Each year, thousands of Americans die in automobile related accidents. In many cases, automobile accidents are preventable. When this is the case, the driver at fault may be liable for any injuries or deaths he or she causes in the accident.
Wrongful death in a general sense refers to death resulting from negligent actions. Negligent actions are ones that cause scenarios that would have been easily prevented had an individual exercised a reasonable degree of care.
In auto accidents, negligence refers to a variety of careless actions. The most common forms of negligence that drivers commit are:
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Driving recklessly, such as changing lanes unsafely or speeding
Distracted driving or paying little attention to the road
These negligent actions are dangerous to fellow motorists and their passengers, as they often result in accidents. Many of these accidents also involve speed, which may make injuries more likely.
Drivers who commit negligent actions that lead to death may be personally responsible for those deaths. Often, the driver's insurance company will pay a large sum of any financial compensation awarded to the affected party.
When the affected party is awarded more financial compensation than the guilty individual's insurance will cover, the guilty individual may have to pay out of pocket. This may mean liquidating assets or giving up savings.
For the families of deceased individuals, financial compensation may cover funeral costs and other expenses. Though financial compensation can never replace a lost family member, seeking legal action against the negligent driver may help with the healing process.
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