If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Simi Valley, you’re likely experiencing immense emotional distress and uncertainty about the steps to take next. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family.
Our experienced Simi Valley fatal car accident lawyers at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, fighting for your rights and ensuring that justice is served. If you need assistance with a fatal car accident claim, consider consulting with a Simi Valley car accident lawyer who can provide you with the necessary guidance and support.
Common Causes of Fatal Accidents in Simi Valley
You may be wondering what led to the tragic loss of life in your loved one’s fatal car accident. Understanding the common causes of fatal accidents can help you make sense of this devastating event.
Unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, dramatically increase the risk of a fatal accident. Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone while driving, is another common cause of fatal accidents.
Hazardous road conditions can also contribute to fatal accidents. Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, and insufficient lighting can make it difficult for drivers to drive safely. Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or fog, can further reduce visibility and increase the risk of an accident. Our Simi Valley personal injury lawyer can help determine the cause of your accident.
A Simi Valley Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Can Prove Negligence in Court
When you’re seeking compensation for a fatal car accident, you’ll need to prove that the other party was negligent. Here’s what to do:
Gathering Evidence Properly
Proper evidence gathering is important in building a strong case against a negligent party, as it lays the foundation for proving their liability in court. You must act quickly to preserve indispensable evidence, as it can be lost or destroyed over time.
In addition to physical evidence, witness statements are important in establishing a timeline of events and identifying potential liable parties. You should interview witnesses as soon as possible while their memories are still fresh.
A skilled Simi Valley fatal car accident lawyer can guide you through the evidence-gathering process and help you handle the legal system.
Establishing Causation Link
To establish this link, you’ll need to take several steps. Here’s what you need to do:
- Determine proximate cause: You must prove that the defendant’s actions were the direct cause of the accident. This involves showing that their negligence set off a chain of events that led to the fatal crash.
- Establish foreseeability: You need to demonstrate that the defendant should have reasonably foreseen the consequences of their actions. This means showing that a reasonable person in their position would have anticipated the risk of harm.
- Show a direct connection: You must prove that the defendant’s negligence was the direct cause of the harm and that it wasn’t just a coincidence.
(310) 526-8383Calculating Damages and Compensation in Simi Valley
When calculating damages and compensation for a fatal car accident, you’ll need to determine the economic and non-economic losses. Here’s what to know:
Economic Loss Calculation
As you go through the process of seeking compensation, it’s indispensable to understand how to calculate economic losses accurately. To determine the full extent of your economic losses, your lawyer will need to assess various factors, including:
- Lost income valuation: This involves calculating the income you would have earned had the accident not occurred.
- Projected earnings assessment: This assessment considers your future earning potential, including any promotions, raises, or career advancements you may have made.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: This includes any medical bills, transportation costs, and other expenses related to the accident.
Pain and Suffering Valuation
Two important aspects of calculating damages and compensation in a Simi Valley fatal car accident case are economic losses, which we discussed earlier, and non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering.
Pain and suffering encompass the physical and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. This can include chronic pain, limited mobility, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.
Since pain and suffering are subjective, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for valuation. Your lawyer will work closely with medical experts and other specialists to build a strong case that accurately reflects your experience.
Loss of Earnings Estimation
Your lost earnings are an important component of the damages and compensation you’re entitled to in a Simi Valley fatal car accident case. As you handle the process of calculating your losses, it’s important to accurately estimate the income you would have earned if not for the accident.
To increase your chances of receiving fair compensation, your lawyer will consider the following factors to estimate your lost earnings:
- Past earnings history: Your past income, bonuses, and benefits will be reviewed to establish a baseline for your earning potential.
- Future earning capacity: Your lawyer will assess your potential for future income growth, considering factors like education, experience, and industry trends.
- Life expectancy: Your life expectancy will be taken into account to calculate the total amount of income you would have earned over your lifetime.
Timeline for Filing a Lawsuit
In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. However, it’s important to note that this deadline can be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances of your case.
In addition to the statute of limitations, you also need to consider insurance claim deadlines. Insurance companies often have their timelines for filing claims, which can be as short as 30 days. Missing these deadlines can result in denied claims, leaving you without the financial support you need.
It’s important to consult with a Simi Valley fatal car accident lawyer to ensure you meet these deadlines and preserve your right to compensation. We can guide you through the legal process and help you understand the challenges of filing a lawsuit.
Contact a Simi Valley Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Today
You’ve suffered an unimaginable loss, and now it’s time to seek justice. A Simi Valley fatal car accident lawyer at Omega Law Group can help you through the legal process and help you receive the compensation you need.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
