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Main Causes of Death After a Car Accident

In California, fatal car accidents are unfortunately a part of daily commutes across the state. Because of the various types of accidents and injuries that can result, there are a number of different scenarios where these accidents and injuries become fatal. According to data collected by the California Highway Patrol, there were 3,786 fatal car accidents in California in 2021. Nationwide, there were 35,766 fatal car accidents in 2020, according to data from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

Obviously, this data shows that the likelihood of being in a fatal car accident is certainly something that you should prepare for. In order to do that, it could be helpful to understand how these fatal accidents can happen, and what injuries are more likely to be fatal. After that, understanding your options to recover the support you or your family needs to move forward can be extremely helpful.

Maison Law Provides Support For Fatal Car Accident Victims

When you or a loved one are killed in a car accident, it is extremely difficult for your surviving family to know where to turn next. On top of the shock and sadness that come with the death of a closed loved one in a car accident, those that survive will have to be responsible for the aftermath. While your loved one can never be replaced, your surviving family has the ability to recover from the financial and emotional implications of a fatal car accident by finding the at-fault party.

At Maison Law, our team of compassionate California car accident lawyers has the experience and expertise necessary to help you through this tragic situation. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.

Main Causes of Death After a Car Accident

Unfortunately, car accidents are very dangerous. Nearly everything factors into the severity of a car accident; the sudden impact, speed of the vehicles, type of vehicles involved, road conditions, and circumstances. While injuries are nearly guaranteed in a car accident, a more severe accident can take normal injuries and turn them fatal. Here are some of the main causes of death after a car accident:

  • Head injuries – One of the main causes of death in car accidents is head injuries. When there is a car accident, you and other passengers can be thrown around violently, and their heads can come into contact with hard surfaces such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows. This can lead to skull fractures and brain injuries, which are often fatal.

 

  • Chest injuries – Another common cause of death in car accidents is chest injuries. These injuries can be caused by the impact of the crash, as well as by objects that may be present in the vehicle, such as sharp objects or loose items that can become projectiles. Chest injuries can also be caused by the deployment of airbags, which can sometimes exert excessive force on the chest.

 

  • Internal injuries – Organ damage and internal bleeding is another serious consequence of car accidents. For example, the impact of the crash can cause internal organs to be damaged, and sharp objects such as broken glass can also cause injuries. Internal bleeding can be difficult to detect, and it can be fatal if not treated promptly.
  • Burns – Burn injuries only occur under certain conditions in a car accident, but their effects are serious for the victim. Burns can be caused by the ignition of flammable materials such as gasoline, and they can also be caused by the deployment of the airbags, which can generate heat as they deploy. Burns can be very painful and can lead to serious complications, like infections, which can be fatal in their own right.

Obviously, these outcomes are the worst-case scenario in a car accident. While it can be frightening, understanding these causes can prepare you and other passengers in the event you find yourself in a car accident. To reduce the risk of these tragic outcomes, it is important to:

  • Wear a seatbelt
  • Properly secure children in child safety seats
  • Maintain your vehicle
  • Seek medical attention promptly after an accident.

What Can I Do After a Fatal Car Accident in California?

Under California law, a fatal car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence or reckless driving would fall under the legal category of a “wrongful death” claim. Under the law, wrongful death claims in California are made when your loved one dies as a result of:

  • Another person’s negligence or unlawful action.

In a fatal car accident, the driver that caused the accident will likely be at-fault for your surviving family’s damages, which can include the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Funeral expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future income
  • Loss of companionship
  • Any pain and suffering felt by the deceased before death
  • Property damage

It’s important to understand that wrongful death claims, like other claims in California, have a time limit in which your surviving family members can file a claim. Legally, this is known as the “statute of limitations”. In California, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of your loved one’s death.

Compassionate Representation For Fatal Car Accident Victims in California

When you or a loved one is lost in a fatal car accident, it’s an unthinkable tragedy. However, because these fatal accidents often occur because of another person’s negligence, the situation becomes even more painful. At Maison Law, our team of compassionate and dedicated California car accident lawyers can not only help your surviving family members recover financial benefits for your loss of life but provide them with the emotional support they need to see the claim through.

To learn more about how our team can help you and your loved ones, contact us today for a free consultation.

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