Losing a loved one in a commercial truck accident is a devastating experience, and it can leave you with more than unimaginable grief. Surviving family members are often saddled with unexpected legal and financial matters that can be challenging to resolve without the help of an experienced wrongful fatal truck accident lawyer in Pasadena.
Understanding the steps to take after a fatal truck crash is essential for protecting your rights, seeking compensation, and holding the liable parties accountable.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Fatal Truck Crash in Pasadena
Pursuing a wrongful death claim after a truck accident is legally complex. A skilled Pasadena truck accident lawyer can help you by:
- Offering knowledgeable legal guidance – An experienced wrongful death truck accident lawyer can assess your case, explain the steps necessary to seek compensation, and file a wrongful death claim holding the responsible parties accountable.
- Investigating the accident – The commercial trucking industry involves multiple parties, any of whom may share responsibility for the accident that claimed your loved one’s life. A fatal semi-truck crash attorney in Pasadena can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash, identify all liable parties, and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and hold them accountable.
- Negotiating and litigating – Pursuing maximum compensation typically requires negotiating for a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance company. Insurers strive to minimize payouts in any way possible. An experienced truck accident lawyer can push for a fair settlement or file a wrongful death lawsuit and fight for a favorable verdict in court.
Initiating a Wrongful Death Claim
Under California law, surviving family members can file a truck accident wrongful death claim when they lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. However, certain family members are eligible by order of priority. The order goes:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner
- The deceased’s children
- Grandchildren, if their parents are already deceased
- Putative spouse, if the person reasonably believed their marriage was valid
- Other dependents
A skilled Pasadena truck accident lawyer can advise you on who has the right to file in your case.
Determining Liability for a Fatal Truck Accident
Liability in a wrongful death truck accident claim can fall on one or several negligent parties, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Maintenance providers
- Cargo loading company
- The truck manufacturer
- Government entities
- Other motorists
Establishing liability requires substantial evidence. Your lawyer can lead this investigation and gather the evidence needed to build a persuasive case.
Types of Compensation Surviving Families May Pursue
Compensation in a successful wrongful death case comes in many forms, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future income and benefits
- Loss of services that the family member would have provided
- Loss of guidance and care
- Loss of consortium
No amount of money is enough to account for your devastating loss, but recovering compensation in a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and a sense of justice as you rebuild from this tragedy.
How the Law Offices of Pius Joseph Can Help
Choosing a qualified Pasadena truck accident attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. The team at the Law Offices of Pius Joseph offers compassionate legal representation backed by over 30 years of experience and a history of favorable case results in personal injury and truck accident cases. Outcomes vary by case, so beware of truck accident attorneys who suggest they can get the same money for your claim as they did for a previous client. At our law firm, we serve as aggressive advocates and a critical support system during this difficult time.
Contact a Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by someone else’s wrongdoing, we’re here to help in your fight for fair compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Pius Joseph today for a private, free consultation.
