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If you have recently lost a loved one in a car accident, you are likely experiencing a lot of emotional pain. Though nothing may be able to take away your grief, filing a lawsuit against the people responsible could help you recover the compensation you need to cover your financial losses.
Seek out a skilled Beaufort car accident attorney to learn more about your legal options. At Schiller & Hamilton, our team has experience handling fatal car accidents in Beaufort. Reach out to a lawyer today to start working on your case.
Common Causes of Fatal Vehicle Collisions
Fatal car accidents often arise due to driver errors. One of the most common causes of deadly vehicle collisions is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other causes of fatal car accidents may include:
- Bad weather
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield
- Improper lane changing
- Driving while distracted
- Disregarding traffic signals
Anyone who has lost a loved one due to a preventable car accident should reach out to an experienced Beaufort personal injury lawyer for assistance with filing a claim.
Wrongful Death Claims for Auto Accidents Resulting in Death
Many people lose their lives every year in car crashes. When these accidents are the result of negligence, the deceased person’s surviving family members may be able to bring wrongful death claims against all parties responsible for causing the crash.
Common damages that may be available include funeral and burial expenses or financial support to surviving family members. A nearby attorney who focuses on fatal car wrecks could inform individuals of the damages they may be eligible for.
Which Family Members Can Recover Financial Compensation
The unexpected loss of a loved one will affect every member of your family. South Carolina’s wrongful death laws, however, only allow specific family members to benefit from a wrongful death action. In general, that includes the following family members:
- The decedent’s parents
- The decedent’s spouse
- The decedent’s children
Under certain circumstances, other family members who relied on the decedent for financial support may qualify. The best way to understand your options and eligibility is to let our fatal car accident lawyer review your case and your familial relationship with the decedent.
Statute of Limitations for Fatal Car Accident Claims
It is important to act quickly when filing a wrongful death claim. Under South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, surviving family members have only three years from the date of death of the deceased to file a claim. Furthermore, if the accident involves a government official, employee, or entity, the statute of limitations may be shorter.
Failing to file a wrongful death claim before the applicable deadline could cause the court to bar the surviving family member’s case. It is important to contact a lawyer early on in the legal process to avoid missing the deadline for filing a fatal car accident claim.
Our Fee Structure Supports the Statute of Limitations
Your family does not have to forego legal guidance and support when you need it most. Our personal injury lawyers will represent your family on a contingency fee basis, meaning your family will not incur any upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
Our client-focused law firm will cover all the costs of preparing your case, including obtaining the police report, investigating the cause of the accident, and consulting accident reconstruction and other subject matter experts.
Hiring our law firm is also risk-free. If you do not receive a settlement of compensation award, you will owe us no legal or attorneys fee at all.
Contact an Attorney Today to Learn About Fatal Car Accidents in Beaufort
Driving can be dangerous, so it is important for all motorists to abide by the traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely. When a negligent driver causes the death of another person, the surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. Filing a wrongful death claim can be difficult, especially if you have no legal experience.
If you are seeking compensation after a fatal car accident in Beaufort, it would be best to get in touch with a seasoned lawyer. There are deadlines for these types of claims, so do not hesitate to reach out to our firm today. Call us to schedule a consultation about your potential case.