Fatal car accidents happen all too frequently in Cincinnati. When families lose a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, they often face emotional turmoil and financial uncertainty. However, there are options for justice and compensation available.
When a fatal car accident occurs due to negligence, Ohio families have the right to file a Cincinnati wrongful death lawsuit against the person responsible for the collision. These claims can help compensate for medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of support and companionship their loved one provided.
Is Your Family Eligible for a Wrongful Death Claim After a Car Accident?
According to Ohio Rev. Code § 2125.02, families may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit when a person’s death results from another party’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. Car accidents are a very common event that can lead to the filing of a wrongful death claim. Generally, if the deceased would have been entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, their family can likely pursue a wrongful death claim.
Filing a successful wrongful death claim requires proving that another driver’s negligence directly caused the fatal collision. An attorney can evaluate the specifics of the case and determine if it meets the legal requirements set by Ohio law.
Common Types of Fatal Car Accidents in Cincinnati
Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, from driver negligence and poor weather to mechanical malfunctions and dangerous road conditions. However, certain collisions are more serious than others. In 2023 alone, 1,150 fatal accidents happened throughout Ohio, resulting in 1,242 deaths.
Some of the most common types of fatal car accidents include:
- Head-On Collisions: These accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other front-first. Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the combined force of both vehicles.
- Impaired Driving Accidents: Alcohol and drugs severely compromise a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, leading to reckless behavior and often catastrophic accidents. In 2023, 672 out of the 1,150 fatal crashes involved operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
- Side-Impact Crashes: These collisions happen when one vehicle strikes the side of another. Side-impact crashes can be particularly deadly because the sides of vehicles typically offer less protection than the front or rear.
- Rollover Accidents: Vehicles that flip onto their side or roof during a crash put occupants at high risk of fatal injuries. Rollovers can occur due to sharp turns at high speeds, collisions with other vehicles, or hitting roadside objects.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Ohio?
When a person is no longer able to file a legal claim themselves, only trusted individuals may pursue a lawsuit on their behalf. In Ohio, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must initiate the wrongful death claim. This person, sometimes referred to as the executor, is usually named in the deceased person’s will. If no will exists, the court will appoint someone to serve as the personal representative.
Get in Touch with a Cincinnati Wrongful Death Attorney Today
When another driver’s actions cause a fatal car accident, families can be torn apart. A Cincinnati car accident attorney from Monge & Associates can provide the support, compassion, and advocacy that your family needs during these challenging times.
Since 1993, our firm has fought for the rights of the injured and their families, holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Contact us at (888) 302-7176 for a free, confidential consultation and learn how our attorneys can support your journey to justice.