Many fatal pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who do not make the effort to safely share the road. When this happens, family members can and should sue for damages and attempt to hold the driver accountable for their actions. If you lost a loved one in an accident like this, our Monmouth County pedestrian accident attorneys can help you fight for compensation.
What Leads to Fatal Pedestrian Accidents?
Fatal pedestrian accidents are often caused by bad driving behaviors, but other factors can also contribute. Usually one or more of these factors is to blame:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Bad weather conditions
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors
- Poor lighting
- Lack of pedestrian infrastructure like safe sidewalks or crosswalks
If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, they could be sued for damages. In some cases, a city or municipality could also be held liable if they helped create the dangerous situation by not maintaining their infrastructure or putting up proper signage. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and help you hold all contributors to this accident accountable.
What Kinds of Damages Can Be Pursued After Fatal Pedestrian Accidents?
When family members sue for damages after fatal pedestrian accidents, the compensation is not just meant to cover obvious expenses like their loved one’s funeral costs or last medical bills. A fair offer also addresses the emotional and psychic toll that this accident has taken on your family.
So your loved one’s financial contribution to the household will be taken into consideration when compensation is calculated, but the guidance and companionship that they offered also needs to be accounted for. Damages can also help address any other pain and suffering family members experience as a result of their loss.
Can Defendants Try to Blame the Victim?
Of course, defendants might try to blame a victim for the fatal accident in an effort to appear less at fault. They can say that your loved one was jaywalking or not paying attention to the road or traffic signals. Not only can it be stressful to have your loved one accused of wrongdoing, but a jury that finds that the victim was partly responsible for their accident would offer less compensation.
A lawyer from our firm can help you defend your loved one’s action and make the strongest possible case against any defendants in your case.
Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you are pursuing damages in a wrongful death case, don’t fight for fair compensation on your own. Contact the Wilton Law Firm and ask to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to tell you more about how our legal team can help.
