Fatal Car Accident Attorneys

Following the unexpected death of a family member in a motor vehicle collision, it may be challenging to think about the future. If the carelessness of another driver caused a fatal car accident, you may have a legal cause of action. At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, our 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 60 years, the skilled attorneys at our firm have fought for the legal rights of victims and their families.

We offer you our condolences during this difficult time. When you are ready, reach out to us for a complimentary consultation to learn about the legal steps. Call 312-724-5846 or email us anytime.

Common Causes of Fatal Accidents in Illinois

Fatal accidents happen for many reasons across Illinois highways, city streets and rural roads. Some of the most common causes include the following:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who look at phones or adjust in-vehicle systems take their attention off the road. Even a brief lapse can result in a fatal crash at highway speeds.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use slows reaction time and impairs judgment. These cases often involve preventable fatalities that leave families searching for answers.
• Head-on collisions: A head-on collision frequently occurs when a driver crosses the center line or travels the wrong way. The force of impact often leads to catastrophic injuries or death.
• High-speed side impact crashes: A high-speed side impact, sometimes called a T-bone crash, can crush the passenger compartment. These collisions often occur at intersections and can fatally injure occupants.
• Interstate pileups and rural accidents: A fatal pileup may happen during poor weather or low visibility on Illinois interstates. Rural roads also present danger due to narrow lanes, farm equipment and limited lighting.

Our firm is dedicated to supporting families through these hard times by seeking the accountability and closure they deserve. Early legal involvement from our experienced team helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.

In addition to driver negligence, certain roadway conditions and circumstances contribute to deadly outcomes. For instance, we frequently see the following circumstances contribute to fatalities:

• Failure to yield or obey traffic signals: Ignoring stop signs or red lights can trigger violent crashes. These violations often result in high-impact collisions.
• Unsafe passing on two-lane roads: Attempting to pass without clear visibility can lead to head-on collisions. Rural highways are especially vulnerable to this conduct.
• Driver fatigue: Tired drivers may drift across lanes or fail to react in time. Commercial drivers and commuters alike are at risk.
• Defective vehicle components: Brake failure or tire blowouts can turn a minor event into a fatal accident. Mechanical issues require careful review of maintenance records.

Navigating the legal aftermath of a loss is a heavy burden to carry alone. We intend to represent families statewide in Illinois because we are prepared to pursue accountability for those who acted carelessly.

As part of our legal duty, we handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on your family while we pursue the compensation needed for your future.

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 noneconomic damages that include a loss of companionship and mental suffering due to the victim’s death.

Consultation After a Fatal Car Accident

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. Our attorneys have guided grieving families through the process of seeking fair compensation for the loss of a loved one. We can be reached by phone at 312-724-5846 or online for a free consultation.

We also help families in Champaign, Aurora, Springfield, Rockford, Quincy, and other communities throughout Kane, Cook, Sangamon, Winnebago, and Adams Counties.