Washington Injury Law represents surviving family members in compensation claims. Call Seattle fatal car accident lawyer Janelle Bailey at 12064384357 or message us online. If you have lost a loved one, we are truly sorry. Get outstanding legal representation today. Contact us to begin.
Fatal car accident lawyer Janelle Bailey:
- Represents families in claims for car accidents resulting in death.
- Is a former assistant prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience.
- Accepts claims in Seattle, WA, and throughout the state of Washington.
- Focuses her legal practice on claims involving victims and survivors.
- Has achieved six- and seven-figure compensation amounts. While we can’t guarantee results, Washington Injury Law will use the same legal excellence and determination to pursue your case.
You can have the full resources of Washington Injury Law representing you. See how a Seattle car accident lawyer can assist you by asking us for your free consultation.
Understanding Car Accident Fatality Claims
When a death occurs because of a car accident, there can be a legal claim. In some ways, a claim involving a fatality is like a car accident injury claim.
- There must be a legal claim and demand for compensation.
- Parties pursuing the case must prove the defendant’s legal fault.
- A claim is a civil claim with the purpose of a monetary award.
- There can be a claim regardless of whether the defendant was ticketed by law enforcement.
There are, however, some important differences.
- The victim can’t advocate for themselves. Instead, the personal representative, or parent in some cases, brings the claim.
- Compensation focuses on losses to survivors, both financial and personal. They are often high-value cases and include future financial support and the emotional anguish of losing a family member.
- Beneficiaries may include the spouse (and domestic partner), children (and stepchildren), and sometimes parents and siblings.
There are Washington State wrongful death laws that are separate from personal injury laws. These laws explain how to bring a case and the types of compensation that may be awarded.
Choose Excellence. Choose Washington Injury Law.
Washington Injury Law is a law firm based in Seattle, WA, focusing exclusively on helping victims and families. We don’t represent insurance companies, and we don’t handle other types of cases. We handle claims where people are hurt, including in fatal car accident claims.
People choose Washington Injury Law as their Seattle fatal car accident lawyer for various reasons:
- History of success. Attorney Janelle Bailey has achieved six- and seven-figure results. We’ll put the same skills and determination to work in your case.
- Years of experience. As an assistant prosecutor, Janelle spent long hours in the courtroom. This experience gives you an advantage, as our law firm can handle complex cases and situations.
- Scientific training. With a Bachelor of Science degree in physics, Janelle is prepared for the scientific and technical aspects that can be important to a claim.
- Free consultations. Consultations are always free. Talk to a lawyer about the details of your case. There’s no cost or obligation.
- Nothing due to start your case. Get legal help with nothing due up front. We know that you may not be able to pay for a lawyer right away.
- Contingency fees. We base our fees on results. That means you can always afford to hire Washington Injury Law.
- Commitment to your cause. When a fatal car accident occurs, you need justice and results. Janelle has the skills, resources, and commitment to advocate for you.
Washington Injury Law provides professional and compassionate legal services while we aggressively represent the interests of our clients.
What kind of lawyer handles a car accident claim involving a fatality?
A personal injury lawyer handles fatal car accident claims. A claim is brought on behalf of surviving family members, and the lawyer advocates for the rights and best interests of claim beneficiaries.
Lawyer for Fatal Car Accident Claims
Filing the case
The personal representative or executor starts the case. Sometimes, in Washington State, the parents initiate the case. The claim names the defendant, states the legal basis for fault, and demands compensation. The claim must be filed before the deadline, which is three years from the date of death for most Washington State cases.
Proving the case
To receive compensation, the claim must show:
- The defendant is legally responsible for the accident. Most claims are based on negligence, such as a traffic violation or other dangerous behavior.
- The accident is the cause of the victim’s death.
- Damages are appropriate to award
Having a lawyer is especially important to investigate and build evidence, as each step in the claim is critical to receiving compensation.
Claiming your compensation
Claims are resolved by settlement or trial, and compensation is distributed to beneficiaries. If beneficiaries are minors or incompetent, attention is given to protecting the settlement for their interests.
Compensation for a Fatal Car Accident
Compensation for a fatal car accident is:
- Divided into two categories—economic and non-economic
- Unique to the case and the losses of family members
- Shared among beneficiaries
Economic losses include medical bills, funeral, and burial expenses. You may claim for the financial support that the person would have provided and the services that the person would have provided to the family. A parent may claim for the loss of a parent-child relationship.
At your consultation, ask us what your case may be worth and how proceeds are divided among beneficiaries.
Fatal Car Accident Claim and Attorney FAQs
Do I have a case for compensation for a fatal car accident?
Key questions are whether the car accident was someone else’s fault and if you are a qualified beneficiary. Fault may not be immediately clear. Let us investigate on your behalf and explore possibilities to bring a claim.
How do I hire you as my fatal car accident lawyer?
To hire Washington Injury Law as your fatal car accident lawyer, contact us. We’ll talk about your situation and explain how our legal services work. If you choose to hire us, we put our representation agreement in writing.
Can I afford to hire Washington Injury Law for a fatal car accident case?
With nothing due up front and no fee unless you win, we make it easy to afford Washington Injury Law for a fatal car accident claim. Ask how our fees work and how we’re able to represent clients with no fee unless you receive a monetary award. That’s our commitment to your success.
They’re saying the victim was at fault. What now?
If the insurance company or other party is saying your loved one was at fault, we invite you to have a consultation with a Seattle, WA fatal car accident lawyer. Because Washington uses a comparative negligence system for awarding compensation, a claim can be successful even if the victim has some measure of fault.
Who may receive compensation for a car accident fatality case in Washington State?
In Washington State, you may qualify for compensation following a car accident fatality if you are any of the following of the deceased person:
- Spouse
- Domestic partner
- Child
- Stepchild
- Parent
- Sibling
It may depend on what family the person has and who survives the victim. At your consultation, we’ll explain who may benefit in your situation.
Can a claim be for a child who is a minor?
Yes. If you have lost a child, we are sorry. A wrongful death claim can be brought when the victim is under 18. The claim may seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of the parent-child relationship, and the emotional anguish of losing a child.
Contingency Fees—No Fee Unless You Win
You may want to hire a Seattle fatal car accident lawyer, but wonder how you can afford it. Washington Injury Law works on contingency fees, meaning we only expect to get paid for results. It’s called a contingency fee, with the fee being contingent on the results that we receive for you.
There’s no fee if you do not receive monetary compensation in your case.
With a lawyer advocating for your best interests, you may receive more than if you had tried to handle your case alone. You have a professional build the evidence, identify legal issues, and pursue your legal strategy. Ask us for more details at your consultation.
Free Consultations
Consultations with Washington Injury Law are free. We know that you are suffering and struggling. There is no cost for you to talk to attorney Janelle Bailey. Contact us and ask for a free consultation with a lawyer.
Talk to a Lawyer—Accepting New Cases
We’re currently accepting new cases. See how a Seattle fatal car accident lawyer at Washington Injury Law can help you. Call 12064384357 or contact us online. We look forward to meeting you.