ST. LOUIS FATAL CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
If you or a loved one has suffered the devastating loss of a family member in a fatal car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, you need compassionate and experienced legal representation to help you navigate through this difficult time. DiPasquale Moore is a trusted law firm with a team of dedicated attorneys who specialize in handling fatal car accident cases. We understand the profound impact such accidents can have on your life, and we are here to fight for justice on your behalf.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
What Is Considered A “Fatal” Car Accident?
A fatal car accident occurs when a motorist causes a collision that results in the death of another person. These accidents can happen in a variety of ways, including:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Driving without a license
- Driving without proper auto insurance
- Texting while driving
If you are the victim of a fatal car accident, you and your loved ones may be entitled to financial compensation. Our St. Louis fatal accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable In A Fatal Car Accident?
In a fatal car accident in Missouri, several parties can potentially be held liable, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Here are some parties that could be held responsible:
- The At-Fault Driver: The driver who caused the accident through negligence or reckless behavior is usually the primary party held responsible. This could include actions such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws. Missouri follows a comparative fault system, which means that liability can be shared among multiple parties based on their percentage of fault.
- Vehicle Owner: If the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident was not the owner, the owner of the vehicle might be held liable under certain circumstances. For example, if the owner allowed someone they knew to be an incompetent or reckless driver to use their vehicle, they could be held partially responsible.
- Employer: If the driver was operating a vehicle within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, the employer might be held liable under the principle of vicarious liability. This applies to situations where an employee’s negligent actions cause harm while carrying out their job responsibilities.
- Government Entities: In some cases, if the accident was caused by a hazardous road condition, inadequate signage, or other road defects, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable. However, government liability is subject to specific requirements and limitations, and there are often notice requirements and deadlines for filing claims against government entities.
What Damages Can I Recover In A Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one is the victim of a fatal car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Our St. Louis fatal accident attorneys can help you recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical Bills: You may be responsible for paying your own medical bills while you recover from your injuries. Your medical bills will likely be much higher if you are treated for a serious injury. You may also be responsible for paying the medical bills of the deceased person’s family members. If the driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, the car insurance company may be liable for the deceased’s medical bills.
- Lost Wages: You may be eligible to recover lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries. You may also be eligible to recover lost wages for the deceased’s family members if the accident caused the death of the family’s breadwinner. If the driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, the car insurance company may be liable for the deceased’s lost wages.
- Loss of Support: If you are the surviving spouse of the deceased, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for the loss of the deceased’s financial and emotional support. You may also be eligible to recover financial compensation for the loss of the deceased’s financial and emotional support if you are the child of the deceased. If the driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, the car insurance company may be liable for the loss of support.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be eligible to recover financial compensation for pain and suffering if you are the surviving spouse of the deceased. If you are the child of the deceased, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for pain and suffering if the accident caused a permanent disability. If the driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, the car insurance company may be liable for your pain and suffering.
- Loss of Companionship: You may be eligible to recover financial compensation for the loss of the deceased’s companionship if you are the surviving spouse of the deceased. If you are the child of the deceased, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for the loss of the deceased’s companionship if the accident caused a permanent disability. If the driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, the car insurance company may be liable for the loss of companionship.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: If the deceased was a family member, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for the deceased’s funeral and burial expenses. If the driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, the car insurance company may be liable for the deceased’s funeral and burial expenses.
In a fatal car accident case, we understand that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one. However, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help provide financial stability for surviving family members. Our legal team will work tirelessly to seek damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
