Causes of Wrongful Death

The loss of a loved one is always painful. However, the loss is more tragic when it comes as a result of the negligence or willful misconduct of another individual. Under these circumstances, wrongful death lawsuits provide the families of decedents with the means to obtain compensation directly from those responsible for their emotional and financial damages.

The causes of wrongful death are varied, and can include the following:

Trucking Accidents

Commercial trucks are common fixtures of today's highways. They are also the largest vehicles on the roads. Unfortunately, given the size of these vehicles, accidents involving commercial trucks are often fatal. Many truck accidents are caused by driver inexperience or fatigue, improperly or overloaded trailers, or driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Though state and federal regulations have been enacted in an effort to protect truckers and other motorists, some truck drivers and trucking companies elect to disobey these requirements, often while in pursuit of increased profits. If you have experienced the death of a loved one who was involved in a truck accident, you may have a claim to damages. You should contact experienced personal injury lawyers to protect your rights and to fight for the compensation you deserve.

SUV Accidents

SUVs have become increasingly popular over the years. Their size is often attractive to parents who consider them to be safer than smaller family cars. Unfortunately, many SUVs have been designed with a high center of gravity, which makes them particularly prone to rollovers under normal driving conditions and during defensive maneuvers. While steps have been taken to encourage SUV manufacturers to provide safer vehicles, such as incorporating increased roll protection in the design, no federal regulations have been established governing additional safety standards. Even more egregious, some manufacturers fail to follow safety guidelines they have voluntary put into place. Like other car accidents, SUV accidents present the risk of victims suffering catastrophic injuries, such as spinal damage or closed head injury, which can lead to permanent impairment and even death. Therefore, representation by an experienced car accident attorney is crucial if you or a loved one have been involved in an SUV accident.

Pedestrian Accidents

Motorists have an obligation to watch out for pedestrians. When they fail to accomplish this, they may be held liable for any injuries or deaths occurring due to their negligence. Too often, pedestrian accidents occur when motorists operate their vehicles in a reckless manner or fail to yield the right of way. Drivers may also be distracted by their radios, cell phones, or even by application of makeup. Pedestrian accidents may also occur when motorists are driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. If you have suffered the loss of loved one in a pedestrian accident, particularly one related to the use of drugs or alcohol, you should consult a wrongful death or DUI lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer

The laws pertaining to wrongful death are complex, and claimants typically have only a specific period of time within which to file their lawsuits. For these reasons, it is important that you consult with one or more wrongful death attorneys in order to protect your rights. An experienced attorney can help you obtain the justice and compensation for your loss resulting from a tragic motor vehicle accident, construction accident, medical negligence or a defective consumer product.