Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in West Palm Beach

The loss of a family member in a car crash is devastating, especially when you know the accident could’ve been prevented. A fatal car accident lawyer in West Palm Beach can file a claim against the at-fault driver and any other liable party so that your family can pursue recovery and honor the memory of your loved one.

The Schiller Kessler Group has won over $250 million for our clients. If you lost a loved one in a crash caused by a negligent driver, our West Palm Beach car accident lawyer can fight for compensation for funeral expenses and other losses, including non-economic damages.

Our attorneys provide compassionate representation for grieving families. Call us for a free consultation.

How Our West Palm Beach Fatal Car Accident Lawyers Help

Wrongful death cases often require in-depth investigations and lengthy settlement negotiations. Our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can handle your entire claim, which involves:

• Investigating the accident: We can examine the police report, photographs, video footage, vehicle damage, witness statements, and other evidence to determine how the crash occurred and who is at fault.
• Calculating your family’s damages: We can evaluate your family’s financial and personal losses and calculate the true value of your wrongful death claim.
• Handling settlement negotiations: Our West Palm Beach fatal car accident attorneys handle communications with insurance companies and liable parties while negotiating for a fair settlement on your family’s behalf.
• Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we can prepare and pursue a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

What Types of Compensation Can Your Family Seek?

While no amount can truly account for the loss of a loved one due to negligent driving, your family should not have to bear the financial brunt of the sudden loss. Few families are prepared to face funeral expenses, on top of the loss of income that may also result.

While available damages vary from case to case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical and funeral expenses: A survivor may recover qualifying medical or funeral expenses that the survivor paid. The estate may recover qualifying expenses paid by or charged against the estate.
• Lost support and services: You may be entitled to compensation for financial support and services you would have received from the deceased.
• Loss of companionship or parental guidance: A surviving spouse may recover for lost companionship and protection. Qualifying children may recover for lost parental companionship, instruction, and guidance.

Our fatal car crash attorneys in West Palm Beach are here to provide the compassionate, customized legal support your family deserves.

Our West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorneys Handle Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one in a car accident is devastating, and pursuing justice through a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming during such a difficult time. Florida law requires the decedent’s personal representative to bring a wrongful death lawsuit for the benefit of eligible survivors and the estate.

The probate court appoints this representative, often based on a nomination in the decedent’s will. If the will does not nominate an eligible representative, the court appoints one under Florida probate law.

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act defines survivors as the decedent’s spouse, children, parents, and any blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were partly or wholly dependent on the decedent for support or services.

The specific damages you can pursue will depend on your relationship to the deceased. A West Palm Beach fatal car accident lawyer can assess your case and explain whether you are an eligible beneficiary.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?

In most cases, you generally have two years from your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(e).

If you wait too long to take legal action, it could jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation. Our West Palm Beach fatal car crash lawyers understand what a sensitive time it is for your family, so we handle the legal process.

Still, the sooner you begin your case, the more time our attorneys have to dedicate to seeking fair compensation from all liable parties.

How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Affect a Fatal Car Accident Claim?

Under Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system, you begin with a claim under your loved one’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. PIP provides up to $10,000 in medical and disability benefits, plus a separate $5,000 death benefit, regardless of who caused the crash.

Since a fatality meets Florida’s serious injury threshold under Florida Statutes § 627.737, your family may be able to seek additional damages through a third-party claim against:

• A negligent driver: A motorist who speeds, drives under the influence, texts while driving, or otherwise behaves negligently may be liable.
• An employer: If a driver causes a crash while performing their job, their employer may share responsibility for it.
• A vehicle manufacturer: The manufacturer of a defective vehicle or component may be held liable if that issue contributes to a fatal accident.
• A maintenance company: If improper repairs or inadequate maintenance contribute to a deadly crash, a maintenance company can be held liable.
• A government entity or other property owner: If dangerous conditions on a roadway contribute to a collision, you may have a claim against a government agency or property owner.

Call Us for Help From Our Fatal Car Accident Attorney in West Palm Beach

While a wrongful death claim cannot undo your loss, it can provide financial stability for your family.

If you recently lost a relative in a preventable auto accident, a West Palm Beach fatal car accident attorney from The Schiller Kessler Group can take the burden of the legal process off your family’s shoulders by filing your claim and helping you secure compensation.

Call us for a free consultation to find out how you can pursue recovery on behalf of your late loved one.