Fatal Car Accident Lawyers Fighting for Families
Turn to our Jacksonville law firm following the death of a loved one
It's never easy to lose a loved one, but losing someone in a car accident can be especially hard because there's often no opportunity to say goodbye. In an instant, someone who was an important part of your life is gone. The crash itself may have been over in a heartbeat, but for you and your family, things will never be the same.
You may not want to involve an attorney at this difficult time. We understand. But we've also found over the decades that for many families, getting legal help is an important part of the process of moving forward. The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic has helped many families throughout the Jacksonville area fight for fair compensation and justice after fatal car accidents by filing wrongful death claims. Some of our most noteworthy cases include:
- $10.2 Million Verdict for Death from Explorer Roof Crush
- $5.25 Million for Deadly Crash
- Two Million for Death of Wife and Mother
- $1.5 Million Paid For Drunk Driving
No amount of money can truly compensate the loss of a human life. But every dollar we recovered in those cases made a real difference in the lives of the people left behind. Each recovery sends a strong message that the type of negligence that leads to fatal accidents is not acceptable here in Florida. And that financial compensation helps grieving families rebuild their lives when they need help most.
What causes fatal car accidents?
Car crashes are often caused by negligent drivers. A driver may have been speeding, ignoring traffic signs and signals, texting behind the wheel or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The result is a rear-end car accident, head-on collision, T-bone crash or another type of accident that leaves people with fatal injuries.
But holding negligent drivers accountable can be complicated. These drivers often deny doing anything wrong and may even blame your loved one for what happened. Insurance companies are determined to pay as little as possible. That’s why you need an experienced attorney who knows how to build strong cases.
A wrongful death car accident settlement or jury verdict won’t bring your loved one back. But it can hold negligent parties accountable and help your family move forward.
Get help from a fatal car accident lawyer who understands Florida's laws
Legally, civil cases emerging from fatal car accidents are known as wrongful death lawsuits. A civil claim of wrongful death is distinct from any criminal charges, such as vehicular homicide, which may be pursued by the State of Florida in connection with the same death. Because the burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court, it may be possible for your family to recover financial compensation even if the driver who caused the accident was acquitted of criminal charges.
A wrongful death case must be pursued by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate on behalf of the spouse, children, parents and any other relatives who were dependent on the person who died. Under Florida law, the personal representative has four years from the date of death to pursue a claim, with some exceptions.
Because of the restrictions set by Florida law, the amount the grieving family members can recover is often limited. However, our attorneys have the experience and resources needed to overcome those limits in many cases. In one notable case, we were able to recover over a million dollars for a very deserving family due to negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED). This is a claim for financial compensation after a family member sees the victim at the accident scene and suffers physical symptoms due to the emotional distress.