Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorney Who Will Fight for Your Loved One

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If you recently lost a loved one due to another party’s careless actions, legal recourse is available, and the wrongful death lawyers at Sierra Accident Lawyers are prepared to help you fight.

We sympathize with those suffering from the loss of a family member as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Please, allow our dedicated California wrongful death attorneys to obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf and bring your family justice.

FREE CONSULTATION 24/7

No Fees Unless We Win

Why It’s Beneficial to Work with Sierra Accident Lawyers

Wrongful death cases require delicacy with clients, while also maintaining an aggressive approach with insurers. These efforts ensure an optimal outcome, but not all personal injury law firms can meet these requirements. 

  • Demonstrated ability to deliver ideal results with a 99% success rate
  • Thorough review to accurately estimate case value and negotiate for maximum compensation
  • Specializes in personal injury cases, including wrongful death accidents
  • Comprised of dedicated, compassionate legal professionals who are available to assist 24/7
  • 0 upfront costs and absolutely no charges unless the case is successful

FEATURED ATTORNEY

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Adam Vogt, Esq., Of Counsel

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What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death cases are presented when the victim of a personal injury accident succumbs to their injuries, either immediately or over time due to injury complications.

State laws provide surviving family members the right to seek financial compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

A wrongful death claim is considered a civil claim, which is different from a criminal claim. It aims to hold the responsible party accountable for economic damages and non-economic damages.

Wrongful deaths apply not only in cases of intentional acts but also in situations caused by negligence, such as a car accident or workplace accident, either from a person, entity, or government body.

Main Elements of a Wrongful Death Suit

To determine if a case is classified as a wrongful death in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the following elements must be evident.

  • There is a death of a person
  • The death was caused by someone else’s negligence or intent to cause harm
  • Surviving family members suffered financial losses as a result
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How Much Are Legal Fees for a Wrongful Death Case?

Every personal injury law firm bills differently, but at Sierra Accident Lawyers, our wrongful death attorneys work on contingency. Therefore, we never charge upfront fees and are only compensated for our services if we successfully deliver a case win.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents

Sierra Accident Lawyers is a personal injury law firm, specializing in defending the rights of clients who were negatively affected by the negligence of another party.

The most common types of personal injury cases that lead to wrongful death often consist of:

  • Car accidents
  • Uber accidents and Lyft accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Workplace accidents

Sierra Accident Lawyers is a personal injury law firm, specializing in defending the rights of clients who were negatively affected by the negligence of another party. The most common types of personal injury cases can sometimes lead to wrongful death accidents. 

How to Prove Liability in California

In most bicycle accident cases, it is the driver who is at fault for the accident. However, both the driver of the car and the bicyclist are expected to follow the rules of the road and exercise reasonable care. If either party violates these duties and causes a collision, they may be held liable for the damages. 

To prove fault in a Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident, the victim must establish four elements:

  1. Duty of care: A duty of care is a legal obligation to act in a certain way to prevent harm to others. For example, drivers have a duty to drive safely and avoid hitting other road users, while bicyclists have a duty to obey traffic laws and signals.
  2. Breach: The party who caused the accident failed to meet their duty of care. For example, a driver may breach their duty by speeding, running a red light, or texting while driving. 
  3. Causation: The breach of duty was the direct or proximate cause of the victim's injuries. 
  4. Damages: The victim suffered actual losses or harm as a result of the party who caused the accident's actions. 

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning the amount of compensation a person is entitled to receive diminishes by their percentage of fault for causing an accident. 

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Damages That Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case

Calculator and stethoscope on financial statement concept for finance health check or cost of healthcareWhile no amount of compensation can replace the devastating event of losing a loved one, California recognizes the emotional toll wrongful death takes on surviving family members.

This is why they are entitled to the right to file a wrongful death claim and seek damages. Some losses that can be recovered include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Emotional pain and suffering
  • Funeral expenses and burial costs
  • Pre-death medical bills
  • Loss of consortium (companionship, love, and support)
  • Loss of future income that would have been earned
  • Loss of financial support for the household
  • Punitive damages

The types of damages that can be recovered are categorized into economic damages (financial losses), non-economic damages (intangible losses), and punitive damages (additional punishment to the defendant).

The claims process is complex. Therefore, seeking legal counsel from a qualified wrongful death attorney is crucial, as it will prevent any missteps and increase the success of the wrongful death claim.

Do I Need to Hire a Rancho Cucamonga Wrongful Death Attorney?

Absolutely not. It is not mandated that a wrongful death attorney manage a wrongful death case. However, legal representation is recommended because it is extremely helpful and in many cases necessary to secure a maximum settlement.

An experienced wrongful death attorney will handle all of the complicated legal aspects such as:

  • A thorough investigation into the accident, which aids in proving liability
  • Collection of substantial evidence (witness statements, police reports, medical records)
  • Identify all at-fault parties
  • Obtain testimonies from expert witnesses, like accident reconstructionists and economists
  • Aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation with the insurance company
  • Complete and file complicated legal documents
  • Prove wrongful death damages
  • File a wrongful death lawsuit and go to trial if necessary

Hiring a wrongful death attorney who knows how to deal with the insurance companies will improve the odds of a maximum recovery. Legal representation for wrongful death cases will also make the overall process more seamless.

Court Representation for Wrongful Death Cases

Close-up Of An Open Law Book And Wooden Mallet In CourtroomThe goal of a wrongful death claim is to achieve a favorable settlement through skilled negotiations. However, when the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, our California wrongful death lawyers are fully equipped to take the case to trial, before a judge and jury. 

During this time, the wrongful death case will be meticulously prepared, every angle explored, and our clients’ needs amplified throughout the legal process, ensuring they receive the full measure of justice for their loved ones.

How Are Damages Calculated in a California Wrongful Death Case?

Certain damages can be easily measured for reimbursement, such as medical bills or funeral costs, as this can be proven with bills and invoices. Conversely, intangible losses, like emotional pain and suffering, are not as easily quantifiable. 

For non-economic losses, like emotional suffering, an experienced wrongful death lawyer can support a claim based on similar case outcomes and build a strong argument as to why these financial demands must be met. 

An effective wrongful death lawsuit will indicate the impact the deceased person had on the surviving family members' overall well-being. This includes their emotional and financial impact.

How Long Does a California Wrongful Death Case Take?

Because wrongful death cases hold so much value, insurance companies are reluctant to pay out a fair and full amount in damages.

As a result, a wrongful death claim can be escalated to a lawsuit, extending the length of time it will take to reach a resolution.

The trial process can be long and complex. Based on whether the case can be negotiated out of court or requires litigation, it can take a few months to settle or a few years.

Additionally, it takes time to thoroughly investigate the accident and compile evidence. A wrongful death attorney can provide a more detailed estimation of turnaround time during the initial consultation. 

Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

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At Sierra Accident Lawyers, we stand with families who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one. A wrongful death lawyer from our firm will fight for justice against the negligent party, holding them accountable for their actions. 

It's our mission not just to secure compensation for your tragic loss, but to prevent future tragedies from happening again. If you're navigating the overwhelming aftermath of a loved one's sudden death, take the first step toward achieving justice. 

Schedule a free consultation with a compassionate wrongful death lawyer in San Bernardino County today. We're here to guide you through this difficult journey and will fight tirelessly for you and your family.

Rancho Cucamonga Law Office

8274 White Oak Avenue Suite 100
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

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