FATAL CAR ACCIDENTS

The person responsible for the accident may be liable for the victim’s wrongful death.

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fatal car accidents

When an auto accident results in death, the person responsible for the accident may be liable for the victim’s wrongful death.  North Carolina law recognizes a cause of action for “wrongful death” when a death is caused by the negligence, wrongful act, or fault of another.[1] Even tough the victim is no longer alive, the law allows for his or her family members to seek monetary compensation for the loss of their loved one. 

[1] N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2(a).

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What damages are recoverable?

The types of damages available in a wrongful death lawsuit are defined by statute, and include the following:

  • medical expenses incident to the injury resulting in death (e.g., emergency care, surgery, medication, hospitalization);
  • the deceased person’s pain and suffering;
  • reasonable funeral and burial expenses; and
  • the “present monetary value of the decedent” to his or her next-of-kin, such as,
    • loss of the deceased person’s income;
    • loss of the deceased person’s services, protection, care and assistance; and
    • loss of the deceased person’s society, companionship, comfort, guidance, and advice.[2]

Punitive damages may also be appropriate if there is clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s malice, or willful or wanton conduct.

Fortunately, any amounts recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit pass outside of the estate, meaning that the proceeds are protected from the estate’s creditors.[3] 

[2] N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2(b).

[3] N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2(a).

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Who is entitled to compensation?

The proceeds from a wrongful death action are distributed according to North Carolina’s Intestate Succession Act which proscribes the lines of inheritance when a person dies without a will.[4] Depending on the circumstance, determining the proper beneficiaries can be a very complex undertaking.  Common scenarios include the following:

[4] N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2(a); N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 29-1 to 29-30.

Who can file a wrongful death claim?

The only person who can bring a wrongful death claim is the “personal representative” of the deceased.[5]  The personal representative is the executor named in the deceased person’s will, or, if the deceased died without a will, the administrator of the deceased’s estate. The personal representative sues in his or her representative capacity on behalf of the wrongful death beneficiaries.

[5] N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2(a).

How does a lawsuit for a fatal car accident relate to a criminal case?

Often, a fatal car accident may result in both criminal charges and civil litigation, but these are two entirely separate actions. In a criminal case, the government prosecutes the defendant for breaking the law, and the punishment may include fines or imprisonment. In a civil case, the victim, or the victim’s representative, sues the defendant, usually for monetary compensation, to make up for their loss. Because they are separate actions based on separate legal standards, each case proceeds independently. However, it is not unusual for a defendant to ask the court to stay (or put on hold) the civil lawsuit until the criminal charges are resolved.

Why do I need an attorney?

Civil litigation can be nearly impossible for a layperson to navigate alone, and this is especially true in wrongful death cases which present unique procedural challenges. The right to sue for wrongful death is entirely statutory, and any lawsuits seeking such recovery must comply with the statutes.  Even if a case is never filed, insurance companies may pressure you and your family to accept less than you deserve. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complex process and help you secure the maximum amount of compensation for your family’s loss.  While no amount of money can make up for a life lost too soon, the right attorney can guide you through the legal process and will deal with the insurance companies and courts to secure your family’s rights. 

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fatal car accidents