The roads can be a dangerous place. For some, they are fatally dangerous.

Around 1.35 million people lose their lives in a fatal auto accident every year. In many of these cases, the accidents could have been avoided. A negligent party might also be at fault for the deaths that occurred.

Knowing what to look for is the key for grieving families to take legal action. If you believe you have a wrongful death case after a fatal auto accident, don’t wait to find legal assistance; do it now.

Keep reading to learn more about what qualifies a fatal auto accident as wrongful death.

Car crash accident on the street

What Causes a Fatal Car Accident?

Not all accidents can be attributed to a single cause. In fact, there can be many factors at play when a car accident occurs. Some may be related to driver negligence, whereas others may arise from factors beyond reasonable control.

Here are some of the most common causes that can lead to a fatal auto accident:

• Driving recklessly (such as driving above the speed limit and/or extremely aggressive driving)
• Driving drunk or under the influence
• Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, or similar multi-tasking did while driving)
• Dangerous weather conditions that limit visibility
• Hazardous conditions on the road (e.g., potholes, ice, slippery conditions)
• Sudden stops in traffic
• Fatigued driving
• Poorly designed roads and intersections

As you can see, some of these causes can come from the driver’s negligence at fault for the accident. However, this isn’t always the case.

What is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death, in legal terms, refers to a death that was caused by the negligence of another “at-fault” party. These cases aim to procure compensation from the party at fault to pay for the financial losses resulting from that death. They might also occur as a means of seeking justice for the loved ones of the deceased.

When is a Fatal Auto Accident Considered a Wrongful Death?

Because many crashes are considered “accidents,” the at-fault party often isn’t faced with criminal charges. When this happens, the deceased’s grieving loved ones must seek out a wrongful death lawsuit to find justice.

Still, not every fatal auto accident will qualify as wrongful death. To be considered, the at-fault party must have demonstrated reckless negligence that led to the accident.

Here are a few examples of driving behavior that could qualify a wrongful death:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Running a red light

If you believe your loved one’s fatal auto accident constitutes wrongful death, check it out with a lawyer who specializes in these cases. Together, you can build a case that can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Seeking Justice for a Wrongful Death

The loss of a loved one is devastating, especially when the negligence of another causes it. Seeking legal counsel can help you recoup your financial losses and find justice for your loss. Now that you know more about what makes a fatal auto accident qualify as wrongful death, you’ll be prepared to navigate your next steps.

For more legal topics, check out our other articles.