Car Wreck Death in Gainesville, FL

Gainesville, Florida, has a population of more than 133,000 residents. In addition to those who call Gainesville home, the city attracts many visitors annually.

With so many people in and around Gainesville, motor vehicle accidents are common. Every traffic accident is dangerous. Some collisions result in catastrophic injuries and long-lasting medical issues. 

In extreme cases, collisions result in fatal injuries for victims. If you have lost someone you love, you may wonder, “What should I do after a car wreck death in Gainesville, FL?”

You and your family may be owed significant compensation for the losses you have experienced. A skilled wrongful death lawyer will review the circumstances of your case and help you recover the payments you need.

Even if you know your loved one’s death resulted from another person’s negligence, you may be uncertain about what steps to take. If you are thinking, “What should I do after a car wreck death in Gainesville, FL?” reach out to an attorney.

The compassionate legal team at Morgan and Morgan understands the devastating experience grieving families go through after a crash. That is why we provide potential clients with a free consultation. 

Complete the contact form on the Morgan and Morgan website to arrange an initial meeting. During this free evaluation, we will help you determine the best steps to take following the collision death of your loved one.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

In the state of Florida, “wrongful deaths” happen when someone causes the death of another person through negligence, carelessness, or recklessness. When a wrongful death occurs, the person who caused the event can be held legally and financially liable.

Some of the most common circumstances that result in wrongful death include:

• Car accidents 
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle collisions
• Medical malpractice
• Defective and faulty consumer products
• Intentional actions, such as battery and assault
• And more

No matter the situation that resulted in the death of your loved one, an accomplished legal expert can help you pursue financial recovery. When you think, “What should I do after a car wreck death in Gainesville, FL?” make sure to speak with an attorney.

Through a wrongful death lawsuit, the decedent’s surviving family and loved ones can pursue payments to cover their financial losses. No amount of compensation can make up for the traumatic experience of losing a loved one.

Still, it is very important to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause. The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan will help you determine which individuals or entities are responsible for the death in question.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Suit in Florida?

Some states allow any members of the decedent’s family to pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. However, Florida places certain legal restrictions on who is eligible for this type of claim. 

In the Sunshine State, a personal representative of the victim’s estate must file for wrongful death compensation. This personal representative is often referred to as an “executor.” 

When filing a wrongful death claim, the executor is acting in the interest of the victim’s family. Because of this, the claimant must provide a list of the decedent’s surviving family members and beneficiaries.

Some of the most common beneficiaries in Gainesville, FL, wrongful death claims include:

• Dependent children
• Dependent parents
• Spouses
• Other legal dependents

To determine whether you can file a wrongful death claim following a Gainesville car accident, review the facts of your case with one of the seasoned legal experts at Morgan and Morgan. 

Understanding Motor Vehicle Deaths in Florida

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of fatal injuries. According to research from the Florida Department of Health, approximately 32,000 people are killed in nationwide collisions each year. 

Unfortunately, Florida has some of the most dangerous roadways in the U.S. In recent years, there have been an average of 2,400 accident-related deaths annually. 

Research from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reveals that nearly 200,000 motor vehicle collisions happen in the state each year. So, if you have lost a loved one in a crash, you are not alone.

Most surviving family members face the question, “What should I do after a car wreck death in Gainesville, FL?” With so many collisions each year in the state of Florida, victims should understand the importance of securing reliable legal representation following a collision.

Typical Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Gainesville, FL

Because so many circumstances can lead to severe collisions, it is unsurprising that so many fatal accidents happen in Florida each year. Each crash happens as the result of unique circumstances.

Still, some factors make severe car wrecks much more likely. The most typical causes of fatal car accidents in Florida include:

Driving While Distracted

When motorists do not pay full attention to their surroundings, the likelihood of dangerous situations increases. Many things can cause a driver to become distracted, such as:

• Phone calls
• Text messaging
• Eating and drinking
• Grooming
• Using a tablet or digital device
• And more

If a distracted driver caused an accident in which you lost someone you love, you have the right to pursue financial recovery. Distracted motorists should be held accountable for the collisions caused by their negligence.

Angry or Aggressive Driving

When a driver operates their vehicle in an aggressive manner, it results in hazards for others driving on the road. Engaging in erratic or sudden maneuvers often results in severe collisions. 

Tailgating or driving too closely can cause rear-end collisions. Aggressive driving drastically increases the likelihood of serious and deadly accidents.

Driving While Fatigued

Drivers who have not had adequate rest may fail to pay appropriate attention to their surroundings. Being fatigued can also decrease drivers’ reaction times.

In extreme cases, motorists may drift to sleep while behind the wheel. For all these reasons, fatigued driving is incredibly dangerous. 

Commercial truck drivers are often incentivized to drive excessively long shifts. If a fatigued driver caused your loved one to sustain a fatal injury, do not hesitate. Make sure to pursue a wrongful death claim for the compensation that is rightfully yours.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents across the country. Any resulting accident is likely to be severe when a vehicle is driving too fast.

Speeding is not only an illegal driving practice, but it also increases the likelihood that a crash will be fatal. 

These are only a few of Florida's most typical causes of traffic accidents. When a loved one has lost their life because of another person’s negligent driving, a skilled legal expert at Morgan & Morgan can help. 

Common Types of Compensation in Florida Wrongful Death Suits

The death of a loved one does not only result in devastating emotions and grief for the surviving family. When a loved one dies, their family often faces mounting financial obligations.

Because of this, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation from the liable party. “Damages” is the term for financial payments to the victim’s estate holder from the at-fault party.

In most Florida wrongful death claims, the plaintiff can seek two categories of damages. The first type of damage is intended to cover the losses from the time of the accident to the time of the victim’s death.

Victims may experience weeks or months of medical care before passing away after a car wreck. Their families should not be responsible for the outstanding medical bills following the death. 

The claimant can also pursue financial recovery on behalf of the victim for their physical pain and suffering. Plaintiffs can also seek compensation for the decedent’s lost wages.

The second type of damage is intended to compensate for the costs that occur after the victim’s death. These damages are meant to make up for the surviving family’s losses. Some of the most common examples of these damages include compensation for:

• The family’s emotional anguish and distress
• The lost income the decedent would have earned throughout their life
• Funeral expenses and burial costs
• Loss of consortium or relationship
• Loss of parental guidance and care
• Loss of companionship.
• And more

To determine what compensation you can hope to recover, consult with a knowledgeable Florida wrongful death lawyer. 

The caring legal team at Morgan & Morgan knows surviving families face enormous challenges. That is why we will work tirelessly to ensure your family receives the financial compensation you are owed after losing a loved one.