Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in New Orleans

The loss of a loved one in a car accident is not a legal matter anyone wants to have to deal with, and yet learning that someone’s carelessness is behind that death makes it even more important to fight.

At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we recognize the incredible impact and devastation such an event can cause, and our fatal car accident lawyer in New Orleans is the reliable advocate you need to get justice.

Our New Orleans car accident lawyer can answer your questions and ease your worry. Our team has recovered over $100 million for our clients since our firm’s founding in 2015.

How We Prove the Value of Your Fatal Car Accident Claim

The value of a wrongful death claim is dependent on multiple factors. That includes the recovery of any damages the decedent would have received had they survived, but also your losses.

To determine the extent of these losses, we will consider all relevant factors. Here are some ways we determine value:

• Documented losses. Many of the initial losses you have relate to easy-to-value claims, such as medical bills and lost wages. Our attorneys will carefully assess all financial impacts, including emergency care, lost wages, and vehicle damage.
• Pain and suffering. Your loved one suffered pain due to the injuries sustained prior to death. You and your close family members are suffering serious emotional pain from the loss of your family member.
• Funeral and burial costs. The cost of end-of-life support for your loved one, including reasonable expenses for religious and nonreligious benefits.
• Loss of financial support. If your loved one contributed to your household income, a calculation of losses will include their expected ongoing contributions based on their earnings, age, and health.
• Loss of consortium. This type of loss is related to the incredible loss you have due to damaged relationships.

You may have many other types of losses associated with the death of your loved one. We know no amount of money would make this easier, but your loved one deserves justice, and we will fight for it.

We encourage you to set up a free consultation with our New Orleans personal injury lawyer now to learn more about your rights.

Why Fatal Car Accidents Are Common in New Orleans

Traffic accidents happen throughout the city, with 6,344 incidents occurring in Orleans Parish in 2024. Of those accidents,41 people lost their lives, and over 10,600 suffered significant injuries.

Many factors contribute to these accidents and losses, most of which are fully preventable. Some of the most common causes of fatal accidents in the region include:

• Speeding, often due to a driver’s inability to control the vehicle as well as at a high rate of speed
• Drunk driving, especially in late-night car accidents
• Driver distraction, including texting, heated conversations over the phone, or daydreaming
• Poor road conditions, especially in slick conditions or when streets have debris
• Fatigued driving, including tired truck drivers on the road for long hours
• Aggressive driving, which might include tailgating, sudden stops, or weaving in and out of traffic

In these types of accidents, victims face serious injuries upon impact, often traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding with organ damage. Whether your loved one died at the scene or later, seeking justice for them means pursuing legal action.

Even if the other driver faces criminal charges, this does nothing to support your family’s future. Our New Orleans fatal auto accidents attorney is here to protect your rights.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in New Orleans

Under Louisiana wrongful death laws (Art. 2315.2. Wrongful death action), a claim against the at-fault party may occur as a result of the spouse and children seeking it. If there is no spouse or child, the decedent’s parents or, if none, siblings can seek legal action. There are situations where others may file a claim, including a representative of the estate.

What does it mean to file a wrongful death claim? This legal process requires that the victim’s family file a lawsuit in a Louisiana court seeking financial damages for the loss of their family member. The court determines if the named defendant is at fault and negligent. If so, the court awards financial compensation to the estate and family to use towards their recovery.

For family members who lose a wage earner in the home, it becomes essential to take these actions. That at-fault party puts your loved one’s life at risk, but also creates ongoing financial devastation to you as a result of their careless behavior.

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal car accident makes sense. Talk to our New Orleans fatal car accident attorneys at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers today.

How Can a New Orleans Fatal Car Accident Attorney Help

There are numerous factors to think about when filing a lawsuit like this, including the burden of proof. When you hire our New Orleans lawyer after a fatal car crash, you gain an advocate who has the sole goal of helping you recover fair compensation and justice.

There are several ways we will help you:

• Assess the accident to determine all parties at fault. Our goal is to determine any other party that may be responsible, such as employers, mechanics, or the city itself. This helps to increase access to potential compensation for you.
• Determine all losses carefully. The process of determining the value of this type of claim is not simplistic, but we are exhaustive in pursuing all possible compensation.
• Negotiations and settlements. With an evidence-backed claim, expect our attorneys to seek a fair settlement on your behalf. We will go to trial when necessary to do so.

Our years of experience make our team the trusted resource in these types of fatal car accidents. There is simply too much at stake for you not to have a trusted advocate ready to fight for you. You can count on us to be there for you.

Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Fatal Car Accident Attorney in New Orleans

You never pay us anything for our legal services upfront. We only get paid when we win your case for you.

Talk to our New Orleans fatal car accident lawyer at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers today. Let us provide answers in these devastating situations.