The moment before a fatal car accident can look exactly like any other moment on the road. You might be listening to your favorite song, thinking about dinner plans, or chatting with a passenger when everything changes in an instant. When the unthinkable occurs, Kansas City families have the right to seek a Kansas City car accident lawyer to pursue legal action against the driver responsible for the fatal accident.
Common Causes of Deadly Crashes in Kansas City
In 2024, 97 people died in car crashes throughout Kansas City. One cyclist and 17 pedestrians were killed in these collisions, but the majority of those who died were vehicle occupants. Fatal accidents rarely result from a single factor but often involve a combination of dangerous conditions and driver behaviors.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving, especially texting or using mobile devices while behind the wheel
- Drunk driving or impaired driving due to drugs or prescription medications
- Excessive speeding and aggressive driving behaviors
- Running red lights or stop signs at busy intersections
- Drowsy driving, especially during late-night or early-morning hours
- Mechanical failures such as brake problems or tire blowouts
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Accident
When a fatal car accident happens due to another driver’s negligence, the surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These legal actions serve both to provide financial support for grieving families and to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. The rules surrounding wrongful death claims vary depending on which side of Kansas City the accident happened.
In Missouri, the surviving spouse, parents, children, or their descendants have the primary right to bring a lawsuit. If none of these individuals survive, siblings or their descendants may file the claim. When no eligible family members exist, the court will appoint a representative to handle the case on behalf of those entitled to share in any recovery.
Kansas takes a broader approach, allowing any heir who suffered losses due to the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This typically includes spouses, children, parents, grandparents, or siblings of the deceased person.
Damages Available to Surviving Family Members
Wrongful death lawsuits can provide compensation for both the financial impact of your loss and the immeasurable personal suffering your family endures. Potential compensation may address tangible losses such as:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills from your loved one’s final treatment
- The loss of income they would have earned throughout their lifetime
- The value of benefits, household services, and caregiving your family member provided
Beyond financial losses, you may also recover compensation for the emotional toll of your loss. This includes the value of companionship, guidance, support, and love that your family member would have continued providing. A Kansas City personal injury lawyer experienced in wrongful death claims can determine the compensation your family is entitled to following a fatal crash and calculate your potential award.
Begin Your Case with Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, your family deserves justice. At Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe, we know that no amount of money can reverse what happened, but an insurance claim or wrongful death lawsuit can prevent your family from suffering serious financial hardships. Contact us today at (816) 876-2600 and trust our Kansas City wrongful death lawyers to guide you through the process.