Cowen Edwards, PLLC can help you if you’ve been in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale. With any car accident, there’s always a chance of injury. But unfortunately, there’s also the risk of it turning fatal. When that happens, the legal process becomes very important for you or your surviving family members. Our team will be there with guidance and support. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Fatal Car Accident?
Even though a fatal car accident is much more impactful, you still aren’t required to get a lawyer to help you and your family with a claim. But as you can probably tell, doing so can take some of the pressure off Here’s what our car accident lawyers at Cowen Edwards handle so you don’t have to:
- Looking into what happened with the accident and why.
- Figuring out who may be legally responsible.
- Guiding your family through each step, without rushing you.
Sometimes that means dealing with insurance adjusters. Sometimes it means filing a wrongful death claim. Either way, our job is to lighten the burden so your family can focus on moving forward.
What Happens Legally After a Fatal Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
When a fatal car accident happens in Florida, the legal process works a little differently than it would for a non-fatal injury. Instead of filing a personal injury claim, the family may bring what’s called a wrongful death claim. But not everyone is allowed to file one. Florida law gives that right to:
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate, often named in a will or appointed by the court.
That person files the claim on behalf of surviving family members, but once the right person files the claim, the case usually follows a familiar path—either through an insurance claim out of court or a lawsuit if necessary. But unlike injury cases, a wrongful death claim covers different kinds of losses, such as:
- Income the person would’ve earned
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills from the accident
- Loss of love, guidance, and support
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Possibly punitive damages, especially in reckless cases like DUI
We know no legal claim can undo what happened. But filing one can help cover costs and give your family some breathing room—both financially and emotionally. Just know Florida typically gives you two years from the date of the accident itself to take legal action.
Who Pays for Damages in a Fatal Car Accident
After a fatal car accident, one of the first questions families often ask is: Who’s going to pay for all of this? From emergency medical care to funeral costs and lost income, the bills can pile up fast. That’s where a wrongful death claim comes in. To figure out who’s financially responsible, though, it still comes down to whoever was negligent and caused the accident itself. Much like any other car accident, that can be:
- A driver who caused the accident
- A vehicle owner who let someone unfit drive their car
- A company, if the vehicle was used for business or poorly maintained
- The maker of a car or a part, if a defect played a role in what happened
- The city, county, or state government agency, if dangerous road conditions contributed
Every situation–even one with similar outcomes–is different, which is why we dig deep into the details. Once we know who’s at fault, we work to make sure your family isn’t left covering the cost of someone else’s actions.
What Can I Do Right After a Fatal Car Accident to Help the Case?
The moments after any car accident are extremely challenging. And when the accident is fatal, it can feel like time stops. While no one expects you to think like a lawyer in that moment, there are a few things—if possible—that can help lay the groundwork for a strong claim:
- Call 911 – Emergency responders will not only provide medical care, but police will document the crash in an official report—crucial in cases involving a loss of life.
- Get information – If you’re able, try to get information from other drivers and any witnesses nearby.
- Get evidence – It’s important to document the scene with pictures and videos. Skid marks, damage, traffic signs, road conditions, and weather—these details can make a difference later.
- Keep track of related expenses – Funeral costs, lost income, and any crash-related medical bills should be documented.
We know that in fatal crashes, families aren’t always in a position to gather all this on their own. And that’s okay. Part of our job is helping you collect evidence, secure records, and take care of the details—so you don’t have to.
What Can Cause a Fatal Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
One of the more difficult things to grapple with is that any car accident carries the potential for being fatal. So, in a place like Fort Lauderdale, when there’s a lot of car accidents every year, they can happen in an instant. Most of the time, though, they result from things like:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both
- Speeding, especially on I-95 or major arterials like Sunrise Blvd
- Texting and driving or using apps
- Driver fatigue, especially with in overnight or long-haul truckers
- Aggressive driving, like weaving through traffic or tailgating
- Vehicle issues, like tire blowouts or failed brakes
- Poor road conditions, including potholes or bad signage
- Low visibility, especially during heavy rain or early-morning fog
Even a collision that looks “minor” can be deadly under the wrong circumstances. And no matter what led to the accident, the impact on your family is the same: everything changes in an instant. We’re here to help you figure out what to do next, at a pace that works for you.
Victims of Fatal Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale Can Trust Cowen Edwards
When you lose someone you care about after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, it’s okay not to have all the answers right now. But when you’re ready to move forward, our team at Cowen Edwards will be there to walk beside you and explain what legal options are available—and what support really looks like. Set up a free consultation to get the process started.
