Whittier Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Every time you get behind the wheel, you risk getting in a car accident, and this is no different when you’re driving in California. Unfortunately, some of these accidents end in the death of drivers, passengers, or pedestrians, leaving their families wondering what to do after suffering such a great loss. If you’ve lost a loved one in a crash in Los Angeles County, a Whittier fatal car accident lawyer can work with you to guide you through the process of seeking legal recourse.

Our team at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, represents people involved in personal injury cases and the surviving family members of victims in wrongful death cases, including those caused by fatal car crashes. Whether you’re dealing with injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one, a personal injury attorney in Whittier can provide the legal support you need to pursue justice and fair compensation. Our mission is to help our clients on their journey to recovery by guiding them through the legal process and building a strong case that gets them the compensation they’re owed.

Filing a Claim for a Fatal Car Accident in Whittier

California is known for having some of the worst traffic congestion issues in the country. The state reported approximately 36,850,300 registered vehicles in 2024, which is the highest number of registrations across the United States. With so many vehicles on the road every day, the probability of getting in an accident is high. In fact, 3,052 deaths related to fatal car accidents were reported in 2023, with another 2,824 deaths reported in 2024.

In California, a fatal car accident can result in filing a wrongful death claim for the decedent involved in the case. Usually, you have to file a claim within two years of the incident to be able to pursue legal action against the defendant. However, this statute of limitations is lower if a government vehicle is involved in the crash. In this case, you must file a claim within six months of the accident.

After a car accident, you can expect the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reach out to you to start negotiations and offer a settlement for the accident. If they don’t contact you within 15 days, you can reach out to your insurance company and the California Department of Insurance for further assistance. At this point, it’s wise to contact a Whittier fatal car accident lawyer to protect yourself.

Once you get in touch with the insurance company, they may try to deny your claim or offer a settlement amount. If you deem the settlement acceptable, the case can end there. If not, you may need to take the situation to court.

Factors That Affect Fatal Car Accident Settlement Amounts in Whittier

One of the most common factors that influence the overall settlement amount for a car accident is the severity of the injuries. In the case of a fatal car accident, the result is the death of the victim. When a crash results in a fatality, the family of the decedent can file a wrongful death claim.

Settlements for wrongful death in California can vary depending on the decedent’s earning capacity, the loss suffered by the surviving family members, and any other aggravating factors surrounding the case. Other factors that can impact the overall cost of your settlement include:

• Financial losses from the accident
• Insurance coverage policy limits
• Liability and fault
• Non-economic damages from the accident
• Property damages

California recognizes a comparative negligence rule, which can potentially reduce the settlement amount owed to you depending on whether the decedent was partially responsible for the accident.

By working with a Whittier car accident lawyer, you can effectively establish fault in your case through police reports, solid evidence, testimonies from witnesses, and more. It’s important to build a strong case that the defendant cannot pick apart by claiming only partial responsibility.

FAQs About Whittier, CA Fatal Car Accident Law

How Is a Fatal Car Accident Defined in California?

Fatal car accidents refer to motor vehicle crashes that result in the death of one or more people. Deaths can occur within 30 days of the crash for the accident to be considered fatal. Moreover, fetal death in pregnant persons can also be a fatal injury if the death can be attributed to the crash. In California, fatal car accidents can lead to litigation if the parties cannot settle outside of court.

How Do Investigators Know How Fast a Car Was Going During an Accident?

Investigators can determine the speed of a vehicle by using physical evidence and technology. Typically, they start by analyzing the vehicle damages, the distribution of debris from the crash, and the nature of the skid marks left on the road.

They can also utilize traffic surveillance footage and GPS or smartphone data to gather more information about a vehicle’s speed. Moreover, newer vehicles also sometimes have Event Data Recorders (EDRs) that record various data points during a drive.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Fatal Car Accident Claim in Whittier?

The time it takes to settle a fatal car accident can vary from case to case. Factors such as case complexity, insurance company response times, and evidence availability can impact the time it takes to move through a claim. Moreover, it depends on whether you can settle the claim out of court through negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurer or if you take the case to court.

What Can I Do if the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company Does Not Contact Me After a Car Accident in Whittier?

After you report a loss, the at-fault driver’s insurance company has up to 15 days to contact you, though they typically get in touch sooner. If you don’t hear from them after this time period, you can contact your insurance company and the California Department of Insurance for further assistance. It’s also wise to reach out to a Whittier fatal car accident lawyer to protect yourself and better understand the next steps of the process.

Contact a Whittier Fatal Car Accident Lawyer to Set Up an Appointment Today

Losing a loved one to a fatal car crash is an unfair reality that many people face in California and across the country. At Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, we’re committed to helping these people seek legal recourse and get the compensation they’re owed for their losses. If you’re ready to discuss your case, get in touch with a skilled Whittier fatal car accident lawyer at our firm. We can take it from there.