Losing a loved one in an accident is an incredibly difficult experience. In addition to the emotional pain, you might be struggling with financial hardship due to funeral costs, medical expenses, and lost wages. During this difficult time, it is important to understand that you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. If you need help, contact our Fresno car accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.
Fatal Car Accidents in Fresno and The Most Common Causes
Car accidents can be devastating, and all too often result in fatalities. In fact, statistics show that car accident fatalities are on the rise in Fresno, CA with 62 reported fatalities in 2017 and 47 reported fatalities in 2019. The majority of these fatal accidents happened when it was dark out. So, what can you do to protect yourself from becoming another statistic? It’s helpful take a closer look at what causes car accident fatalities and how you can avoid them.
- Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents in the United States. According to the NHTSA, almost 12,000 people died in drunk driving accidents in 2020. That’s about 32 deaths per day which could have been prevented.
If you or someone you know plans on drinking and then driving, it is important to plan ahead and designate a sober driver or make alternative transportation arrangements such as public transit or a taxi.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become increasingly common with the rise of smartphones and other electronic devices that constantly demand our attention. Distracted driving can include anything from texting while driving to eating behind the wheel – anything that takes your focus away from safely operating your vehicle can lead to serious injuries or even death if an accident occurs.
To avoid distracted driving, it is best practice to turn off your phone while in the car and wait until you reach your destination before eating or engaging in other activities such as reading or playing music.
- Speeding
Speeding has consistently been one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents for decades now, due to its high potential for severe injury or death in collisions at higher speeds compared to those at slower speeds. Unfortunately, many drivers take risks because they underestimate how dangerous their speed is and assume they’ll never be in an accident.
To avoid putting yourself at risk for a fatal crash due to excessive speed, it is best practice to check posted speed limits regularly while driving and stick within them at all times.
What Financial Compensation Can You Recover After Losing a Loved One in a Car Accident?
No one expects to lose a loved one in a fatal car accident. It’s an emotionally and physically traumatic event that can leave families struggling with the aftermath for many years. That’s why it is important to understand what financial compensation you can recover if your loved one has been involved in a fatal car accident.
The types of compensation available in a fatal car accident lawsuit depend on the specifics of your case; however, some common types include burial and funeral expenses for the decedent, amounts that the deceased would have earned as income had they lived longer, and compensation for the loss of companionship and support that was provided by the deceased.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident and need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Fresno personal injury attorney.