North Memphis Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Was your world turned upside down after losing a loved one to fatal car accident injuries? Are you anxious to hold the liable party accountable and ensure you get justice for your cherished family member? If so, you need the legal experience and support of a dedicated North Memphis personal injury lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC. 

With our firm on your side, you can demand the at-fault party be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and recover the compensation your family will need to get through these difficult times. Contact our office for a free consultation today and learn more about how the claims process works, who could be sued, and the value of your wrongful death action.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in North Memphis

Your fatal car accident lawyer in North Memphis, TN, at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, is here to help you and your family get through the devastating aftermath of your loss. 

After taking on your case, one of our most essential responsibilities is figuring out who should be held accountable for causing your family member’s death. Car accidents can happen in a multitude of ways. However, we see specific types of car crashes causing fatal injuries more often than others which include:

• Drunk driving accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Negligent driving accidents
• Defective motor vehicle part accidents
• Accidents caused by hazardous roads

Drunk Driving

Even though programs like the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other nationwide drunk driving initiatives have taken action to increase education and reduce instances of driving under the influence, it continues to be a serious issue across North Memphis and the state of Tennessee. 

While drunk drivers can face severe criminal charges and penalties, this does little to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents annually. Anyone under the influence or impaired by illicit substances or alcohol should be held accountable when they cause fatal car accident injuries.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another type of negligent driving that is a serious issue across the state and country. Although nearly every state has implemented laws that make distracted driving or cell phone use while driving illegal, far too many motorists do not take distracted driving concerns seriously. Distracted driving can take the form of cognitive, visual, or manual distractions which includes:

• Daydreaming
• Arguing with passengers
• Making navigational system changes while driving
• Using the radio or music apps while driving
• Eating or drinking while driving

Traffic Violations

Any unsafe driving has the potential to cause fatal injuries. For this reason, all motorists have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, including adhering to all local, state, and federal traffic laws and regulations. Some of the most common types of violations known for causing fatal injuries include:

• Failure to use a turn signal
• Road rage
• Reckless driving
• Following too closely
• Making illegal turns
• Driving over the speed limit
• Refusing to yield to the right of way
• Refusing to stop at a traffic light or stop sign
• Driving while fatigued

Defective Auto Parts

Fatal car accidents can also happen when auto parts malfunction or are defective. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are far more common than people realize. Some examples of parts known for malfunctions include:

• Airbag inflators
• Tires
• Steering columns
• Braking systems
• Defective seat belts
• Door latch mechanism
• Fuel pumps
• Accelerators
• Windshield wipers

Dangerous Roads

Hazardous road conditions might cause fatal car accident injuries under the worst conditions. For instance, if a poorly-lit area needed street lamps installed, but the city or state failed to do so, these roads could be considered inherently dangerous. Other examples of hazardous road conditions could include:

• Failure to replace missing street signs
• Lack of secured road conditions
• Improperly trained road construction workers
• Failure to repair potholes
• Failure to address safety concerns at high-risk intersections

Liability in North Memphis Fatal Car Accidents

Your fatal car accident attorney in North Memphis, TN, will carefully examine how your loved one’s fatal car accident occurred so we can identify those responsibly. The type of car crash will help your lawyer determine who should be held accountable. Some of the parties who could be sued include:

• Government agencies
• Municipalities
• The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
• The city of Memphis
• Auto parts manufacturers and distributors
• Motor vehicle dealerships
• Safety inspectors
• Motor vehicle maintenance workers
• Negligent or irresponsible drivers
• Dram shops or social hosts

How Fatal Car Accident Claims Work

Your North Memphis fatal car accident lawyer can help guide you through the claims process. For some, recovering sufficient compensation through an insurance settlement may be enough to meet their needs. However, others might need to pursue a wrongful death action to demand justice.

Insurance Claims

After a car accident, you can file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company. Tennessee law requires all drivers to purchase auto insurance coverage. 

However, if this coverage does not provide compensation for every loss your deceased family member and your family have experienced, you should always be prepared to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits

You might have the authority to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party if the insurance coverage does not cover your family’s damages in full or the defendant does not have insurance coverage. 

However, only specific parties have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This generally includes the decedent’s surviving spouse, adult children, next of kin, or estate administrator. Your fatal car accident attorney can help determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements to file a wrongful death claim.

Get Help from a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in North Memphis Today

Motor vehicle accidents are a significant problem across North Memphis and Tennessee. If you lose a family member to fatal injuries and you do not know where to turn for help, do not hesitate to contact an experienced legal advocate you can count on. 

Reach out to a compassionate North Memphis fatal car accident attorney at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC for a free consultation today. You can reach us through our convenient contact form or by phone to find out which steps you must take to make the at-fault party pay.