Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Detroit

ETHICAL AND RESULT-DRIVEN FATAL CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS IN DETROIT

We Will Help You Seek Compensation for the Death of Your Loved One in a Car Accident

Not all car accidents end with bodily injuries; some end with the death of one or more of those involved. When this happens, it is a fatal car accident. Those who lose their loved ones in such a situation might wonder what they can do to recover compensation for the deceased’s burial and funeral expenses.

This is where our fatal car accident lawyer in Detroit comes in. We will carefully examine the circumstances leading to the vehicle collision, determine whether you have grounds for a claim, judge the strengths and weaknesses of the case, and assess your chances of getting compensation. We will also advise you on your rights and the options available for pursuing a settlement or getting insurance benefits.

Our initial consultations are free, and during the session, we will answer your questions and discuss what to expect if you decide to pursue a fatal car accident case. Contact Goodman Acker, P.C. today at 248-286-8100 to get started on your case.

Why choose our Detroit fatal car accident lawyer?

At Goodman Acker, P.C., we know how devastating it can be to lose a loved one in a car accident. Therefore, we fight aggressively to get you financial compensation that will ease the monetary burden caused by the victim’s death. Our attorneys have represented many clients in these types of cases and have secured favorable outcomes.

We always prioritize our clients’ interests and dedicate time and resources to each case as needed. Our lawyers are loyal, ethical, and reliable and treat every client with respect and dignity. We are available 24/7 to attend to your needs. Call us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you secure a favorable outcome.

We have represented injury victims for more than three decades and have a 99% success rate.

Causes of fatal car accidents in Detroit, Michigan

Fatal car accidents are not uncommon in Detroit and throughout Michigan. According to the Michigan State Police, the state recorded a 15% increase in fatal crashes between 2018 and 2022. In 2022 alone, 1,123 people died in car crashes, and the number remained above 1,000 in 2023, with federal officials reporting 1,040 traffic fatalities.

Fatal car crashes occur for several reasons, including the following:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence
• Reckless driving
• Fatigue
• Adverse weather conditions
• Poor road conditions
• Vehicle defects
• Inexperienced drivers
• Medical emergencies.

Fatal car accidents are usually preventable if drivers operate their vehicles responsibly, adhere to traffic laws, properly maintain them, and pay attention to road hazards.

What happens when someone dies in a car accident in Detroit?

If you lose a loved one to a fatal car accident, you have rights under Michigan law. If you are a surviving family member, you might be able to file a claim against the driver that caused the accident. This claim is known as a wrongful death lawsuit; most of the time, it is filed by a family member appointed as the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.

You cannot file a claim if you are not named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court as the personal representative. However, if you are a legal beneficiary, you will share in the settlement recovered whether or not you filed the lawsuit as the personal representative. Our Detroit fatal car accident attorney can represent your interests and ensure the personal representative follows due process when filing a wrongful death claim.

Can you sue the at-fault driver in a fatal car accident?

Although Michigan is a no-fault auto insurance state, where each party to an accident handles their losses without suing the other, fatal car accidents are an exception. If someone dies in an accident, Michigan law allows their representative to file a wrongful death lawsuit. With the lawsuit, you can seek economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party.

Economic damages compensate for the monetary losses incurred from the victim’s death or any medical treatment they received before they died from the injuries sustained in the crash. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are for non-monetary losses like pain and suffering and loss of companionship.

Under Michigan’s law (MCL 600.2922 (6)), the following damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit:

• All reasonable medical, hospital, funeral, and burial expenses the estate is responsible for
• All reasonable compensation for the pain and suffering, while conscious, experienced by the deceased during the period between the injury and death
• Damages or the loss of financial support and the loss of the deceased’s society and companionship, including loss of service, gifts or other valuable gratuities, and parental training and guidance.

Our attorneys can provide guidance on the damages you’re entitled to and ensure the compensation awarded covers them.

Can you receive benefits under the Michigan No-Fault Law after a fatal car accident in Detroit?

Michigan law allows legal beneficiaries of a deceased car accident victim to recover No-Fault survivor loss benefits. The benefits help to compensate for or offset the loss of financial support the deceased provided before their death. However, not everyone can claim survivor loss benefits.

The deceased’s spouse can apply for the benefits, but the couple must have been living together at the time of the victim’s death. Also, children younger than 18 and others whose dependency can be supported by “the facts as they exist at the time of death,” and those who are “physically or mentally incapacitated from earning” can receive survivor loss benefits.

No-Fault survivor loss benefits pay for contributions of tangible things of economic value that the deceased person previously provided. It also pays for the cost of paying someone else to perform the services previously done by the deceased. Finally, No-Fault survivor benefits pay up to $5,000 for burial and funeral expenses not covered by the deceased’s auto insurance policy.

Fatal car accident lawyer in Detroit FAQs

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, and you might have more questions than answers, especially if you decide to pursue compensation. Below are answers to some of the questions we frequently get from clients.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a fatal car accident lawsuit in Michigan?

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit resulting from a car accident is generally three years from the date of the deceased person’s death. Once the time elapses, you cannot take legal action and you lose your right to compensation.

Do I need to go to court for a fatal car accident case?

Not necessarily. Many fatal car accident cases are resolved through out-of-court settlements negotiated between your lawyer and the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if we cannot reach a fair settlement, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

Do I need a fatal car accident lawyer in Detroit?

Not necessarily. You can choose to hire a lawyer or handle your case alone. However, getting legal representation is more beneficial as your attorney will help you navigate the legal process, pursue compensation, and get justice.

How much does it cost to hire a Detroit fatal car accident attorney?

Most fatal car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, as do we at Goodman Acker, P.C. This means that we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.

How our Detroit fatal car accident lawyer can help you

At Goodman Acker, P.C., our attorneys are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to those who lose their loved ones to a car accident. We will provide you with expert legal guidance, investigate the circumstances leading to the accident, and negotiate to get fair compensation.

If the case goes to court, we will advocate for your rights and present compelling arguments and evidence before the court. We understand the emotional impact of losing a loved one and provide compassionate support every step of the way. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you with sensitivity and empathy.

Did you lose your loved one to a fatal car accident in Detroit? We can help!

You don’t have to face the aftermath of losing a loved one alone. Our lawyers at Goodman Acker, P.C., are here to help you through this challenging time while fighting for you to receive fair compensation or benefits. Our lawyers have the skill, experience, and knowledge to effectively represent you and get the best possible outcome. So, if you want a team you can count on, call us now at 248-286-8100 to book a free case review.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN

Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]