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​Experienced ILLINOIS Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
& CHICAGO Injury Lawyers

Fatal Car Accidents

Motor Vehicle Collision Attorneys Helping Families in Chicago and Surrounding Areas

Following the unexpected death of a family member in an accident, it may be challenging to think about the future. If the carelessness of another driver caused a fatal motor vehicle collision, you may have a legal cause of action. At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, our Chicago car accident lawyers represent families who are pursuing wrongful death lawsuits during this challenging time. We provide the combination of compassion and aggressive advocacy required to advance your interests. Through a wrongful death claim, surviving spouses and others may begin to cope with the impact of the loss of a loved one, particularly the financial repercussions. For over 50 years, the skilled attorneys at our firm have fought for the legal rights of victims and their families.

Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim Following a Fatal Car Accident

When someone dies due to the fault of another person or an entity, the survivors may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Illinois law, a wrongful death lawsuit seeks to compensate the survivors for their loss. While the claim is brought on behalf of the deceased person, the damages address the impact of the fatality upon the surviving family members. Under Illinois law, if a deceased victim of a car accident died without close family, a personal representative may file a wrongful death claim.

As in other motor vehicle collision claims, the fault of the defendant driver must be demonstrated. Negligent drivers may be held accountable when their careless conduct leads to a fatal crash. In some situations, multiple parties may be at fault. For example, if a driver carelessly turned left in front of the victim’s oncoming car but was not entirely at fault because a faulty tire prevented him from completing the turn, a wrongful death claim may also be filed against the tire manufacturer.

Damages in a wrongful death claim are paid for the “exclusive” benefit of the surviving family. In other words, this money is intended to put the victim’s family and legal beneficiaries in the financial position in which they would have been had their loved one survived. A major consideration in determining damages is a surviving spouse or other family member’s level of dependency upon the victim of the fatal accident. A court may assess the specific circumstances of the family and the deceased person’s wages and distribute damages accordingly. The monetary value of the services and care provided by the victim must be considered, which may include tasks like laundry, house cleaning, and transportation. Expenses for funeral costs and burial services may be recovered, as may non-economic damages that include a loss of companionship and mental suffering due to the victim’s death.

Consult a Skilled Chicago Lawyer for Your Car Accident Claim

Illinois law maintains a specific set of procedures and timelines regarding wrongful death claims, and it is important to retain a wrongful death lawyer who will follow these rules carefully. At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, our Chicago car accident attorneys have guided grieving families through the process of seeking fair compensation for the loss of a loved one. We also help people in Champaign, Aurora, Springfield, Rockford, Quincy, and other communities throughout Kane, Cook, Sangamon, Winnebago, and Adams Counties. We can be reached by phone at 312-724-5846 or online for a free consultation.