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Can a Wrongful Death Claim Be Filed in a Single Car Accident?

Losing a loved one in a car accident is a devastating and life-changing experience. At Shulman Rogers, we understand the challenges you face and we’re committed to helping you through this difficult time. Many people seek justice for their loved one through a wrongful death claim. However, those who lost loved ones in single-car accidents may wonder if a claim can be brought forward when no one else was involved in the accident.

 

Determining the Elements of the Accident

 

In many cases, a defect in the vehicle is either the root cause or a contributing factor to the accident. An attorney should examine all elements of the accident to determine whether a defect either outright caused a car to crash or made an otherwise survivable collision deadly. For example:

 

  • The airbags may not deploy
  • The vehicle may be designed in a way that makes it more likely to roll over, increasing the risk of death substantially beyond the risk of fatalities when a vehicle remains upright during an accident
  • The brakes may not work properly when attempting to slow down or suddenly stop
  • A tire suddenly blows out when a vehicle reaches high speeds, causing the driver to lose control and collide with a guardrail or other stationary object

 

One well-publicized example of a particular vehicle defect causing injuries and fatalities is that of GM’s faulty ignition switch. GM recalled hundreds of thousands of small cars and light duty trucks that were manufactured with an ignition switch that could easily slip from “on” to “accessory,” effectively killing the power steering and power braking. Additionally, this also caused airbags not to deploy in multiple cases.

 

Seeking Restitution Through a Wrongful Death Claim

 

The personal injury attorneys at Shulman Rogers will evaluate your case thoroughly to determine what factors may have been an issue in your loved one’s accident. These factors include vehicle manufacturing defects that may have caused the accident initially or may have played a role in how the accident became fatal.

 

Our lawyers are dedicated to providing each of our clients with compassionate yet aggressive legal representation when it’s needed most. You can trust that your case will be handled with care when you work with us. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and how we can best help you obtain justice for your loved one. Call now at 877-229-1515.