Koreatown Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Losing a loved one to a fatal car accident can turn your world upside down in more ways than one. In addition to the emotional distress, it’s possible you just lost your financial stability and are also left with a damaged vehicle and a bunch of other expenses for things like a funeral and medical bills. A Koreatown fatal car accident lawyer can help you recover these damages from the at-fault party so that the healing process is a little easier on you.

Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, has been working with California residents who have lost a loved one to a car accident. Our attorneys are committed to helping clients get the compensation they’re owed so that they have one less thing to worry about in the wake of suffering such a terrible loss. If your loss occurred in the Koreatown area, working with a Koreatown personal injury lawyer can ensure your case is handled with local knowledge and care for the best possible outcome.

We offer legal counsel that makes navigating the legal process in Los Angeles County less daunting, as well as representation to achieve the maximum settlement or a positive court outcome.

How Is a Fatal Car Accident Defined in California?

A fatal car accident is a motor vehicle crash that results in the death of one or more persons, including the death of a fetus if a pregnant person is involved in the crash. Per California’s definition, a death can constitute a car accident fatality so long as the person passes away within 30 days of the accident.

Los Angeles’s Koreatown neighborhood covers approximately 2.9 square miles and is home to approximately 100,000 people. About 57 percent of the population drive alone on their commute to work, and another 6 percent carpool, which means you can expect a lot of people on the road at peak times during the weekdays. In 2022, California reported 4,428 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes.

Moreover, Los Angeles County reported 58,147 fatalities and injuries from vehicle accidents, 12,094 of which were speed-related and another 6,291 that involved alcohol. Car accidents are an inherent risk of driving in California, and it’s important to understand your rights if a loved one dies due to a fatal crash.

What To Do After a Fatal Car Accident in Koreatown

Losing a loved one in such a sudden way can leave you feeling lost and unsure of what to do next. It’s important to take the proper steps to recover the damages you’re owed so you can heal from your loss without worrying about current or future financial burdens. The first thing you should do is file your claim within the time limit set by the state.

In Koreatown, California, you can file a wrongful death claim for a fatal car accident within two years of the incident or six months if a government vehicle was involved. After the accident, it’s important to get in touch with the decedent’s insurance company to report the accident and the outcome. You can also expect a claim representative from the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reach out to you within 15 days of the incident to begin the settlement process.

A Koreatown car accident lawyer can help you receive the maximum compensation from the auto insurance company and keep you in the loop about important updates in the process. If you’re not satisfied with the settlement amount offered, you can take matters to the Los Angeles Superior Court to seek further compensation.

Typically, claimants can recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Burial and funeral expenses
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of future income
• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle damages

FAQs About Koreatown, CA Fatal Car Accident Law

What Happens at the Scene of a Fatal Car Accident in Koreatown?

After a fatal car accident, it’s crucial to call the police right away and prioritize the safety of everyone involved in the crash. If you’re on the scene of an accident, it’s wise to collect as much information from any other vehicles involved in the accident as well as eyewitnesses while you wait for the police to arrive. It’s also a good idea to give a statement to the police and obtain a copy of the report for your records.

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Settlement for a Fatal Car Accident Claim?

The time it takes to reach a settlement for a fatal car accident varies. The complexity of the case, insurance company response times, and evidence availability can all impact the timeline of a wrongful death claim. If you can settle the claim outside of court, things may be resolved sooner than going to trial.

What Is the Biggest Factor in a Fatal Accident in Koreatown?

There are plenty of things that can cause a fatal car accident, but two of the biggest factors are typically distracted driving and speeding. Between drivers using their phones, checking the GPS, or multitasking while driving, they aren’t giving their full attention to the road. Speeding also gives drivers less time to react to sudden changes on the road, which can lead to accidents. Moreover, higher speeds are correlated with severe accidents, resulting in more fatalities.

What Is the Comparative Negligence Rule for Car Accidents in California?

The comparative negligence rule for car accidents in California means that injured victims who are partially at fault for an accident can have their settlement amount reduced. This reduction is typically based on the percentage of fault that either insurance companies or the court deems the victim had. This is one reason why it’s so important to gather solid evidence and establish fault in your case.

Protect Your Claim After an Accident With a Koreatown Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough, especially when you lose them in such a jarring and sudden manner. Navigating the legal process to seek compensation is another responsibility on your plate, but a skilled Koreatown fatal car accident lawyer from Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, can help you through the process so you can get back to focusing on healing. Get in touch with our team to set up a consultation, and tell us your story today.