If a member of your family was killed in a car accident in White Plains, you might be eligible to file a wrongful death insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Morelli Law Firm understands the pain and uncertainty that can accompany an accident like this. If you qualify, a White Plains fatal accident lawyer from our firm may be able to handle all of the legal work in your case while you focus on your family. Morelli Law Firm may be able to navigate the process of filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, as well as negotiating for a settlement on your behalf.
For a free consultation on your case, contact the car accident team at Morelli Law Firm by calling (212) 751-9800 today. We represent our clients on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required.
Important Laws Pertaining to Wrongful Death Lawsuits in New York
According to New York Estates, Powers & Trusts (EPT) §4-1.1, you may be entitled to financial compensation in a wrongful death case if you are the deceased person’s:
- Spouse
- Child
- Parent
- Sibling
- Grandparent
Per EPT § 5-4.1, there is a general two-year statute of limitations to file a wrongful death lawsuit in New York. If you wait longer than this to take legal action, your lawsuit may be dismissed, and you may be unable to recover compensation for your damages.
Morelli Law Firm can help you understand if you qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit and help you conduct your case within the applicable legal deadlines when we represent you.
Expenses You May Be Able to Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim
When the death of a family member is caused by the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of another person, you might have the basis of a wrongful death lawsuit. Per EPT §5-4.3, this type of legal action may entitle you to the following damage types:
- The decedent’s pre-death medical expenses
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of wages
- And more
Although it is rare, in some wrongful death cases, a judge may also award you punitive damages.
A White Plains fatal accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can help you assess and calculate the recoverable damages your family might be entitled to receive when we represent you.
White Plains Fatal Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Liability and the Circumstances of Your Loved One’s Death
Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you build a case against the party responsible for the death of your loved one. You might be eligible for financial compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one was:
- The driver of a vehicle struck by the at-fault driver
- A passenger in a vehicle involved in a car accident
- A pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist struck by the at-fault driver
Occasionally, a negligent non-driver party may be liable for a car accident. This may include:
- A municipality that left a hazard in the road
- A negligent component manufacturer whose defective product, such as tires or an airbag, malfunctioned and caused the accident
- A negligent mechanic who caused the accident by failing to safely maintain a vehicle system they were responsible for
If you believe another party’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, call the wrongful death team at Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.
Proving Driver Negligence in a Car Accident Case
Many car accident cases come down to proving the negligence of another driver. If a driver violates a traffic law and causes an accident, this may establish their negligence.
Examples of negligent driver actions may include:
- Failure to yield
- Tailgating
- Improper lane changes
- Disregarding traffic signs and signals
- Speeding
- Illegal lane changes or turns
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Alcohol or drug involvement
- Texting and driving
- And more
Morelli Law Firm can collect evidence of the responsible party’s liability when we represent you. This may include:
- The police crash report
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- Statements from accident reconstruction experts
- Medical or coroner records
- And more
Make sure to retain any evidence you have from the accident or of your accident-related expenses.
Working with Morelli Law Firm
When we partner on your case, Morelli Law Firm can work to identify the at-fault party and pursue compensation against them. On your behalf, our team can:
- Communicate with all parties
- Read and review medical and police reports
- Collect evidence of liability and your damages
- Estimate the monetary value of your claim
- Negotiate a financial settlement
- Take your case to trial
While you focus on the mental and emotional health and recovery of your family, Morelli Law Firm can also answer your questions and keep you updated on your wrongful death case.
Call Morelli Law Firm for a Free Consultation Today
The unexpected loss of a family member can mean that you and other surviving family members are suddenly faced with a plethora of difficult decisions. As your family comes to terms with its loss, you may have to make and pay for final arrangements, including funeral and burial expenses. There may be questions about changes to family income, and who, if anyone, may be liable for your losses.
A White Plains fatal accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to support you during this time by pursuing compensation on your behalf.
When you are ready, contact the wrongful death team at Morelli Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case. You can reach us by calling (212) 751-9800.
Morelli Law Firm offers representation on a contingency-fee-basis. This means there are no up-front payments required. Instead, our attorney fees come as a percentage of your settlement offer or court award, if and when you win your case.