What Happens When Someone Dies in a Car Accident

Learning of the wrongful death of a loved one due to a car accident leaves most people feeling distraught and heartbroken. 

Most people experience severe distress and anguish when navigating the disheartening despair of trying to process the death of their loved one because of another person’s negligence or recklessness. 

Loved ones of a tragically deceased person frequently feel unsure of where to get help when seeking justice after a loved one succumbed to a car accident fatality. 

Finding the assistance of a compassionate and trusted wrongful death lawyer will ease the stressful and overwhelming aftermath of the wrongful death of a loved one and allow you to mourn your loss better. 

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our team of diligent Fort Lee car accident lawyers can help you and your loved ones navigate this challenging time and attain the justice and compensation you deserve for your painful loss.

Contact us today at (201) 585-9111 to schedule your free case consultation.

Call our loyal team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., and let us help you manage the tragic aftermath of your loved one’s wrongful death. 

Frequent Causes of Car Accidents

Reckless or negligent behavior on behalf of another party can cause a wrongful death for your loved one. 

Various factors can cause a car accident to result in a fatality.

Impaired Driver

Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increase the risk of causing an accident. Even prescription or over-the-counter medications lead to adverse side effects that impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one person is killed every 39 minutes from a drunk driving accident, with approximately 13,525 alcohol-related fatalities occurring in the United States in one recent year. 

The NHTSA further reports that 56 percent of drivers who were involved in a serious injury and fatal crash in one recent year tested positive for at least one drug. 

Distracted Driver 

A distracted driver risks the safety of everyone on the roadway. Common distractions include using a cell phone, conversing with passengers, searching for items in the cabin, adjusting the radio, or eating. 

The NHTSA estimates that 3,310 people were killed as a result of a distracted driver in one recent year in the United States. 

Driver Driving While Fatigued  

A fatigued, drowsy, or sick driver experiences delayed reaction times and reduced awareness behind the wheel, increasing the risk of accidents.

Nearly 700 deaths were the result of a drowsy driver in one recent year, according to the NHTSA. 

Aggressive Driver

Aggressive driving behaviors are frequent causes of collisions. Examples include road rage, abrupt lane changes without signaling, tailgating, speeding, and driving too fast for conditions. 

According to the NHTSA, an estimated 12,150 people were killed from speeding-related incidents in the United States in one recent year. 

Driver Ignoring Traffic Signs 

Drivers who disregard traffic signals and signage increase the likelihood of accidents. Common examples include a driver failing to stop at a stop sign, ignoring traffic lights, or not yielding the right-of-way at pedestrian crossings.

Inexperienced Driver

Inexperienced drivers have slower reaction times and less intuition behind the wheel, making it difficult for them to navigate the challenges on the road safely.  

Roadway Complications  

Issues with roadway maintenance, unclear lane markings, potholes, and active construction zones commonly hinder a driver’s ability to control their vehicles safely and effectively.

Changes in Traffic Patterns  

Unexpected changes in traffic patterns make it hard for drivers to navigate safely, especially if they are distracted or inexperienced. 

Poorly Maintained Vehicles

Vehicle owners must conduct regular maintenance to ensure vehicle safety. Common maintenance issues include faulty brakes, worn tires, and low fluid levels.

Low Visibility

Low visibility on the road is a hazard for all drivers. Common examples include driving through inclement weather, fog, or after dark. 

Can I Receive Compensation for If My Loved One Died in a Car Accident?

Many people struggle to overcome the heartbreaking and distressing wrongful loss of their loved one from a car accident. 

Working with an empathetic and experienced car accident fatality lawyer will help you and your family recover maximum compensation for the damages suffered from your loved one’s devastating loss. 

Recoverable damages for a wrongful death from a car accident include 

• Conscious physical pain sustained by your deceased loved one
• Conscious mental anguish suffered by your deceased loved one
• Emotional suffering and grief of your loved one’s survivors
• Loss of consortium from no longer having your deceased loved one’s companionship, support, and guidance
• Loss of income and future earnings of your deceased loved one
• Possible reduction of inheritance 
• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages

Having the assistance of a skilled car accident fatality lawyer will help you and your family maximize your chances to recover compensation for all damages that result from your loved one’s wrongful death from a car accident. 

Call us today at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. to schedule your free case consultation with our compassionate team.

Car Accident Fatalities in New Jersey

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 685 fatal vehicle accidents took place in New Jersey in one recent year. Of the reported fatalities, the NHTSA discloses that 177 were alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, and 173 were speeding-related fatalities.

Data compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) demonstrates that 89% of fatal crashes in New Jersey occurred in urban areas in one recent year. 

According to the New Jersey State Police, approximately 81 percent of all fatal crashes occur on straight roadways, and an estimated 88 percent happen during clear weather conditions. 

Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. for My Loved One’s Car Accident Wrongful Death

Wrongfully losing a loved one is a devastating car accident caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness leaves most people suffering through great amounts of despair, heartbreak, and anguish. 

Most people are unsure of what to do next and how to seek justice for their loved one’s unjust death. 

Working with a compassionate wrongful death lawyer will make handling this challenging and stressful situation more manageable for you and your loved ones. 

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we understand the vast amounts of overwhelming suffering and hardships that follow a painful, fatal accident caused by another person’s recklessness or negligence.

Our team is dedicated to working relentlessly to help our clients attain the justice they deserve after their loved ones suffered a painful, tragic car accident. We strive to help our clients recover maximum compensation for the damages they and their loved ones sustained while protecting their rights.

We start every client relationship with a free case consultation, where we take the time to listen to your unique situation carefully. From there, we will guide you and your loved ones on the best path forward to seek justice and fair compensation for the damages you and your loved ones have suffered from your loved one’s wrongful death. 

We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients, including 

• $101,000,000 for a construction accident
• $11,500,000 for hospital negligence
• $10,000,000 for a motor vehicle accident
• $7,000,000 for a motor vehicle crash
• $3,350,000 for a burn injury
• $2,000,000 for a motorcycle accident

Our clients often share their gratitude with our team. 

Jin was pleased with how empathetic, professional, and knowledgeable our team was when handling his case and appreciated our genuine care for his injuries and well-being. He appreciated how thoroughly we answered all of his questions and fought hard for his case. 

Jadi and her family had PTSD and physical injuries after their accident. She was happy and grateful for all the hard work, dedication, and attentiveness our team put into her family’s case. 

Lenora appreciated the constant communication our team provided throughout her case. She was pleased with our due diligence and thorough gathering of evidence, which helped strengthen her claim and deliver positive results.

Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today. Let us help you get the care and justice you deserve after your loved one’s painful loss. 

Maintain Detailed Documentation

Maintaining a detailed file of documentation covering your loved one’s car accident fatality will help strengthen your family’s wrongful death claim. 

Keep the below-listed items associated with your loved one’s wrongful death because of a car accident:

• A journal detailing what you recall from and know about the fatal car accident, as well as any conscious pain and mental anguish your loved one suffered and any resulting losses your family suffers
• Photographs and videos from the scene of the accident and any property damage that the car accident caused
• A copy of any medical reports from the car accident
• A copy of the police report from the car accident
• Documentation from all communications with other parties, including witnesses at the scene, emergency medical response team members, and insurance agencies

Track All Associated Expenses

Keep a list of all expenses associated with your loved one’s wrongful death, including 

• Medical bills
• Funeral costs
• Property damage
• Loss of wages
• Any additional expenses suffered

Work With an Attorney

Seek the help of an attorney immediately after learning about the wrongful death of your deceased loved one as a result of a car accident. 

It is critical to start working with an attorney quickly to ensure compliance with all of your state’s statutes of limitations. 

Finding the help of a skilled and trusted car accident fatality lawyer will help you and your loved ones better navigate this distressing time while you try to manage your grief. They will help you attain justice for the pain and suffering caused by your loved one’s wrongful loss. 

A compassionate car accident attorney will manage the entirety of the insurance claim process for you and your loved ones while advocating on your behalf, protecting your rights, and maximizing your chances of recovering total compensation for the damages suffered. 

Trying to file an insurance company alone without professional help commonly leaves people feeling anxious, confused, and frustrated. 

When people file their insurance claim without professional help, the process commonly takes a year or more to complete. The complicated and extensive process requires a daunting amount of communication with the insurance agency, leaving many people feeling overburdened and confused.

Insurance companies commonly attempt to stall the claim process and use the claimant’s words and statements against them to reduce or eliminate the compensation they must pay to the claimant.

Working with an assertive and reliable attorney will protect you and your loved ones from the insurance company’s tactics while keeping the claims process moving forward in a timely manner. 

Your legal team will –

• Manage the insurance claim process – Your attorney will manage your lengthy and complicated insurance claim process, including filing the initial claim with the insurance company, handling all correspondence with the insurance adjuster and other agents, negotiating your settlement offer, and filing a lawsuit if necessary. 
• Prove fault – Insurance companies commonly try to demonstrate the fault of the accident lies with the deceased party. An assertive attorney will fight to prove that the fault undeniably lies with all liable parties for your loved one’s tragic accident.
• Recover compensation – A diligent lawyer will advocate for you to receive compensation for all damages that result from your loved one’s wrongful death, including
  • Conscious physical pain sustained by your deceased loved one
  • Conscious mental anguish suffered by your deceased loved one
  • Emotional suffering and grief of your loved one’s survivors
  • Loss of consortium from no longer having your deceased loved one’s companionship, support, and guidance
  • Loss of income and future earnings of your deceased loved one
  • Possible reduction of inheritance 
  • Property damage
  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages
• Keep you updated throughout the process – A dedicated attorney will communicate effectively with you and your loved ones throughout your claims process. They will keep you up to date every step of the way and address any questions and concerns you have in a timely and comprehensive manner. 

Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today to schedule your free case consultation. Let us help you get the care and justice you deserve for your loved one’s unjust and devastating loss. 

Work With a Compassionate Car Accident Attorney 

Hearing of the wrongful death of a loved one due to a car accident leaves most people feeling distraught and heartbroken. 

Most people are often unsure of what happens next and who they can turn to for help. 

Working with a compassionate wrongful death attorney will help ease the stress of you and your loved ones during this heartbreaking and challenging time, allowing you to better focus on your grief and healing. 

Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. today at (201) 585-9111 if your loved one was wrongfully killed in a car accident. Let us help you get the care, compensation, and justice you deserve.

Our New Jersey headquarters is conveniently located in Fort Lee, just a few blocks west of the Hudson River and Veterans Field Park.