A fatal car accident leaves families facing overwhelming grief and unanswered questions. When a loved one’s death was caused by another driver’s negligence, you deserve accountability and financial support for the losses you have suffered. Call (304) 720-6700 or message Tiano O’Dell, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your potential wrongful death claim.
Why Families Choose Us
- You deserve a legal team that treats your loss with care, respect, and a commitment to doing what is right.
- We build strong relationships with our clients so you feel supported, informed, and never overlooked during the legal process.
- We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and pursuing results that reflect the true impact of your loss.
Our Results
We have secured meaningful results in wrongful death and serious injury cases, including:
- $5 million settlement for a wrongful death caused by dangerous conditions.
- $3 million settlement for a tractor-trailer crash involving severe injuries.
- $10 million settlement for a catastrophic brain injury case involving life-altering harm.
How Fatal Car Accidents Happen
Fatal crashes often result from reckless or negligent driving behavior. Common causes include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Distracted driving, including texting or phone use.
- Speeding or aggressive driving.
- Failure to yield at intersections.
- Running red lights or stop signs.
Many of these crashes are preventable and occur because drivers fail to follow basic safety rules.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Liability in a fatal car accident may extend beyond the driver. Responsible parties may include:
- The negligent driver who caused the crash.
- An employer if the driver was working at the time of the accident.
- A vehicle manufacturer if a defect contributed to the collision.
- A third party responsible for unsafe road conditions.
West Virginia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under West Virginia Code §55-7-13a. Families may recover damages if the deceased was less than 50 percent at fault. Any compensation awarded is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
West Virginia’s Wrongful Death Law
West Virginia law allows families to pursue compensation when a death is caused by negligence. Under West Virginia Code §55-7-6:
- Damages may include “sorrow, mental anguish, and solace” for surviving family members.
- Recovery may include “compensation for reasonably expected loss of income and services.”
- Funeral and burial expenses may be awarded as part of the claim.
These claims are brought on behalf of surviving family members to address the full impact of the loss.
How a Charleston Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Fatal car accident cases require a thorough investigation and strong evidence. Legal representation is critical to protect your family’s rights. A Charleston, WV Fatal Car Accident Lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash and gather police reports, witness statements, and accident evidence.
- Work with experts to determine how the accident occurred.
- Identify all liable parties and available insurance coverage.
- Calculate the full value of the claim, including long-term financial losses.
- Negotiate with insurers and prepare the case for trial if necessary.
By handling the legal process from start to finish, an attorney can help relieve the burden of dealing with insurance companies, investigations, and deadlines so your family can focus on healing.
Contact Us Today
Call (304) 720-6700 or message Tiano O’Dell, PLLC online today to schedule a free consultation with a Charleston, West Virginia fatal car accident lawyer.
