Family?
A Norwalk personal injury lawyer can provide the dedicated support your family needs in the aftermath of a fatal motor vehicle collision. We take a client-centered approach to wrongful death claims, adjusting our services to meet the needs of each client who comes to us for help.
Depending on your situation, we can focus on:
Answering Your Family’s Questions
We understand the confusion and uncertainty you can feel after a fatal crash. We take the time to listen to you, and we’ll provide clear, straightforward answers so your family can make informed decisions throughout the legal process.
Gathering Evidence
Our firm can take over preparing your family’s legal claim. We’ll investigate the causes of the fatal accident, collecting evidence that can show that someone else caused the crash through negligence.
We may need to:
- Speak to eyewitnesses
- Get a copy of the police report
- Work with expert witnesses
- Visit businesses to collect surveillance footage
We’ll work tirelessly to gather all available evidence to strengthen your family’s claim.
Resolving Your Family’s Claim
Our law firm will focus on resolving a wrongful death claim after you lose a loved one in an automobile accident. We can focus on negotiating a settlement or even helping with a lawsuit. You can learn more about all of your options with a Norwalk wrongful death lawyer.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Crash in Norwalk?
Connecticut only allows the executor (or administrator) of the estate of the deceased to move forward with a wrongful death claim.
It is possible that your loved one selected someone to fill this role. If your loved one never picked an executor, the court can assign someone to handle this responsibility.
Who Receives Compensation After a Fatal Car Accident?
The laws surrounding who receives compensation after a deadly crash are complex. In Connecticut, the executor must file a wrongful death claim, but that person does not automatically receive compensation through this legal action.
If your loved one had an estate plan or will, the court will distribute funds according to your loved one’s wishes. For example, if you lost your spouse and they left behind a will that stated you would receive their assets, you would also get compensation through a wrongful death claim.
However, if your loved one did not leave a legal direction, the legal system will distribute funds according to the state’s intestate succession laws. A fatal car accident attorney in Norwalk can give you more information about these laws and your family’s situation.
Damages Available After a Deadly Accident
The court may award funds to cover a range of damages after a fatal car accident. Depending on your family’s situation, you may qualify for funds to pay for:
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Your loved one’s hospital and medical expenses
- Any pain and suffering experienced by your loved one
- A loved one’s lost earning potential
Connecticut also provides additional damages for accidents involving dangerous driving. Your family may receive up to triple damages if the responsible driver recklessly or deliberately ignored certain traffic laws, and the driver’s reckless or deliberate behavior played a substantial role in causing the loss of your loved one.
You May Get Additional Damages for Loss of Consortium
If you lost your spouse due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, you may qualify for additional damages for the loss of consortium. Our legal team can explain these damages and determine if you qualify to receive them.
Time Limits on Your Wrongful Death Claim
Generally, Connecticut gives you two years to file a wrongful death claim after the loss of a loved one. However, the time available to your family can vary, so you should always consult with an attorney about the specific limits on your case.
Talk to Us After a Deadly Crash in Norwalk, CT
You can get professional and compassionate support for your family after losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident by reaching out to a Norwalk fatal car accident attorney from our team at Skiber Law.
We’re here to provide the assistance you deserve, and we’ll stand by you every step of the way.
