If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in the DeLand, FL, area, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine would like to extend our deepest condolences. We know no words can ease the pain you feel, but we hope to offer a path to closure, justice, and stability during an uncertain time.
A DeLand car accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help you recover compensation for your untimely loss. When the negligent or reckless actions of others lead to injury or death, they should be held accountable. Your family might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit, and we can help you navigate the process. Start with a free consultation today.
How Can Our DeLand Fatal Car Accident Attorney Help?
Our car accident lawyers can assist you by filing a wrongful death action on your behalf. A wrongful death action allows the surviving family members or personal representative of the dependent to recover compensation when the negligent or intentional actions of another have caused the death of a loved one.
Someone may bring two wrongful death actions in court: a wrongful death action and a survival action.
Wrongful Death Action
A wrongful action is a legal claim in which the surviving family or dependents of the decedent seek compensation for their losses due to their loved one’s death. For example, a child who loses a parent may have lost their parent’s financial support or guidance.
Survival Action
A survival action is a legal claim in which the decedent’s personal representative seeks compensation for the losses the decedent suffered before death. For instance, a car accident victim may have spent 10 days in the hospital undergoing surgeries to save their before succumbing to the injuries. They would have incurred medical bills and perhaps endured excruciating pain or emotional trauma before death. A survival action could be brought on their behalf for these losses after a fatal car accident.
Our DeLand wrongful death lawyers can bring either wrongful death or survival action or both to recover financial awards for you after the death of your loved one. Both claims will benefit the surviving family members, and your DeLand fatal car crash lawyer can bring both concurrently.
Recoverable Damages After a Fatal Car Accident in DeLand, FL
Our DeLand fatal car accident attorneys can help you recover financial losses from a relative’s passing. For example, you and your family might be able to collect compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The decedent’s medical expenses paid on behalf of the decedent
- Lost financial support
- Loss of services
- Loss of parental guidance, instruction, and companionship
- Loss of spousal companionship
- Loss of affection
- Loss of protection
- Grief and additional mental pain and suffering
- Financial Losses of the deceased before death
- The decedent’s pain and suffering
Punitive Damages
In some cases, families could recover punitive damages. This is additional compensation awarded to the family to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior. If the at-fault driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or killed your loved one in a hit-and-run accident, for instance, you may be able to seek punitive damages.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
Under Florida Statutes § 768.21(6), only the decedent’s personal representative can file a lawsuit for wrongful death. The personal representative handles the estate after someone dies. Florida restricts the actual filing of a wrongful death action to a personal representative; however, the compensation recovered in the lawsuit will be distributed among the surviving family members according to the law. Surviving relatives include spouses, children, and parents.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in DeLand, Florida
If you lost a loved one in a deadly car accident in the DeLand area, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit under Florida law. You must contact a car accident lawyer serving DeLand to start your claim as soon as possible. Waiting too long could risk losing your right to seek justice and recover compensation for this untimely and preventable death.
Missing the statute of limitations results in the court dismissing your case if no valid exception applies to your circumstances. If a lawsuit is necessary, our personal injury lawyers will ensure we file your case on time.
No Charge for a DeLand Fatal Car Crash Lawyer at Our Firm
Starting a case with our law firm is simple, as we don’t charge our clients any upfront fees for our legal services. Your DeLand fatal car accident attorney works on a no-win-no-fee agreement. We will only take payment if you receive compensation.
If we don’t win, you don’t pay. It’s our honor to serve families as they go through challenging times. We don’t believe you should struggle financially to pay for the legal help you need to obtain justice for your loved one.
Responsive Legal Service from Our DeLand Fatal Car Accident Lawyers
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine provide compassionate legal care that delivers results to individuals and families. We aim to work quickly to obtain the money you need and deserve during this difficult time. We deal with the insurance company and fight for a fair settlement while you focus on your family.
Our DeLand fatal accident attorneys pride themselves on responsive legal services that keep you at the center of your case. We will answer all your questions and provide consistent updates so that you always know how things are progressing. Call us today for a free consultation.
We Can Help.
