Jackson, TN Fatal Car Accidents
Approximately 37,000 people die in auto accidents each year across the United States. Despite the known dangers of driving and constant warnings to drive safely, tragedy often happens. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, huge financial burdens may be placed on your family. All of a sudden, your family could now be lacking an expected income and questions will start to arise as to how your household bills will be paid. Although you are grieving, the unfortunate situation is that bill collectors will not stop trying to collect. At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our Jackson car accident attorneys understand the hardships a fatal car accident can bring on you and your family, and we have represented car wreck victims and surviving loved ones for more than 30 years. As the largest plaintiff’s personal injury law firm based in Tennessee, we have the resources to aggressively fight for your rights while maintaining the personal attention that you deserve during your time of sorrow.
Proceeding with a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee
Under Tennessee law, wrongful death is described as a death that is caused by injuries received from another or by the wrongful act, omission, or killing by another. In a fatal car accident case in the Jackson area, it must be proven that the at-fault party was in fact responsible for the accident and that his wrongful actions caused the death of the deceased party. For example, the at-fault driver could be liable for failing to yield, speeding, maintaining a safe lookout, following too closely, or driving under the influence. These are all examples of negligence under Tennessee law. If any of these actions caused the death of a driver or passenger involved in the accident, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the appropriate party.
Per Tennessee law, there is a pecking order of who can properly file or resolve a wrongful death claim. The first person with priority to file a wrongful death claim is usually the surviving spouse of the decedent. If there is no surviving spouse, the decedent’s children or next of kin will be next in line. However, if there are no children or next of kin, the personal representative of the decedent’s state may file the claim. If the decedent was a minor at the time of death, and considered a dependent, the parents of the decedent may then file a wrongful death claim. Ultimately, once a settlement or verdict has been reached, if the deceased passed away with no will, the damages awarded may be disbursed according to intestate succession laws.
Damages available in a fatal car accident case in Tennessee may include medical bills and lost wages incurred until the time of death. Pain and suffering until death may be awarded too. If the accident rendered the deceased completely disabled for months before passing away, it is likely that he or she suffered greatly while still alive. Depending on the deceased’s age, experience, occupation, and education, future loss of income could be awarded. Non-economic damages may be recovered, such as loss of consortium for surviving loved ones. You should discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Jackson to learn which damages you may be entitled to recover.
Retain an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Losing a loved one is hard – not only emotionally, but financially as well. Many times, loved ones are left without the financial means to make their mortgage payments or pay for grocery bills, health care costs, and other household necessities. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, the Jackson attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz are here to offer our support. Call our office at 800-529-4004 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. For people who need a car crash attorney after a fatal wreck, NST is the way to go.
