For families who have lost loved ones in New York City to car accidents, legal action might be the last thing on their minds. After all, it takes time to process such incidents, and there may be other steps to consider as families deal with funerals, estate plans, and much more. For those who do wish to pursue justice after losing loved ones in car accidents, there are certainly many potential options. A wrongful death lawsuit in New York City has the potential to provide compensation for a range of damages associated with fatal car accidents. During a consultation with David Resnick & Associates, P.C., families can assess their legal options in greater detail.
What are the Damages Associated with a Fatal Car Accident in New York City?
In a wrongful death lawsuit, “damages” represent a family’s total losses as a result of the accident. These might be emotional or financial in nature:
- Economic Damages: Economic damages include all of the various financial losses that a family has been forced to endure after a fatal accident. These might include unpaid medical expenses, future missed wages, and funeral expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages include psychological or emotional issues that a family has experienced after the passing of a loved one. These might include grief, emotional distress, mental anguish, PTSD, and loss of consortium.
How Much Compensation Can a Family Receive for a Fatal Car Accident?
Each case is different, and it’s not always clear how much compensation a family might receive after losing a loved one in a fatal car accident. That being said, compensation is determined by a family’s total damages. The most straightforward damages to calculate are economic because they involve clear financial expenses that are easily documented.
For example, in order to establish that they have encountered funeral expenses, a family would need to save all relevant receipts. The same basic logic applies to receipts for medical expenses.
Compensation for future missed wages may be slightly more complex, but they are still based on documented financial records. For example, the surviving family members of a deceased traffic victim may point to past earning history to establish what they would have earned in the future. Compensation for future missed wages can ensure that the surviving spouses and children of traffic victims can cover their living expenses.
Calculations regarding non-economic damages are more complex due to their abstract nature. How does one put a price on an emotion such as grief? What is the “cost” for a widow who must continue without the love and affection offered by her former spouse? These are difficult questions that must be considered as family members pursue compensation for their various non-economic damages.
That being said, it is possible to pursue compensation for non-economic damages after losing a loved one, and these damages have the potential to increase total financial compensation considerably. A qualified New York City auto accident attorney can help families fight effectively for compensation related to all their losses – including both non-economic and economic damages.
Who is to Blame for a Fatal Accident in New York City?
For families pursuing legal action after a fatal accident in New York City, a key step is to determine who might be at fault for the accident. There are various possibilities, and more than one party may have contributed to the same accident. It may also be more advantageous to sue certain parties rather than others. Ultimately, an auto accident attorney in New York City can help families determine who might be at fault for the loss of their loved one. Here are a few examples of negligent parties:
- Intoxicated Drivers
- Distracted Drivers
- Reckless Drivers
- Street Racers
- Trucking Companies
- Rideshare Companies
In many cases, families may pursue compensation directly from insurers without pursuing a personal injury trial against the at-fault party. This is especially common in cases involving companies rather than individual motorists. For example, trucking companies are heavily insured against personal injury lawsuits, and their insurance providers typically pay out fair settlements without the need for trials. That being said, it is important to negotiate effectively with insurers, and personal injury attorneys can fight for fair settlements on behalf of family members. Our team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. have vast experience in negotiating with insurance companies to get our clients fair compensation.
Speak with a Fatal Car Accident in New York City Today
Families considering their options after a fatal accident should consider booking a consultation with a car accident lawyer in New York City. While online research may provide basic answers, it cannot deliver personalized guidance in the same way as a qualified attorney. The circumstances of each crash – and each family – are always different. During a consultation with David Resnick & Associates, P.C., loved ones can assess options for personalized compensation based on their unique needs. More importantly, they can begin pursuing these sources of compensation with efficiency. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.