Even if you wear appropriate safety gear and follow all the traffic rules while riding a motorcycle, you might still become seriously injured because of another driver’s misconduct. Additionally, motorcyclists are much more likely to sustain life-altering or life-threatening injuries in traffic accidents compared to those traveling in other motor vehicles. This, unfortunately, means that fatal motorcycle accidents in Glendale are far from uncommon.
If you recently lost a close family member to a motorcycle accident caused by a third party, you may have legal standing to seek civil compensation in your loved one’s name. That said, you may have trouble getting a favorable result if you file this claim without support. You should strongly consider working with a compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group who is willing to fight for your family’s rights all the way to a civil trial if necessary.
Who Can Sue Over a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
Usually, the only person who can sue over a motorcycle crash injury in Arizona is whoever personally sustained that injury. Since this is not possible after a fatal motorcycle wreck, in Glendale, the right to file a lawsuit under these circumstances survives the death of the victim and passes along to the deceased person’s spouse, children, guardians, or personal representative.
Notably, if a fatal motorcycle crash results in someone involved facing criminal charges, it is not necessary to wait until criminal proceedings conclude before suing over the incident. In fact, as per Arizona Revised Statutes §12-542, anyone who intends to file a wrongful death lawsuit over a motorcycle wreck has two years at most in which to do so, starting from the date of the decedent’s death.
Recovering Fairly for Short-Term and Long-Term Losses
In Glendale, the purpose of a wrongful death litigation based on a fatal motorcycle accident is to compensate surviving family members of the victim for the losses they will experience because of their loved one’s death. This can include both economic and non-economic forms of harm, such as:
- Funeral, burial, estate administration, or medical expenses paid by family members on behalf of the decedent
- Loss of future financial support from the decedent, including lost value of inheritance
- Loss of household services and assistance
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and comfort
- Emotional anguish
It is also possible to seek recovery for losses sustained by a deceased motorcycle accident victim between when they were initially injured and when they ultimately passed away, such as medical bills and physical pain. However, this is generally done through a similar but separate claim—called survival action—which can typically only be pursued by the decedent’s personal representative.
Contact a Glendale Attorney for Help After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
No amount of money can make up for the unfair loss of a loved one. However, demanding restitution for specific forms of harm experienced because of an accident involving someone close to you can be crucial for protecting your financial and personal interests.
Guidance from a qualified legal professional can make a difference in how effectively and efficiently you can enforce your right to civil recovery. Call Phillips Law Group today to speak with one of our attorneys and learn more about how we can help you seek compensation for a fatal motorcycle accident in Glendale.
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