Nashville Fatal Car Collision Lawyer

Vehicle accidents that result in a fatality can leave families devastated and wondering what steps to take next. If the incident was caused by the negligent actions of another driver on the roadway, family members may be able to secure compensation, possibly through an insurance settlement or, if necessary, as a result of a Nashville wrongful death lawsuit. Fatal vehicle accident claims can get complicated, particularly when it comes to determining liability in dealing with the other parties involved.

What Types of Accidents Can Be Fatal?

Certain types of car accidents are more likely to result in fatalities due to the nature of the collisions. Some of the most dangerous types of accidents that frequently lead to death include:

• Head-on collisions. These are among the most deadliest types of accidents, as they often occur at high speeds and result in devastating injuries. The force of two vehicles traveling towards one another and colliding head-on can easily result in fatal injuries for drivers and passengers. A Nashville head on collision attorney can help with this type of case.
• T-bone or side-impact collisions. When one vehicle strikes the side of another, the occupants on the impacted side are particularly vulnerable. T-bone accidents are especially deadly when they occur at intersections and involve speeding vehicles.
• Rollover accidents. Rollover crashes can be extremely dangerous, particularly for occupants who are not properly restrained. When a vehicle rolls over, passengers may be ejected from the vehicle or sustain fatal injuries from the impact.
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups. Accidents involving multiple vehicles increase the likelihood of fatalities due to the number of impacts and the difficulty for emergency responders to reach victims quickly.
• Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles have little protection from the impact, and these accidents often result in severe or fatal injuries. Our pedestrian accident lawyer in Nashville has experience handling these cases and can help you.
• Motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in collisions with larger vehicles due to the lack of protection. Even when wearing helmets and protective gear, Tennessee motorcycle riders can sustain fatal injuries in a crash. A Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer can help with this tragic type of case.

Each of these types of accidents poses significant risks to everyone involved, and when a fatality occurs, families are left to pick up the pieces.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you may be uncertain about what steps to take next. In the midst of grief, a wrongful death claim can seem impossible to tackle. This is where a car accident lawyer can help. An experienced car accident attorney in Nashville can provide invaluable assistance, including:

• Investigating the accident. A lawyer will initiate an investigation to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible. This may involve reviewing police reports, gathering witness statements, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
• Proving liability. To successfully recover compensation, it must be proven that the other driver’s negligence caused the fatal accident. A lawyer can help build a strong case by gathering evidence that demonstrates the other driver’s liability, such as traffic camera footage, vehicle data, or testimony from experts.
• Handling insurance negotiations. Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re dealing with a loss of this magnitude. An attorney will communicate with the carriers on your behalf.
• Filing a wrongful death lawsuit. If an insurance settlement cannot be reached, or if the at-fault party does not have sufficient coverage, a lawyer can file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf. This claim in civil court allows you to seek compensation for your financial losses, as well as emotional and punitive damages.
• Providing support. Beyond the legal aspects of your case, a compassionate injury attorney in Nashville will provide support and guidance during one of the most difficult times of your life. They will advocate for your family’s best interests and help you make informed decisions.

Understanding Tennessee’s Wrongful Death Laws

In Tennessee, when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful actions of another party, their surviving family members may file a civil wrongful death lawsuit. This is different than a personal injury claim and seeks to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for the surviving family’s losses.

Under Tennessee Code § 20-5-106, the following individuals may file a wrongful death lawsuit:

• The surviving spouse of the deceased
• The children of the deceased
• The deceased person’s parents (if no spouse or children exist)
• The personal representative of the deceased’s estate

It is important to note that Tennessee has a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. In most cases, the lawsuit must be filed within one year from the date of death. If the claim is not filed within this time frame, the family may lose the right to seek compensation.

Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Claim

The compensation available in a wrongful death lawsuit is designed to help the surviving family recover from the burdens, both financial and emotional, caused by the loss of their loved one. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses. If the deceased required medical treatment before passing away, the family can recover compensation for those medical bills.
• Funeral and burial costs. Families can seek compensation for the costs associated with the funeral and burial services for their loved one.
• Loss of income and benefits. Families may recover compensation for the income their loved one would have earned had they survived, as well as any lost benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions.
• Loss of companionship. Compensation may be awarded for the emotional pain and suffering endured by the family, including the loss of companionship, guidance, and support from their loved one.
• Punitive damages. In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

A wrongful death claim can never replace the loss of a loved one, but it can provide the financial support needed to move forward.

How Soon Should You File a Claim?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally one year from the date of the accident. While this may seem like plenty of time, it is important to begin the legal process as soon as possible. Evidence can be lost, memories can fade, and delays in filing can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Working with an attorney early in the process ensures that all necessary steps are taken to preserve evidence and file your claim on time.

Contact a Tennessee Wrongful Death Attorney Today

If your loved one has been killed in a fatal car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you should not have to face this difficult time alone. The attorneys at Larry R. Williams, PLLC, are here to help you seek justice and pursue compensation for your family. We understand the emotional toll of such a loss and are committed to providing dedicated legal support. Contact us today to speak with a Tennessee wrongful death attorney.