We all know that the holiday season is a stressful time for everyone, both young and old. This is especially true to drivers during Christmas time. It’s a well-documented phenomenon that the United States experiences a huge spike in car accidents and car accident-related fatalities around major holidays.
This Christmas was unfortunately no different. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported two deaths over the holiday weekend, both of them passengers. One male passenger was killed on Route ZZ, when the car he was in failed to take a turn properly and the driver lost control, running the vehicle into three fences before flipping. The other, a 70-year-old woman from Illinois, was killed because the driver took a curve too fast. Similarly, the vehicle flew off the pavement and crashed head-on to an abandoned house just off the road.
These weren’t the only accidents that occurred in Missouri during Christmas, and they may not even be the only fatalities. They reported that they investigated an additional 124 crashes over the weekend. For the families who have lost their loved ones at such a precious time, there may be some recompense. They could possibly have their pain and suffering covered in a wrongful death claim.
How a Wrongful Death Case Could Help
A wrongful death claim has the possibility of ending with a settlement, which could be used for medical bills and other end-of-life costs. However, the law in the state of Missouri is specific about who can file such a claim. The parents, spouse, and children of the person who died are the first to have the right to file a wrongful death claim. If none of those people are around to do so, the right then falls to the siblings of the deceased person, as well as their nieces and nephews.
Before starting any filing, you should first and foremost get in contact with a wrongful death lawyer. In cases like this, you’ll need to prove that your family member’s death was caused because of the other party’s actions. Things like collecting evidence can prove difficult without an expert on your side. A personal injury lawyer, one who specializes in wrongful death, can help you through every step of the process. They can help you reach the settlement you need so you and your family can focus on the grieving process.
Chris Miller Can Help You with Your Wrongful Death Case
At the Law Office of Chris Miller, we know this time of year can be deadly. 346 people died from car accidents on Christmas Day alone. Trying to navigate the world after losing a loved one can be difficult, but you deserve to have your pain and suffering compensated. We can help you file your claim and reach a settlement that lets you rest easy. Call us today for a free consult!