Wrongful Death Car Accident Lawyer Columbus, Ohio
Has a loved one died as the result of a fatal car accident? Establishing liability & causation are crucial. We are experienced and can help you get justice.
When a person has been killed in an auto accident due to the negligence or misconduct of someone else, the surviving dependents or beneficiaries may be entitled to financial payment for the damages caused by the wrongful death.
Did a loved one involved in a car accident pass away from their injuries? Get a Free Case Evaluation today.
While no amount of money can compensate the loss of a loved one, many times families do not pursue legal action to recover from the many other expenses that can occur such as funeral expenses, loss of income or general damages. An experienced wrongful death attorney understands the different sources of recovery available and can work with the insurance company and parties involved to see that you receive the recovery you deserve. In order for an auto accident wrongful death claim to be successful, there must be ample proof that the driver was at fault for negligence or misconduct. Robert D. Erney has successfully represented clients who have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused due to a negligent driver and will do the same for your family.
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5 reasons why you need a wrongful death car accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio.
- The insurance company representing the person at fault want to offer you as little compensation as possible. A wrongful death auto accident law firm like Erney Law in Columbus, Ohio has your best interest in mind and wants to earn your family the highest amount of medical and financial compensation as possible.
- A wrongful death auto accident attorney will fight the insurance companies with proof of how much compensation you’re entitled to for the loss of your loved one.
- An experienced wrongful death auto accident attorney has the ability to answer any questions you may have at any time, they know how to properly file a legal claim, and you’ll have someone dedicated to your family’s legal needs.
- Should your case reach the courtroom, your wrongful death auto accident attorney will serve as your loved ones representation, they know all the facts about your case, and will be better equipped to favorably speak to the jury on your loved ones behalf.
- Your wrongful death auto accident attorney will allow you to focus on your grieving process rather than spending all your time and resources trying to navigate your way through your case inexperienced and alone.
What is the difference between a wrongful death auto accident vs. an accidental death auto accident in Columbus, Ohio?
There is a difference between wrongful death by auto accident and accidental death by auto accident. The difference is, in the event of an auto accident resulting in death is classified as an accident, no party shall be held responsible, therefore no legal right to pursue a claim. However, if the same accident occurs at the hand of a negligent driver, and death is the result, the accident would be considered a wrongful death and would warrant the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver.
What behaviors by the at-fault driver qualify as a means of wrongful death in Columbus, Ohio?
There are a vast number of scenarios that can contribute to a driver being negligent in a wrongful death auto accident. Here is a list of the most common attributes of a negligent driver:
- Failing to obey traffic laws such as speeding, running stop signs or traffic signals, or failing to yield.
- Failing to be alert while behind the wheel. Distracted driving is increasing with today’s added technology at our fingertips.
- Failure to control of their automobile such as swerving, slamming on the breaks and sliding into an intersection, or driving off the road.
- Failure to operate a motor vehicle while sober such as drunk driving, driving while on medication, or driving while drowsy.
- Failure to use the vehicles safety equipment properly such as failing to use the vehicles signal when changing lanes, dimming high beams, and operating a vehicle with broken headlights or brake lights.
Who can be compensated for a wrongful death auto accident in Columbus, Ohio?
The spouse or life partner has the right to seek compensation for the loss of their companions life including lost wages, hospital bills, funeral services and burial expenses, mental grievances, and more.
The decedent’s financially dependent children have the right to sue for the loss of a parent.
Parents of a single, unmarried decedent have the right to file a claim if they have provided their parents with at least 50% of their financial support.
What Our Clients Say
"This team was very compassionate and professional. My lawsuit was extremely frustrating and complicated and they always seem to make me feel better at the end of the day. They were concerned not only with getting me my settlement and fighting for what was right but also concerned with my well being and health! I am so glad I went with this team to handle my case. I would recommend them to anyone."
Andrea L.
"Over a year ago I was involved in a car accident and was injured. I contacted Erney Law in Columbus Ohio and spoke to Mary Erney. The following day I met up with the father-daughter duo Robert & Mary Erney... best decision I ever made. They fought for my case 100%. Their honesty and open communication gave me assurance that I was in good hands. Thank you to Mary Erney for being understanding, caring, knowledgeable & determined. If you looking for a great attorney I highly recommend Erney Law."
Jen B.
"Mary and Mr. Erney were very helpful in my case. I didn't have to call and remind them of anything. I heard from them often and never had to reach out for an update. What I loved most was that they recognized who I was every time I stopped by. I didn't feel like just another client like most places make you feel. They were both very professional. I felt comfortable and trusted their advice every step of the way. I will definitely use Mary and Mr. Erney again in the future!"
LaNajee S.
"Back in Late 2018, I was T-Boned by a Mail Van that went speeding through a stop sign. I wasn't able to fully use my right hand for almost 5 months and this was the first time I had even taken on legal representation. She was very transparent through the entire process and kept me up to date as things progressed with my suit."
T'Asiah P.
"First off let me say, if I could give more than 5 stars, I would! I had the pleasure of working with Mary Erney of Erney Law. She and her entire firm were absolutely amazing! I was searching for an attorney who would take my case since I lived out of state. I thought there was no hope at all. I found Erney Law via online search. I spoke to Mary and from the very first conversation, I knew I wanted her to be my attorney. Why? Because she cared! From the start, her approach was a caring one. She took time to get to know me and my situation and she put her all into my case. She walked me through every step of the process and she was very patient with me and willing to explain any and everything. I could go on and on about the amazing experience I had working with Mary Erney and Erney law. If you are looking for a law firm to handle your case AND one who cares about you as a person, this is the one! I want to say thank you Mary and everyone at Erney Law. It has been a pleasure working with you!"
Mickey A.
"Rob and Mary are the best in Columbus. They are very kind and compassionate and will do everything in their power to get you what you deserve. They took the time to come meet with me on multiple occasions when I was in a care facility. They answered all of my questions and explained the processes. I felt completely in the know the entire time. They offered to represent me in court and fought for me with insurance companies with great success. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has been injured in an accident. Next time I need a lawyer they will be my first and only call!"
Rachel W.
Reginald M.
What's the process?
Personal injury cases can be complicated and winning your claim is not always guaranteed. Our process ensures that every client we represent will receive the best possible financial outcome, and start the healing process.
Free Case Evaluation
We will first review your case carefully, get to know you, and gain an understanding of your injuries.
Monitor Your Care
We ensure you receive the proper medical treatment during this difficult time.
We Handle Everything
We relieve the worry and burden of dealing with insurance companies and maximize your financial recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
A member of my family was killed in an auto accident as a result of someone else’s fault. What are my rights?
The first hurdle is liability. Can it be proven that it was someone else’s fault? The second hurdle is causation. Can it be proven that your family member died as a result of the injuries he or she suffered in the accident? The third hurdle is insurance coverage. Does the at – fault party have automobile insurance? If all of these hurdles are met, an estate needs to be set up for the deceased person and someone needs to be the Administrator. If the deceased person had a will, then the Executor will be in charge of the estate. Only the Administrator or Executor has the power to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the at – fault party. The beneficiaries of the estate share in the financial recovery.
Do I have to go to probate court when an auto accident wrongful death case is settled?
In Ohio, the answer is yes. The settlement and distribution of the settlement must be approved by the probate court the estate was established in.
Do I have to pay taxes on an auto accident wrongful death settlement?
No, the proceeds of a wrongful death settlement are not taxable.
Free Consultation
We're eager to meet with you about your legal issues, see how we can help, and give you and your family the personal attention you deserve.
Your personal injury case matters to us, just as much as it matters to you. We want to help you every step of the way, but in order to do so, we need to meet with you, get all the facts, and work out the details in order to build your personal injury case. We will meet with you for absolutely free, and explain to you in full detail the inner workings of how these situations usually end up, how likely you are to win your personal injury case, and how compensation works for you and for us.
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