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Philadelphia Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
Losing a loved one in a car accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. A Philadelphia fatal car accident lawyer helps surviving family members pursue compensation and accountability through a wrongful death claim under Pennsylvania law.
How a Philadelphia Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Fatal crashes can leave families overwhelmed and uncertain about their rights. An experienced fatal vehicle accident attorney provides compassionate legal guidance and manages every aspect of the case while families focus on healing. Fatal car accident lawyers in Philadelphia investigate the cause of the crash, identify responsible parties, and pursue damages against negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or other liable entities.
Liability in Fatal Car Accidents
Determining fault in a fatal crash requires a comprehensive investigation. A lawyer may collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction, engineering, and forensic analysis to establish negligence and liability. Potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers who violated traffic laws
- Employers of commercial drivers
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers in defective product cases
- Government entities responsible for unsafe road design or maintenance
Each fatal accident requires a detailed investigation to determine the root cause and identify who is responsible.
Recoverable Damages in a Fatal Car Accident Claim
A successful wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the final injury
- Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
- Emotional pain and suffering
In some cases, the estate may also be able to file a survival action, which allows recovery for damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering prior to death.
Who Can File the Wrongful Death Claim?
In Pennsylvania, the executor or administrator of the deceased person’s estate must file the wrongful death claim. This person acts on behalf of the surviving family members.
If the personal representative does not file the claim within six months of the death, any of the eligible beneficiaries (spouse, children, or parents) may file the claim directly on behalf of all beneficiaries.
Who Can Recover Damages?
Pennsylvania law allows specific family members to receive compensation from a wrongful death claim:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased (if there is no surviving spouse or child)
If no eligible family members survive, any damages recovered will go to the deceased’s estate, to be distributed according to Pennsylvania’s intestate succession laws.
Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case
Establishing negligence is the foundation of every wrongful death claim arising from a fatal car accident. To recover compensation, the family or the deceased’s estate must prove four essential elements:
- Duty of care: Every driver on Pennsylvania roads has a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and obey traffic laws to avoid causing harm to others.
- Breach of duty: The driver or responsible party must have violated that duty by acting carelessly, recklessly, or unlawfully—such as driving under the influence, texting while driving, or speeding.
- Causation: Evidence must show that this breach directly caused the crash that resulted in the victim’s death.
- Damages: The death must have led to measurable losses, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, or emotional suffering for surviving family members.
Proving negligence requires careful documentation and timely investigation. In some cases, negligence may extend beyond the driver to include an employer, manufacturer, or government agency.
Contact a Philadelphia Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
Schedule a free consultation with our Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney today by calling (215) 569-0200 or messaging us online. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless your attorney secures compensation for your family.