West Ashley Fatal Car Accident Attorneys

West Ashley Fatal Car Accident Attorneys

Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Charleston, South Carolina

West Ashley is one of six districts in Charleston, SC. Popular for its bars and restaurants, it is known as west of the Ashley River. As part of Charleston, this area is also known for some of the worst car accident rates in the country.

More than 38,000 Americans die yearly in road crashes, making the U.S. traffic death rate 12.4 fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants. According to Forbes Advisors’ 2022 report, South Carolina ranked second as the most dangerous state to drive. The report also revealed that southern states were more inclined to experience more car accident deaths due to safety driving laws and the rural roads.

The West Ashley personal injury lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm are here to help. We have over 90 years of experience helping families recover financial compensation by holding negligent drivers responsible for their actions. We understand that nothing can bring a loved one back; however, with our help, you may not need to deal with the financial burdens of your loss.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

The death of a loved one in a preventable fatal crash is a tragedy that no one should ever experience. A wrongful death lawsuit is an option for the families of someone who passed away in a car crash.

Wrongful death lawsuits are brought against another driver who caused someone’s death, either due to intentional action or negligence. Wrongful death lawsuits are often filed by a representative of the deceased’s estate. This is often a surviving family member who is named as the deceased’s personal representative in their will or through subsequent court proceedings. A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury lawsuit, except that the action is brought not by the victim but by their estate.

How to Prove a West Ashley Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death cases require the same proof of negligence as in a traditional personal injury lawsuit. More specifically, the party bringing the case, who is referred to as the plaintiff, must meet each of the following elements:

  1. Duty – The other driver owed an accident victim a level of care.
  2. Breach – The other driver violated their duty of care.
  3. Causation – The other driver’s actions caused the fatal accident.
  4. Damages – The party bringing the claim suffered legally recognizable damages due to the accident victim’s death.

Who Can File a West Ashley Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following a Fatal Car Accident?

In South Carolina, only the administrators or executors of a deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. If the deceased had an estate plan, it names the executor/administrator; the court appoints one if the deceased did not have an estate plan.

Those eligible to recover damages in a West Ashley fatal car accident wrongful death case include:

  • A spouse and children of the deceased;
  • Victim’s surviving parents if there is no spouse or children; or
  • Heirs of the deceased if there is no spouse, children, or parents. 

Damages that may be recovered in a West Ashley fatal car accident wrongful death claim include:

  • Lost income that the deceased contributed to the household;
  • Loss of victim’s care, protection, and companionship;
  • Mental anguish sustained by survivors; and
  • Funeral and burial expenses.

South Carolina families may also file a survival right of action that seeks compensation for the harm a victim suffered before their death. An executor or administrator can only file this. Any damages recovered go to the victim’s estate.

Damages that may be sought in a survival action can include:

  • Pain and suffering the victim endured before death;
  • Medical treatment related to the injuries that resulted in a victim’s death;
  • Related out-of-pocket expenses the victim incurred before their death; and
  • Possible punitive damages in rare cases.

Contact a West Ashley Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today

A West Ashley fatal car accident lawyer can walk you through your options and explain your legal rights to you based on the circumstances of your case. If you have lost a loved one who died in a car accident, our fatal car accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve for any damage and injuries. Contact the car accident lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm today at 843-720-2800.

Practice Areas

Results

WE HAVE RECOVERED OVER $800 MILLION FOR CLIENTS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, INCLUDING:

$3.15 Million

Car Accident Settlement

$3.85 Million

Workers' Comp Case

Leaders in the Legal Industry

Steinberg attorneys have been awarded numerous distinctions, such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News & World Report, Gedney M. Howe, Jr. Award for Outstanding Public Service, the SC Leadership in Law award, and has been voted Best Workers’ Comp Firm in SC, among other distinctions.

What Our Clients Say

They have amazing lawyers!

They have worked on an impossible situation and exceeded all expectations in the resulting settlements. I would recommend the Steinberg Law Firm to anyone and everyone!

My experience was excellent

From the first consultation to the end of my case I was kept updated step by step. My attorney worked hard for me and got me more than what I expected.

I never felt like I was alone

My lawyer and his Paralegal were right with me the entire case. I never felt like I was alone. At every turn they were in my corner. Someone recommended me to Steinberg law firm and I gladly would do the same for someone else.

I couldn't have asked for better

The people from the Steinberg group are top-notch. They handled my case extremely well, I couldn’t have asked for a better performance. Thank you all so much for all you did for me.

I am grateful for them!

At my worst, they honestly and carefully protected and defended my family on multiple levels. I’m a client for life and the integrity of this law firm is unmatched. Thank You Steinberg Law Family!!!

The people are thoughtful and professional

Questions and concerns always get answered and concerns are taken care of. Thank you all at Steinburg for a good experience and for showing me that you care about your clients.

The best law firm

This the best law firm anyone could ever deal with. Mr. Pearlman will work hard to get everything that is owed to you. It was a pleasure to have been represented by this firm.

A wonderful experience

Had a wonderful experience with Mr. Pearlman and his team. Thank you very much for your diligence and expertise.

I highly recommend them

They work as a team providing the best referrals and assistance to accomplish what my family and I needed. I highly recommend them because you won’t be disappointed.