Tragic accidents involving death occur every day in the United States.
Many who die in these accidents were doing nothing wrong. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. An operator of a motor vehicle can be held responsible for the death of another if they are driving negligently. One can be considered driving negligently if they caused the death of another by doing something that could have been prevented. This is referred to as a wrongful death.
Distracted Driving
Driving while using a cell phone or other device, reading a newspaper, eating or doing anything not directly connected with operating a vehicle can easily be a distraction.
Motor Vehicle Violations
Violating any motor vehicle law can be a factor in a fatal accident.
Running a red light
Not stopping for a school bus
Driving without a license
Impaired Operation
Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is often involved in fatal accidents.
Unsafe Vehicle or Operation
Driving a vehicle that has not passed a safety inspection
Driving at night without headlights or with faulty headlights
Operating a vehicle with bad brakes. A collision could be caused by the inability to stop because of faulty brakes.
Not maintaining a safe distance
Road Rage
Deliberately causing an accident or creating an unsafe situation such as intimidating or threatening another driver on the road.
Anything involved in the death of another that is the fault of someone else can lead to a wrongful death claim. It is important that you contact an experienced law firm if you are involved in an accident which had a fatality. This should be done as soon as possible after the accident to provide the best legal representation.