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Wrongful death lawsuits stemming from car accidents

On Behalf of | Mar 15, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

It’s the worst nightmare of any Connecticut resident to lose a loved one. Finding out that the death occurred in a car accident due to reckless or aggressive actions by another motorists can only compound things. This is what to know about filing a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal car crash has claimed the life of your loved one.

Understanding wrongful death claims

A wrongful death happens when a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness or deliberate act of violence. There are many ways that this can happen, including car accidents. However, being in a car is risky even in the best circumstances as people are more likely to be in motor vehicle accidents compared with other forms of transportation.

Situations leading to wrongful death in car accidents

A variety of situations can lead to a car accident that results in a fatality. Negligent actions like distracted driving, drowsy driving or failing to slow down one’s speed in inclement weather can cause crashes and leave victims with catastrophic injuries that ultimately kill them.

Reckless behavior behind the wheel like speeding or drag racing, ignoring traffic signs and signals and tailgating can also cause car accidents that result in wrongful death. Violent acts such as road rage where a driver deliberately runs another car off the road or sideswipes it could also cause the wrongful death of the driver being targeted; any passengers in the vehicle can also suffer serious injuries or end up killed in these situations.

In Connecticut, an immediate family member can file a wrongful death lawsuit if their loved one has been killed in a car accident involving negligence, recklessness or violence. If the person’s death was caused in a crash caused by a deliberate act of violence, a separate criminal action might also be taken against the at-fault party.