Despite Safety Improvements, Car Accidents Are Still a Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

Even though cars, trucks, and SUVs are getting safer, car accidents are still a leading cause of death in the United States. Lane-keeping assistance and other safety technologies are far from perfect, and driver negligence is still a major concern. When families lose loved ones in fatal accidents, hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney in Florida is the first step toward seeking accountability.

Car accidents are among the leading causes of death in the United States. After heart disease and cancer, car accidents and other traumatic incidents are next on the list. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically identifies car accidents as a leading cause of death—attributing more than 44,000 deaths in the U.S. annually to fatal roadway collisions.

As a result, if you have lost a loved one in a fatal roadway collision, you are not alone.

Of course, this tragic truth does nothing to improve your situation. Your situation is impossibly difficult, and your life will never be the same. This is one reason why it is important to take action—and why you should talk to a wrongful death attorney in Florida about fighting for accountability on your family’s behalf.

Leading Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Florida

Grieving families in Florida can file wrongful death claims after fatal car accidents on various grounds. While families can pursue claims based on driver negligence, they can also pursue claims based on vehicle defects and other issues. When deciding whether to take legal action, it is important to ensure you have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the options available to your family.

For example, some of the leading causes of fatal car accidents in Florida include:

• Distracted Driving – Handheld cell phone use (i.e., texting or scrolling social media) is a leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal car accidents in Florida. Even when drivers are relying on their vehicles’ self-driving capabilities, they still have a legal duty to pay attention and intervene when necessary.
• Careless Driving – Merging without checking blind spots, turning without checking for oncoming traffic, and other forms of careless driving are common factors in fatal car accidents. When drivers’ careless mistakes have fatal consequences, they can (and should) be held accountable.
• Reckless and Aggressive Driving – Reckless and aggressive driving encompasses everything from speeding and running red lights to tailgating and driving under the influence. If your loved one’s death was the result of recklessness or aggression behind the wheel, your family deserves justice.
• Vehicle Defects and Maintenance Issues – Defective self-driving capabilities, safety features, tires, brakes, and other vehicle components all can (and do) cause fatal car accidents. In some cases, maintenance-related issues can also be to blame for fatal car accidents.
• Employer Negligence – Hiring inexperienced and unqualified drivers, forcing drivers to work too many hours, and other forms of employer negligence can also lead to fatal accidents on Florida’s roads. When employers are to blame for fatal car accidents involving their drivers, they can face full liability for grieving family members’ financial and non-financial losses.

While these are among the leading causes of fatal car accidents in Florida, these are far from the only potential grounds for grieving family members to seek just compensation. If you have tragically lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, an experienced wrongful death attorney at our firm can conduct a comprehensive investigation, fully assess your family’s legal rights, and then help you make informed and confident decisions about your next steps.

What You Can Do if You Have Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Car Accident

While moving forward after a loved one’s fatal car accident can be incredibly difficult, fighting to hold the at-fault party accountable requires prompt legal action. As a result, we strongly recommend that all grieving family members speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.

Speaking with a wrongful death attorney costs nothing; and, if you decide to take legal action, your family’s attorney can handle the process on your behalf at no out-of-pocket cost to you. You can get started with a free consultation; and, once you have the information you need, you can decide how you want to proceed.

FAQs: Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Accident in Florida

Does auto insurance cover fatal car accidents in Florida?

Yes, as a general rule, auto insurance covers fatal car accidents in Florida. If you have tragically lost a loved one in a fatal collision, an experienced wrongful death attorney can determine what coverage is available to your family. In this situation, it is important not to accept an insurance settlement until you have spoken with an attorney who has your family’s best interests in mind.

What if an issue with my loved one’s vehicle caused the crash?

If an issue with your loved one’s vehicle caused his or her fatal car accident, your family could have a claim against the vehicle’s manufacturer. Manufacturers can be held liable for accidents resulting from all types of vehicle defects—from defective brakes and tires to defective technological safety features.

How can I ensure that I am making informed decisions with my family’s best interests in mind?

After a loved one’s fatal car accident, ensuring that you are making informed decisions starts with seeking advice from an experienced wrongful death attorney. Again, this costs nothing out of pocket, and your family will only have to pay legal fees if an attorney helps secure a settlement or verdict.

Need to Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney in Florida? Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today

If you need to speak with a wrongful death attorney in Florida about your family’s legal rights, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. To arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced attorney at Searcy Denney as soon as possible, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online today.