The most tragic possibility of a car accident is for someone to die as a result of another’s negligence. If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be able to seek compensation and justice from the at-fault party. The compassionate legal team at the Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can provide you with caring legal representation, allowing you the space and time to grieve while protecting your legal rights and your loved one’s legacy.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Oklahoma
Some of the most common causes of fatal collisions in Oklahoma include the following:
- Speeding: When drivers speed, any resulting accident is more likely to occur at greater force, often causing more serious injuries and fatalities. Additionally, safety equipment, such as seat belts and airbags, is not as effective at higher speeds.
- Reckless driving: Drivers who weave in and out of lanes, accelerate and brake with no reason, make unsafe passes, or drive aggressively put other motorists at risk because they cannot reasonably predict their actions.
- Impaired driving: Drunk or drugged drivers suffer from diminished capacity, reduced inhibitions, and poor judgment, which can dramatically increase the likelihood of a crash.
- Fatigued driving: Drivers who are tired display many of the same symptoms as those impaired by alcohol or drugs. They can also fall asleep at the wheel, causing fatal car accidents.
In Oklahoma, a wrongful death claim can be filed when someone causes a wrongful act or death that results in the death of another. Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death in Oklahoma.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s wrongful death law states that the personal representative (or executor) of the decedent’s estate is the only one who has a right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is the person named in the will or appointed by the court. It may be:
- The surviving spouse
- Adult children
- The decedent’s parents
- Siblings
- Other close relatives
This person files the wrongful death case on behalf of the decedent’s beneficiaries. An experienced wrongful death attorney from our personal injury law firm can evaluate your situation and identify who may be eligible to file a claim.
What Damages Can Our Family Recover After a Fatal Oklahoma Car Accident?
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the economic and non-economic damages that the family suffered as a result of the premature death, such as:
- Medical costs for the decedent’s injuries
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support that the decedent provided to the household
- Loss of household services
- Loss of companionship and support
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer for Legal Assistance
After a fatal car accident that has devastated your family, the Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can help guide your family through the complex legal process, protecting your rights at every point. We work hard to hold negligent parties accountable for the full extent of their careless behavior. Contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.