A fatal car accident changes many lives in an instant. Families are left grieving the loss of a loved one while also facing unexpected financial burdens. During this overwhelming time, it can be hard to know where to turn for help or what steps to take next. An experienced Birmingham fatal car accident lawyer can help you find answers.
At Wettermark Keith, we have helped over 100,000 clients navigate difficult and life-changing circumstances. Let our car accident lawyers in Birmingham help your family rebuild. Call today for a free initial consultation.
Work With Compassionate Fatal Car Accident Attorneys in Birmingham
Our legal team understands the profound loss families experience after a preventable tragedy. We approach every case with compassion, but we never lose sight of the serious legal issues at stake. Our Birmingham personal injury lawyers take a strategic approach to protect your family’s interests.
Every communication is intentional, clear, and straightforward. You deserve honest answers and attorneys who are fully committed to your case. When you work with our team, you can expect relentless advocacy at every stage of the legal process.
After a fatal car accident in Alabama, you may have more than one type of legal claim available. In addition to a wrongful death case, the estate of the deceased may also bring what is known as a survival action. We can help you decide your path forward.
When Does a Fatal Car Accident Become a Wrongful Death Case?
Not every fatal car accident is unavoidable. When a person’s death is caused by someone else’s careless, reckless, or wrongful conduct, Alabama law may allow the surviving family to pursue a wrongful death claim.
In fatal car accident cases, legal responsibility can extend beyond the driver who caused the crash. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share liability for the loss of your loved one.
Wrongful death claims arising from fatal car accidents may involve:
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel
- Speeding or other reckless driving behaviors
- Failure to obey traffic signals or yield the right of way
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Commercial truck accidents
- Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes or tires
- Negligent vehicle maintenance
- Dangerous road conditions caused by negligent government agencies or contractors
Determining who is responsible for a fatal crash often requires a thorough investigation. Our experienced Birmingham fatal car accident attorneys can examine the evidence and help your family pursue the accountability and justice your loved one deserves.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal car accident lawyer serving Birmingham,
call (833) 588-9009 today
Punitive Damages for Wrongful Death Cases in Alabama
In a wrongful death lawsuit arising from a fatal car accident, the focus is not on the financial or emotional losses suffered by the family. Instead, Alabama allows only punitive damages.
Punitive damages punish the at-fault party for the conduct that caused the death and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior. The purpose of a wrongful death claim in Alabama is to hold the wrongdoer accountable and emphasize the value of the life that was lost.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Alabama
In Alabama, wrongful death claims after a fatal car accident are subject to strict legal deadlines. If you miss that deadline, the court can permanently bar your family from bringing a case, no matter how strong the evidence may be.
In most situations, Ala. Code § 6-2-38 gives you two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The sooner you call our Birmingham fatal car accident lawyers, the better. Early action allows an attorney to preserve key evidence and investigate the cause of the crash before important details are lost.
Birmingham Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
(833) 588-9009
Survival Actions After a Fatal Car Accident
If you lost a loved one in a deadly truck crash, our fatal truck accident attorneys in Birmingham can help. That claim does not end at death. Instead, it continues through the personal representative of the estate, allowing the case to “survive” and move forward in court as if the injured person were still alive.
The types of damages available in a survival action are different from those in a wrongful death claim. A survival case focuses only on what the deceased experienced before death.
A survival action can include compensation for:
- Medical treatment related to the accident
- Wages lost between the time of injury and death
- The physical pain and suffering the person endured
Because each claim serves a different purpose, you are not forced to choose one over the other. In many cases, both a wrongful death claim and a survival action may proceed at the same time. Our fatal car accident attorneys in Birmingham can help you navigate the process.
Call Our Birmingham Fatal Car Accident Lawyers Today
If your family has lost someone in a fatal crash in Birmingham, you may pursue a wrongful death claim under Alabama law. While no legal action can undo your loss, it can provide a measure of justice and help protect your family’s future.
At Wettermark Keith, we understand that these cases are about more than legal claims; they are about families seeking answers after a devastating tragedy. We guide you through the legal process with compassion while you focus on supporting those who depend on you. If you lost a loved one in a deadly truck crash, our fatal truck accident attorneys in Birmingham can help.
Call Wettermark Keith today to learn how our fatal car accident lawyers in Birmingham can help your family pursue justice and accountability for your loved one.
Call or text (833) 588-9009 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form to get started
