Fatal Car Accidents

Knowledgeable Motor Vehicle Collision Attorney Serving the Fremont Area

Fremont car accident lawyer Stephen M. Fuerch represents people throughout the East Bay who have been struck by negligent or reckless drivers. Mr. Fuerch draws on more than three decades of courtroom experience to help clients vigorously pursue all of the compensation that they deserve. He is an experienced litigator and skilled negotiator who works to resolve cases efficiently, without the time and expense of going all the way through trial when possible.

Bringing a Wrongful Death Claim after a Fatal Car Accident

Most car accident cases in California are based on claims of negligence. This legal standard is meant to hold drivers and others responsible for injuries that they cause as a result of breaching what is known as the “duty of care.” Drivers, for instance, owe a duty to others on the road to operate their cars in a reasonably safe manner. In these cases, it is normally the person hurt in the crash who files the case. In order to prove negligence, the injured person tries to show that the person or entity being sued breached a duty of care and that the breach caused the accident in which the victim was hurt.

When a person is tragically killed in a crash, moreover, his or her family has the right to seek compensation for their loved one’s wrongful death. This means filing a lawsuit for damages that may include compensation for the deceased person’s financial support, as well as his or her love, affection, household services, guidance, and moral support. Funeral and burial expenses, as well as the costs of medical treatment before death, also may be recovered. A person suing for wrongful death must file the lawsuit within two years of the death, as required by California’s statute of limitations.

The deceased person’s spouse, domestic partner, and children are all authorized to sue for wrongful death. In some cases, stepchildren, parents, or a “putative spouse” may also file or join in the case.

To prove wrongful death, you would need to show that your loved one’s death was caused by the “wrongful act or neglect” of the person or entity that you are suing. In car accident cases, that usually means proving that a driver or another defendant was negligent and that the negligence caused the crash. A driver who causes a fatal crash by speeding, drunk driving, or texting behind the wheel, for example, is likely to be liable to the victim’s family.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Fremont

Personal injury and wrongful death attorney Stephen M. Fuerch is dedicated to helping people throughout the East Bay in their time of need. We understand just how devastating and stressful it can be to lose a loved one. Our firm works diligently to assist clients by guiding them through the legal process and fighting aggressively to protect their right to the compensation that they deserve. We understand that no amount of money can bring back a family member, but we work to give bereaved people at least some financial peace of mind. Fremont car accident attorney Stephen M. Fuerch takes pride in offering comprehensive legal services, open communication, and personalized attention to victims and their families. From our office in Pleasanton, we serve people in Hayward, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Dublin, and other cities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Contact us online or call us at (925) 463-2575 to schedule a free consultation.