Fatal Car Accidents
The sudden loss of a loved one in a car accident can have a devastating impact on you and your family. Knoxville car accident lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe has represented clients throughout Tennessee in wrongful death and other accident claims over the span of two decades. Mr. Hartsoe is dedicated to helping individuals and families seek the compensation they deserve in the aftermath of a fatal car accident. If you lost a relative in a fatal crash, contact attorney Mark C. Hartsoe today to discuss your rights.
Fatal Car Accidents in TennesseeCar accidents are a daily occurrence in Tennessee, and some of those crashes can be fatal. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were over 900 fatal traffic crashes in 2012. Most fatal car accidents in Tennessee occur in the summer months. The young and the elderly are particularly susceptible to serious injury and death due to car accidents.
Several factors can contribute to car-related fatalities, including alcohol, distracted drivers, failure to stay in the proper lane, and running off the road. Families who have lost relatives in car accidents are often left with the financial burden of covering medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of a source of income. Theses financial burdens are in addition to the incomparable emotional pain brought on by the unexpected death of a loved one.
Liability for Fatal Car AccidentsThe sudden death of a person in a car accident can have a long-term emotional and financial effect on that person’s family. If your loved one succumbed to injuries sustained in a car accident, you may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable for your relative’s death by filing a wrongful death claim.
In Tennessee, drivers are required by law to exercise due care when they operate a vehicle. Among the many requirements under Tennessee law, drivers must:
- Drive at a safe speed
- Keep their car under proper control
- Devote their full time and attention to operating their vehicles
- Avoid colliding with pedestrians
If a driver does not exercise this duty of care, he or she may be liable for any death or injury that results from their negligent or reckless behavior.
Under Tennessee law, if a person’s death is caused by another’s negligence or wrongdoing, the deceased person’s relatives or estate can pursue a wrongful death claim against the wrongdoer, and potentially recover damages.
Compensation and RecoveryA wrongful death claim can ease the financial burden of your loss. Tennessee allows relatives to recover damages that may include compensation for:
- Mental and physical pain and suffering
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Loss of companionship
You may also recover punitive damages if a person’s malicious or serious wrongdoing, such as drunk driving, caused the death of your loved one. Tennessee sets certain time restrictions on when a person can file a wrongful death claim, so it is important that you speak with an experienced car accident attorney to learn your rights as soon as possible.
Dedicated to Helping You When You Need It MostIf you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, Knoxville personal injury lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can help. Mr. Hartsoe has successfully represented families and estates across Tennessee in numerous wrongful death claims. He brings over twenty years of caring, knowledgeable experience to guide you through this challenging process. Mr. Hartsoe will evaluate your case, and provide you with the guidance and advocacy you need to seek the compensation you deserve. If you lost a relative in a fatal car accident, call us at 865-804-1011 or contact us online today for a free consultation.