Maison Law represents victims and their families after fatal car accidents in Fremont. A car accident in Fremont can lead to severe or even fatal injuries for you or your loved ones. In these heartbreaking situations, you have legal options available. Our team at Maison Law is here to guide you through these options. Contact us for a free consultation and get the support you need during this challenging time.
Why Hire a Lawyer After a Fatal Car Accident in Fremont?
While not legally required, having a lawyer after a fatal car accident in Fremont is crucial for your family’s future. These cases are tough both legally and emotionally. At Maison Law, we help families by:
- Clarifying what your legal rights are
- Gathering evidence and information
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a wrongful death lawsuit, if needed
Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident in Fremont is a devastating experience, though it happens more often than we’d like. Our team is here to help make the legal process easier so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
How Fatal Car Accidents Happen in Fremont
Fatal car accidents in Fremont can occur for various reasons, just like in any other city. Whether you’re driving on Fremont Boulevard or the 680 freeway, serious accidents can happen. Here are some common factors that increase the risk of fatal crashes:
- Driving impaired – Alcohol or drugs impair your judgment and reaction times, raising the risk of deadly accidents.
- Speeding or driving recklessly – Driving too fast, especially on major roads like the 680 freeway, limits your ability to react quickly and can make accidents more severe.
- Distracted driving – Activities like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio can distract you and lead to accidents.
- Drowsy driving – Driving while tired affects your concentration and reaction times, making accidents more likely.
- Mechanical issues – Problems like brake failures or tire blowouts, due to poor vehicle maintenance, can lead to dangerous accidents.
- Aggressive driving – Tailgating or weaving through traffic increases the risk of serious accidents.
- Poor road conditions – Issues such as potholes, inadequate signage, or poor lighting in Fremont can make driving hazardous.
Accidents are always tough, but even more so when they’re fatal. This obviously raises the stakes of a claim, so it’s important to consider the legal process.
Who Pays for Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Accident in Fremont?
After a fatal car accident in Fremont, determining who is liable follows the same basic principles as any other accident: negligence. To prove negligence, you must show:
- The driver had a responsibility to act in a way that kept you and others safe
- They failed to drive safely.
- Their unsafe driving caused the accident.
- The accident led to someone’s death.
In a fatal car accident, multiple parties could be responsible, including:
- Other drivers
- Employers
- Car makers
- People that own the vehicle (if it’s not the driver themself)
- Local or state government or road agencies
Again, a fatal car accident is by far the worst outcome of any accident in Fremont. But, because there’s still a legal process in place, figuring out who’s liable is extremely important. It not only tells you who you’ll file against, but who has to pay for you or your family’s damages. And in a fatal car accident, these damages are extensive.
What Damages Are Available in a Fremont Wrongful Death Claim?
What sets the claims process apart after a fatal car accident in Fremont is that it means filing a “wrongful death” claim. This is still technically an injury claim, but there are a few key differences. First, only certain people can file a wrongful death claim in California:
- Spouses or children – Surviving spouses or children can file a wrongful death claim.
- Parents or personal representatives – If there are no spouses or children, parents, stepchildren, heirs, or personal representatives can file on behalf of the deceased’s estate.
The claim can start with an insurance claim or a lawsuit in court, but the overall goal is to recover “damages” from the responsible party or parties. Depending on how strong the claim is, the following can be recovered:
- Funeral expenses – These pay for the cost of the deceased’s funeral, burial, or cremation, including related services and fees.
- Loss of financial support – These damages cover the income the deceased would have earned, which supported their family.
- Loss of companionship – These damages address the emotional and social loss of the deceased’s love and guidance.
- Emotional suffering – These cover the pain and grief experienced by the surviving family members from the loss.
You have two years from the date of death to file your claim under California law. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to recover damages. It’s important to act quickly to protect your family’s rights, but it’s equally important to put together a strong claim.
What Needs to Be Done to Strengthen a Claim After a Fatal Car Accident?
For as devastating as a fatal car accident is, you or your surviving family members don’t automatically get damages when a claim is filed. Rather, like any other claim, evidence has to be presented to support and strengthen the claim itself. There’s a few ways that this can be done:
- Call 911 for help – Contact the Fremont Police Department and ambulance right away. This makes sure that medical care is provided and official records of the accident are created, which can support your claim.
- Document the scene – Gather information from those involved, witness statements, medical records, incident reports, and photos or videos of the accident scene. These pieces of evidence will show what happened and make your claim stronger.
- Keep track of expenses and costs – Maintain a detailed list of expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills and funeral costs. This will show the financial impact that the accident and loss has on you or your family.
- Preserve the evidence – Keep the vehicle and any damaged property in the same condition as after the accident. Preserving evidence helps maintain its integrity for your claim.
Handling these steps, even in the difficult aftermath of a fatal accident, builds a solid foundation for your wrongful death claim. Whether it’s you or a surviving family member, putting together the strongest claim possible is one of the best ways to move forward after a fatal car accident. And remember, our team will be there to provide legal guidance and support.
Contact Maison Law After a Fatal Car Accident in Fremont
Nobody wants to think about losing a loved one in a fatal car accident in Fremont, but when it does happen, you’re not alone. At Maison Law, our experienced Fremont car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the claims process and offer the legal support you and your family need. If you’ve lost a loved one in one of these accidents, contact us today for a free consultation.
