Maison Law represents the families of fatal motorcycle accident victims in Glendale. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a careless driver, the wrongful death attorneys at Maison Law can help. Our caring team of accident attorneys are standing by to guide you through the legal process and assist you through this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation and see what options are available to you.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Glendale?
There is nothing more devastating than losing a loved one due to the reckless actions of another person. Although no amount of money can replace a loss as significant as a family member, a wrongful death attorney can seek damages from the liable party to compensate you for your untimely loss. While insurance companies will attempt to only compensate you for your immediate damages, attorneys look at the full scope of your damages and aim to compensate you for the following:
- Medical bills directly related to the accident injuries from the time of the accident to your loved one’s death.
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income, which includes income from the time of the accident and future lost income
- Loss of household services your loved one used to provide
- Pain and suffering the decedent was exposed to before their untimely death
- Medical bills the decedent may have accumulated
- Loss of consortium
At Maison Law, our wrongful death attorneys are experienced in aggressively pursuing full compensation from insurance companies. We keep them and their lawyers from taking advantage of any one of our clients or their families after the untimely loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident.
What Factors Influence a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
Settlement amounts in California vary based on a number of factors, but the main determining factor is the degree of fault by the “at-fault” party. The settlement is also dependent upon the details of your case. These details include:
- The age and earning potential of the victim: the lost income is reached by combining the victim’s life expectancy and their earning potential had it not been for the fatal accident.
- Whether or not the victim was partially responsible: California is a “shared fault” state and the victim can be assigned blame for their death, reducing the amount of compensation.
- Insurance policy limits of the at-fault party: drivers are required to have insurance and most do. However, most car insurance policies have caps. So, if the cap is met, then you’ll have to resort to other alternatives for compensation.
These details are often revealed through legal processes your attorney will guide you through. Both you (the plaintiff) and the liable party (the defense) will have a chance to discuss the details of the case through:
- Interrogatories: written questions both parties must answer under oath
- Depositions: usually an audio or video recording of a verbal question and answer between both opposing parties under oath and outside of the courthouse
- Request for production of documents: all documents to back up each party’s claims must be presented to both sides
- Request for admission: carefully directed questions to determine whether the party in question agrees with or denies certain claims
To understand more about the value of your case, it is advised to seek the counsel of a reputable attorney.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Glendale?
Before pursuing damages in a wrongful death lawsuit, you should know the legal requirements of who is permitted to file the lawsuit. Typically, this right is reserved for immediate family members because they are the ones most affected by the loss. However, in California, several other people are allowed to file suit, according to the Code of Civil Procedure, section 377.60. The eligible members include:
- Surviving spouses
- Domestic partners
- Children
- Grandchildren (only if the deceased person’s children have also passed away
- Stepchildren may claim damages if they were at least 50% dependent on the decedent’s financial support
- Dependent minor living in the household
- The next of kin
- Anyone entitled to the deceased’s property under intestate succession law
However, if no one in the decedent’s life fits the listed people above, there are additional individuals who qualify for compensation. If a person is dependent on the decedent such as a stepchild, or parent, they become entitled to compensation.
What is the Typical Compensation for a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Glendale
Since every wrongful death case is different, it is difficult to determine an average settlement amount. However, your compensation is typically a direct result of the severity of damages you’ve endured such as funeral costs, pain, and the financial impact due to the absence of the decedent. A major factor in your compensation will also be non-economic damages. There is no limit to the amount your non-economic damages can be worth in California. Non-economic damages include things that cannot be assigned a specific dollar amount like loss of love and companionship, as well as grief, anxiety, and depression. To better understand the value of your case it is recommended to speak to an experienced wrongful death attorney.
Contact a Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Glendale
If you’ve lost a loved one due to the careless driving of another, the wrongful death attorneys at Maison Law can help you stabilize your financial future and help you rebuild your life one step at a time. For the legal support you need and a law firm you can trust to bring a successful outcome to your case, Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There is no upfront charge or hidden costs, and we don’t make a cent until we’ve won your case.
