Long Island Fatal Car Accident Lawyer 

Experienced Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Elmhurst, NY, Helps Victims’ Families with Their Motor-Vehicle-Related Wrongful Death Claims in Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, and Throughout Long Island

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. It can be especially traumatizing when the death was due to the negligence or recklessness of another party. The sudden death of a loved one in a fatal auto crash can lead to a significant economic strain on you and your family.

At the Harrison Law Group, P.C., we offer the families of the deceased victims of fatal car accidents the opportunity to seek the financial compensation they desperately need with the help of an experienced Long Island fatal car accident lawyer. 

The team at The Harrison Law Group, P.C. understands how difficult it can be to deal with the tragic loss of a loved one. We have regularly witnessed the immediate and long-term financial impact of a fatal car crash on families. We offer knowledgeable and compassionate legal counsel to help you through this difficult time, guiding you as you seek the financial compensation and support you need in the present and future. 

Our compassionate car accident attorney team has years of experience representing survivors of individuals killed in fatal car accidents. Note that survivors are immediate family members, not other car occupants at the time of the crash. We offer you the opportunity to consult for free with an experienced and knowledgeable fatal auto crash attorney in Elmhurst, NY. Our attorneys are available to answer questions and explain the process of seeking compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and strategy session with an attorney from our law firm so you can learn more about the legal options available.

What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your loss through a wrongful death lawsuit. This monetary compensation is possible if the death of your loved one was due to the negligence or reckless actions of another party. 

To bring a wrongful death lawsuit, you will need to prove negligence or recklessness on the part of the at-fault party. You will need to provide evidence to prove liability. Wrongful death lawsuits are civil lawsuits, meaning that you will not be required to prove intent to kill or harm by the other party.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Car Accident in New York?

It is also important to note that wrongful death lawsuits can only be filed by the survivors of the deceased, including the spouse, children, parents, or siblings. Survivors may receive all or only part of the award, depending on the circumstances of the case. 

Consulting an experienced Long Island fatal car accident lawyer to learn about your rights and options is vital. The Harrison Law Group, P.C. team is ready to fight to the end to seek compensation on your behalf.

Common Scenarios For Fatal Crashes on Long Island

Motor vehicle deaths often involve multiple contributing factors. Typical scenarios for motor vehicle accidents involving fatalities in New York include:

• Driver Inattention & Distraction: Distracted driving is a leading cause of fatal injuries in New York auto accidents. It can range from using a cell phone or texting while driving to eating or talking to passengers.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a major factor in many fatal accidents. Even legal drugs can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit significantly increases the risk of a fatal accident. The faster a vehicle travels, the less time the driver has to react and avoid a collision. This principle applies to the reaction time of the driver who is recklessly speeding and the other drivers responding to the dangerous situation this creates. While fatalities happen at slower speeds within city environments, highway speeds are inherently hazardous and potentially deadly.
• Head-On Collisions: These accidents occur when two vehicles collide front-to-front. They are particularly dangerous and often lead to road fatalities due to the full force of both vehicles involved.
• T-Bone Accidents: These accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the side of another at a 90-degree angle. They are often catastrophic and can occur at road intersections when a driver fails to yield the right of way.

Additional factors affecting the death rate of individuals who suffer injuries related to crashes include whether they were front seat occupants and wearing a seatbelt.

Differentiating a Wrongful Death Lawsuit from a Criminal Prosecution for Illegal Acts Leading to the Death of a Loved One

In New York, a wrongful death lawsuit and criminal prosecution are two separate legal proceedings that serve different purposes — and have different standards of proof.

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought by the family or estate of the deceased person against the party they believe to be responsible for their loved one’s death. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks monetary compensation for losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, loss of companionship, and more. The standard of proof in a wrongful death lawsuit is “a preponderance of the evidence,” which means showing it is more likely than not that the defendant’s negligence caused the death.

On the other hand, the government brings a criminal prosecution against the person accused of committing a crime. In a case involving a death, the charges could include manslaughter or murder. The purpose of a criminal prosecution is to punish the offender and deter others from committing similar acts. The standard of proof in a criminal case is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a much higher bar than in a civil case.

Note that these two processes can occur independently of each other. A defendant can be found not guilty in a criminal trial but still be held liable in a civil wrongful death lawsuit because of the different standards of proof in criminal and civil cases.

You Need To Act Quickly to Pursue a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New York Following a Car Accident

If you have recently lost a loved one in a car accident, we understand that legal concerns may not be foremost in your mind. However, it is imperative to promptly speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney if you believe a loved one’s death in New York was due to someone else’s negligence:

• Statute of Limitations: In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the person’s death. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
• Preservation of Evidence: Over time, evidence crucial to your case may be lost or destroyed. Acting quickly promotes the preservation of vital evidence.
• Witness Recollections: Similarly, witnesses’ memories can fade over time. It’s critical to seek witness statements as soon as possible while the events are still fresh in their minds.
• Financial Concerns: The sooner you start the legal process to seek compensation, the sooner you can use it to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and other assorted damages related to your loved one’s death.
• Legal Guidance: Navigating the legal system can be complex. An experienced wrongful death attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met.

Do Not Delay To Pursue a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following a Fatal Car Accident

If you are seeking a wrongful death lawsuit following a deadly car accident in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, or Suffolk County, our experienced fatal car accidents attorney team can guide and direct you in pursuit of appropriate compensation concerning a wrongful death and other injuries from car accidents. Time is of the essence, so call us today to begin this process.

Reach Out to The Harrison Law Group, P.C. to Consult with an Experienced Long Island Fatal Car Accident Lawyer For Free

Losing a loved one can be devastating. This experience can be even more difficult to deal with when another person’s negligence causes your loved one’s death. You don’t have to face your loss on your own. Contact The Harrison Law Group, P.C. to schedule a free consultation and strategy session with an experienced fatal auto crash attorney in Elmhurst, NY. Our attorneys can provide the support you need during this difficult time. 

We will explain your options and help you navigate the complexities of your case to determine the right approach to seek appropriate compensation. We offer compassionate yet aggressive legal services. 

Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and strategy session and begin the process of seeking justice for your loved one. 

We understand you need to be heard, and we are prepared to listen, guide you, and be your voice — The Harrison Law Group, P.C.