Detroit Fatal Car Accident Lawyers

Fatal Car Accident Claims In Michigan

Fatal car accidents are devastating events that forever alter the lives of those left behind. Our Detroit car accident lawyers understand the profound loss and emotional turmoil families experience when a loved one dies due to another’s negligence. Fatal traffic accidents are more than tragic; they often raise complex legal questions about liability, compensation, and justice. Our firm’s goal is to help you understand your rights under Michigan law and ensure your family receives the financial recovery your case deserves.

Our firm takes pride in representing Detroit families during their most difficult moments. With 180+ years of combined experience, our team at Ravid & Associates has successfully handled tens of thousands of personal injury cases, including wrongful death claims stemming from fatal car accidents. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Detroit, you don’t have to face the legal challenges alone. We’re here to fight for your family, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure compensation for your loss.

The Most Common Causes Of Fatal Car Accidents

While every Fatal traffic accident is unique, there are common causes that contribute to these tragedies:

1. Drunk Driving
2. Distracted Driving
3. Speeding
4. Reckless Driving
5. Defective Vehicles
6. Weather Conditions

Understanding the cause of the crash is crucial in determining liability and pursuing compensation for your loss.

Legal Issues In Fatal Car Accidents Under Michigan Law

Michigan law recognizes that surviving family members deserve monetary compensation when a loved one’s life is lost due to another’s negligence. Fatal car accident claims typically fall under Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act (MCL 600.2922). This statute allows certain family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to file a claim for the losses they have suffered.

Compensation That May Be Available In Your Case

Under Michigan law, families may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses incurred before the victim’s death.
• Funeral and burial costs.
• Pain and suffering the victim suffered prior to death.
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
• Loss of companionship, care, and guidance.

Insurance companies will attempt to minimize payouts, but our attorneys are committed to securing the full compensation your family is entitled to under the law.

Comparative Negligence

Michigan follows the principle of comparative negligence (MCL 500.3135). This means compensation may be reduced if the deceased was partially at fault for the accident. However, if another party’s negligence primarily caused the fatal crash, they remain responsible for the majority of the damages.

Common Scenarios Of Fatal Car Accidents

Head-On Collisions – Head-on collisions often result in fatalities due to the immense force of impact. Common causes include drunk driving, wrong-way driving, or poor visibility.

Rear-End Crashes – At high speeds, rear-end collisions can be deadly, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles. Rear-end collisions often result from distracted driving, spedding, or following too closely.

Intersection Accidents – Failing to yield the right of way, running red lights, or speeding through intersections frequently leads to deadly T-bone collisions.

Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents – Detroit’s urban environment means pedestrians and cyclists share the roads with motor vehicles. Fatal accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield or drive recklessly.

Truck Accidents – Commercial vehicles pose a significant danger to smaller cars. When truck drivers are fatigued, improperly trained, or driving defective vehicles, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Determining Who Pays For Fatal Car Accident Damages

Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, meaning initial claims often go through the deceased’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, in cases of fatal accidents, families may pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party for damages beyond PIP limits.

Potentially Liable Parties Include:

• The negligent driver.
• Employers of commercial drivers involved in the crash.
• Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect contributed to the accident.
• Government entities, if poor road design or maintenance played a role.

Our team thoroughly investigates every case to identify all responsible parties and maximize compensation for grieving families.

Michigan’s Statute Of Limitations For Wrongful Death Claims

Under Michigan law, families have three years from the date of the fatal accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from ever recovering financial compensation. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and witnesses remain accessible.

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Michigan

The right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Michigan is defined in the Michigan Wrongful Death Act (MCL 600.2922). The Michigan Wrongful Death Act specifies who may pursue legal action on behalf of the deceased and outlines the legal framework for seeking compensation.

In most cases, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate is responsible for filing the wrongful death claim. This representative may be named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the probate court if no will exists. The personal representative files the claim on behalf of the deceased’s beneficiaries.

Eligible Beneficiaries

The following family members are typically eligible to receive compensation in a wrongful death claim:

• Spouse – The deceased’s surviving spouse is entitled to pursue damages for the loss of companionship, support, and other benefits of the marital relationship.
• Children – Biological and legally adopted children may claim damages for the loss of parental guidance, care, and financial support.
• Parents – Surviving parents of the deceased may recover compensation for emotional suffering and loss of support, particularly if the deceased contributed financially to their care.
• Siblings – Brothers and sisters may also qualify as beneficiaries in some cases, especially if they shared a close relationship or relied on the deceased for support.
• Grandparents – If grandparents were financially or emotionally dependent on the deceased, they may be eligible for compensation.
• Anyone Named in the Will – Michigan law allows individuals explicitly named in the deceased’s will to benefit from a wrongful death claim.

What Happens If There Is No Will?

When the deceased did not leave a will, the probate court will appoint a personal representative. This representative will manage the wrongful death claim. The distribution of any compensation awarded is then determined in accordance with Michigan’s intestate succession laws. This process makes sure that eligible family members are identified and compensated in accordance with Michigan law.

The Role of the Personal Representative

The personal representative has a vital role in a wrongful death lawsuit, including:

• Filing the lawsuit.
• Communicating with the insurance companies and opposing counsel.
• Gathering evidence to support the claim.
• Ensuring that any compensation awarded is distributed fairly among the eligible beneficiaries.

Knowing who can file and benefit from a wrongful death lawsuit is important to ensuring the family receives the financial support and justice they deserve. If you are unsure whether you or a family member qualifies to file a claim, our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and the necessary steps to protect your interests.

Why Families Choose Ravid & Associates

Insurance companies fear lawyers like us because they know we fight relentlessly for our clients. Our firm has helped over 25,000 Michigan families and recovered substantial settlements and verdicts. We handle every case on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we win. Your family deserves justice, and we are here to make sure you receive it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Car Accidents In Michigan

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Michigan?

Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act allows specific family members to file a claim, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, or anyone named in the deceased’s will. If no will exists, the court will appoint a personal representative to manage the claim on behalf of the family.

What If My Loved One Was Partially At Fault For The Accident?

Michigan’s comparative negligence laws allow families to recover compensation even if the deceased was partially at fault. However, the compensation amount will be reduced based on the percentage of fault. For example, if the deceased was 20% at fault, your family could still recover 80% of the damages.

How Long Does A Wrongful Death Case Take To Resolve?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and whether the insurance company is willing to settle. Some cases are resolved in a few months, while others may take longer if they go to trial. We work diligently to achieve timely and favorable outcomes for our clients.

What Compensation Can Families Recover In A Fatal Car Accident Case?

Families can recover economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and the loss of the deceased’s companionship. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Fatal Car Accident Lawyer?

At Ravid & Associates, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront costs or legal fees unless we win your case. This allows families to pursue justice without financial stress.

Call Our Detroit Fatal Car Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, Ravid & Associates, P.C., is here to help. We understand the pain and uncertainty you’re facing, and we are committed to fighting for your family’s rights. Let us hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Detroit fatal car accident lawyers at Ravid & Associates, P.C. today by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. Our firm represents clients in Detroit and throughout Michigan from our Southfield office. You won’t owe us anything unless we successfully resolve your case.