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Cape Girardeau Fatal Car Accidents
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
Car Accident Attorneys in Cape Girardeau
In 2016, over 37,000 people died nationwide due to automobile accident related injuries. Fatal car accidents occur for several reasons, but more often than not, they are due to the negligence of at least one driver. If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to assert a wrongful death claim. While nothing can bring back a loved one, and recovering fair compensation may be the last thing on your mind, it is important to note that after a family member passes, survivors could be left with thousands of dollars in medical bills and funeral expenses, not to mention the loss of comfort and support of the decedent. At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our Cape Girardeau fatal car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping surviving loved ones during tough times. Let NST protect your rights and work to get you and your family fairly compensated. We are available 24/7 to take your call and explain how we may be able to assist.
Asserting a Fatal Car Accident Claim
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), over 2,300 fatalities occurred in Missouri due to auto accidents between 2013 and 2015. Under Missouri law, certain grieving parties can bring a wrongful death claim when the death of the family member results from any action which would have entitled the deceased to recover damages from the at-fault party. There are three classes of people who can bring a wrongful death suit in Missouri. First in line are the spouse, parents, and children, or if the children are deceased, the children’s descendants. If the first group is not available, second in line are the siblings of the deceased, or if the siblings are deceased, their children. Last, if there is no one in group one or group two to bring suit, the court may appoint a plaintiff ad litem, given there are persons entitled to share in the proceeds of the wrongful death claim.
For a wrongful death claim to be successful, you will have to prove that the defendant acted in a negligent manner. To do this, the representative bringing the claim must prove that the defendant owed a duty to the deceased, breached that duty (such as speeding), and that the breach caused the wrongful death. A fatal car accident attorney can help Cape Girardeau families gather evidence to support these elements. Missouri is a pure comparative fault state. This means any negligence attributed to the decedent could reduce the claim’s recovery. For example, if the deceased was involved in an accident traveling down South Main Street near Old St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, and he was determined to have been 25% at fault for the accident for failing to yield, the net recovery will only be 75% of the award given.
Several elements of damages may be awarded in a Missouri fatal car accident case. In a jury trial, damages are to be decided by the jury. Depending on the facts of the case and proof presented, damages can include funeral and burial expenses, pecuniary losses suffered by reason of death, and damages suffered by the decedent between the time of injury and time of death. Further, survivors may recover the reasonable value of services, consortium, companionship, comfort, instruction, guidance, counsel, training, and support of the deceased loved one. To ensure all avenues are explored in your case, you will want an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side.
Retain a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Cape Girardeau Today
Nothing can replace the loss of a loved one. At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our attorneys understand the many emotions you and your family may be going through. We also understand the possible financial hardships that could follow. Our Cape Girardeau fatal car accident attorneys help those affected by wrongful deaths all across Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Kentucky, including in Cape Girardeau, Caruthersville, Hayti, Tupelo, Oxford, Starkville, Grenada, Columbus, Meridian, Jackson, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Little Rock, and Jonesboro. Call us at 800-529-4004 or complete our online form for a free consultation with an automobile accident attorney.
1440 Kurre Lane
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone: 573-381-0510
Fax: 573-803-1389