Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim if a Loved One Died in a Drunk Driving Accident?

Drunk drivers can cause fatal accidents in Arizona. You may wonder if you can file a wrongful death claim if a loved one died in a drunk driving accident. You may qualify to file this kind of claim if you lost an immediate family member. 

A drunk driving accident lawyer in Phoenix can review your situation and provide answers about your legal options. Our team at Zanes Law offers compassionate assistance to families after these tragic accidents. 

Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Generally, only specific family members have a chance to file a wrongful death claim after a fatal drunk driving accident. Arizona allows you to file this kind of claim if you lost a spouse, parent, or child. 

You may also file a claim in some cases if you serve as the personal representative (executor) of the deceased. Generally, you have this option if the deceased had no surviving close family members. 

A wrongful death lawyer in Phoenix can review your situation and provide you with information about your eligibility to file this kind of claim. We’ll discuss all aspects of your claim with the compassion your family deserves. 

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

What Situations Allow You to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Arizona Rev. Stat. § 12-611 (2021), you can file a wrongful death claim any time someone causes a fatal accident through negligence or an intentional act. Therefore, you may have a chance to file a claim if a drunk driver causes a wreck that kills a loved one. 

A Phoenix car accident lawyer can review the facts surrounding the accident to determine liability. Drunk drivers may cause accidents by:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Swerving across multiple lanes of traffic
• Speeding or tailgating other drivers 
• Falling asleep at the wheel

The above list contains only examples of dangerous actions that could result in an accident. You can discuss the specifics of your claim when you contact us for help. 

Can a Wrongful Death Claim Cover Your Financial Losses?

Filing a wrongful death claim against a drunk driver can help your family secure damages to address the financial repercussions of a wreck. Our team understands that a claim cannot bring back your loved one, but it can address the monetary strain your family faces. 

We can help you seek funds to cover the following: 

• Your loved one’s healthcare costs
• The expenses to set up a burial and funeral 
• The costs of all property damage caused by the accident

You may also receive funds to cover your loved one’s lost wages and your emotional pain and suffering. In some cases, wrongful death claims allow you to seek damages for the companionship, comfort, and affection you lost from your loved one. 

We can discuss the specific funds available in your situation when you contact us for help. 

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How Do You Resolve a Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Claim? 

A lawyer can discuss all possible methods to resolve a wrongful death claim after a drunk driving accident. In many cases, we negotiate insurance settlements for our clients. However, we may also help you file a lawsuit. 

Lawsuits may take longer to resolve and can leave you with court fees to pay. We’ll discuss the benefits of each option when you contact us for assistance.  

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How Long Can You Wait to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Typically, you have to file a wrongful death claim within two years of your family member’s death. The deadline for this kind of claim starts when you lose your loved one, not from the date of the drunk driving accident. 

Your family may lose your chance to seek damages if you wait too long and the statute of limitations expires.  

Our legal team can track the deadline to file a wrongful death claim on your behalf. We can begin working on your case immediately after an accident, handling all legal issues so you can focus on the emotional needs of your family. 

Speak to Us About a Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Accident

Can you file a wrongful death claim if a loved one died in a drunk driving accident? You may qualify for this kind of claim if you lost a child, spouse, or parent in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. 

Our team at Zanes Law can review the situation your family faces to determine if you’re eligible for damages. If you qualify to file a claim, we can help you with every step of the process while providing you with compassionate advice. 

Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form