Paducah Fatal Car Accidents
Fighting for Grieving Survivors After Losing a Loved One in an Accident
All drivers should exercise caution and pay attention behind the wheel, because all it takes is a split second for something bad to happen. Just one moment looking away, looking down at a cell phone, or taking one’s eyes off the road – in the blink of an eye, a horrific accident can take place in which someone is killed. Fatal car accidents are never easy to digest or understand. Suddenly, your spouse, parent, sibling, child, friend, or relative is gone, and that void may never be completely filed. During the difficult time following the loss of a loved one, know that you are not alone. A Paducah car accident lawyer at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz can step in and work to take the pressure off of you by protecting your legal rights. We are available 24/7 to explain all we can do to help, so call now for a free consultation.
Wrongful Death Car Accidents
Fatal car accidents happen at far too high of a rate in Kentucky. In 2017, there were 753 highway fatalities statewide, according to the Kentucky State Police. Of those accidents, 84 involved pedestrians, 70 involved a motorcycle, and 124 involved alcohol. Most fatal car accidents are caused by negligence, which is the failure to act reasonably or exhibit reasonable care under the circumstances. Examples of negligence leading to fatal car accidents in the greater Paducah area include:
- Drunk driving
- Texting while driving
- Disregarding traffic signals
- Failure to maintain safe lookout
- Speeding
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
In Kentucky, a wrongful death claim must be asserted by the proper party. Depending on the circumstances, it can be the surviving spouse, parent, sibling, children, or the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. The first to file may have priority, and certain probate issues can arise if the decedent passed away without a valid will. Our team can identify issues that may arise during a case and work to ensure relevant laws are complied with.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
If you lost a family member in an auto accident, one of the most important ways in which a personal injury lawyer can provide value is by conducting a thorough investigation into the accident. Kentucky law places the legal burden of proof on the injured party in order to recover compensation. This means that survivors must be able to prove that the defendant driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the collision and resulting death.
At Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz, our firm understands the importance of examining the wreck from all angles, which could include talking to witnesses, visiting the crash scene, hiring investigators, and retaining experts. This allows us to analyze all potential causes of action. We will look into all insurance policies that may be available, as well as all defendants. For instance, if the driver that caused the crash was on the clock when the accident happened, his or her employer could be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence. In addition to identifying all potential defendants, is also important to look into any potential product liability claims that may exist.
The loss of a loved one can create many voids, emotional, physical, and financial. Recognizing the ways in which losing a loved one can affect a family, Kentucky law specifies certain elements of damages that can be recovered in a fatal car accident case. Hiring an experienced attorney that can serve Paducah car accident victims will ensure that all avenues are explored. Damages available in a wrongful death lawsuit in Kentucky include:
- Medical bills incurred between the time of injury and death
- Lost wages (which includes future loss of income, depending on the decedent’s earning potential)
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages
Get Legal Help from an Experienced Attorney Today
Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz is a large regional personal injury law firm, helping people across Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri. If someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused your family member to pass away, contact us for a free consultation with a lawyer by calling 800-529-4004 or completing our online form. Let us help you begin to put the pieces back together and ensure your family is fairly compensated for all you have lost. Our firm can assist those injured throughout Paducah and McCracken County, including Calvert City, Mayfield, Murray, and Clinton. We are ready to start helping you immediately.