Downey Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Driving in California is risky, even when you’re doing everything right. There’s a chance of getting in a car accident every time you get behind the wheel, and unfortunately, some of these car accidents end in fatalities, leaving families struggling with the loss of a loved one and everything that comes along with that loss. If this is your reality, a Downey fatal car accident lawyer can help you seek legal recourse.

Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, is devoted to representing people who are grappling with wrongful death cases of all types, including those due to fatal car accidents. If your loved one’s death stemmed from a preventable accident, a personal injury lawyer in Downey may be able to help you seek justice. Skilled legal support can make this difficult process more manageable. Our goal is to build a strong case and guide you through the process so you can focus on healing from your loss without all the challenges of navigating the Los Angeles County court system on your own.

Possible Damages You Can Collect After a Fatal Car Accident in Downey

After losing a loved one to a fatal car accident, you may be eligible to recover economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party. This covers everything from financial damages to recovery for emotional distress. Possible damages you can recover from a fatal car accident case in Downey include (but are not limited to):

• Emotional damages
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship/consortium
• Lost wages
• Loss of future income
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle damages

It’s wise to meet with a Downey car accident lawyer if you haven’t retained legal counsel right after the accident. Navigating California law regarding car accidents and wrongful deaths can be confusing and challenging on your own. The good news is you may be able to settle the matter outside of court.

Your attorney can help you file a claim and enter negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to try to settle the matter outside of court. If the insurer denies the claim or offers an unfair settlement amount, you’re not out of luck. The next step is to file a claim with the Los Angeles Superior Court to present your evidence and arguments and secure compensation through the court.

When it comes to recovering damages from a fatal car accident, it’s crucial to have solid evidence on your side. This includes proof of your financial and emotional losses as well as proof of your relationship with the deceased, among other things.

If you were at the scene at the time of the accident, start your evidence collection process right away by getting the other drivers’ information and witness accounts. It’s wise to take pictures and document as much as you can to help bolster your case.

More Information About Fatal Car Accidents in Downey, CA

California has the most car registrations out of every state, with approximately 36,850,300 registered vehicles in 2023, including 31,191,900 gasoline vehicles and 1,256,600 electric vehicles. Moreover, the state is known for its high traffic volumes and expansive roadways, which creates an environment privy to traffic congestion and inevitable crashes.

Total traffic fatalities in California increased about 7.6 percent between 2020 and 2021, jumping from 3,980 to 4,285 deaths. Fatalities saw a slight decrease in 2023 and 2024, with 3,052 deaths and 2,824 deaths, respectively.

That said, traffic fatalities are still a prevalent problem in Los Angeles County and across the state as a whole. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Downey include:

• Distracted driving
• DUI
• Intentional misconduct
• Moving violations
• Speeding
• Vehicle defects

It’s important to understand your rights if you have suffered considerable losses due to a fatal car accident in Los Angeles County. A Downey fatal car accident lawyer can help you build a case and recover damages to help you move forward with life.

FAQs About Downey, CA Fatal Car Accident Law

How Long Does It Take to Clear a Fatal Car Accident in Downey?

It can take anywhere from days to weeks to clear the scene of a fatal car accident in Downey, depending on the severity of the incident, the number of vehicles involved, and any damages to the road and surrounding property. Moreover, law enforcement may need to investigate further after a fatality has occurred, which can prolong the process of cleaning up the scene of the accident. You may have time to recover evidence or photos of the scene.

Does Car Insurance Cover Fatal Accidents in Downey?

Yes, the at-fault driver’s insurance can cover damages from a fatal car accident. California law requires drivers to have minimum liability insurance, which covers damages in the event of an accident up to specific limits. If the driver’s insurance does not cover all your expenses, you can seek legal action to recover the damages you’re owed.

How Long Do Most Fatal Car Accident Settlements Take in Downey?

It can be difficult to estimate how long a fatal car accident case can take in Downey because it depends on the specific circumstances surrounding your car accident case, including the complexity of the accident and the time it takes to collect and analyze evidence. Moreover, the response times of insurance companies and the length of the negotiations can affect how long the process takes.

How Long Do I Have to File a Case for a Fatal Car Accident in Downey?

When filing a case for a fatal car accident, you must adhere to the statute of limitations for a wrongful death case. In California, you have up to two years from the date of the incident to file a wrongful death claim. However, you only have six months if a government vehicle is involved in the accident.

Meet With a Downey Fatal Car Accident Lawyer to Set Up an Appointment Today

If you’ve suffered a loss due to a fatal car accident, you have a right to seek legal recourse and get the compensation you’re owed to move forward with your life. Our team at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, is dedicated to helping you build a case and seek legal recourse after the death of a loved one. Call us to set up a consultation with a knowledgeable Downey fatal car accident lawyer to discuss your case in more detail.