What is Wrongful Death
When someone loses their life in a fatal accident due to the negligence of another it is known as a “wrongful death” in California law. According to the FBI, Irvine has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, so most fatal accidents in Irvine are the result of car, truck, motorcycle accidents on I-5 or the 405 (I-405), or hit and run accidents involving pedestrians or bicycles.
While some of those accidents involve alcohol, most fatal accidents involve a large vehicle / small vehicle model such as a truck and a car, a car and motorcycle, a car and a bicycle or a car and a pedestrian.
Truck accidents on I-5 or the 405 can be quite complex from a legal point of view. If you are a resident of Irvine or lost a loved one in the area due to a truck accident it is important to speak with an experienced Irvine wrongful death attorney who can manage the complexities of investigating what has happened and protect the family’s interests.
According to the State of California, 1 in 9 fatal accidents throughout the state involves a pedestrian. Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents that result in a wrongful death are the result of hit-and-run drivers, and the family has no idea where to turn, or what to do from a legal perspective.
Most Irvine residents are not aware that until the hit and run driver is identified these accidents are covered under the “Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist” section of your automobile coverage.
Questions often arise around the conduct of the pedestrian and how it may have contributed to the accident, and this is a common strategy employed by insurance companies when they are defending wrongful death actions. In my 40 years of experience I have often had to involve experts, or develop accident reconstructions to win these cases for my clients.
Wrongful Death Cases often involve Multiple Parties and Insurance Companies
The reason wrongful death cases are so complex is the number of parties who may have responsibility and accountability in these accidents, and therefore the number of insurance companies who must be pursued.
For example, a person may be driving in the performance of their duties at work, or returning from a work function such as a holiday party or open house and unfortunately cause a fatal accident. Their employer carries legal responsibility and accountability in these cases.
If a trucking company or large commercial interest is involved, they have large teams of expert legal support at their disposal and it takes an experienced and proven lawyer with the trial experience and industry reputation to stand up to them and bring about a fair settlement or trial victory.
In some cases the person who caused the action has no insurance, or the state minimum in coverage so it is important to turn to your own UIM coverage to fully recover for your loss.
Contact an Experienced and Proven Irvine Wrongful Death Attorney
My name is Rivers J. Morrell III, and I have more than 40 years experience as an attorney in wrongful death lawsuits. My office is conveniently located at 1920 Main Street Suite 1000, right off the 405 at MacArthur Blvd and Main Street, near the John Wayne airport so that I can fully support Irvine residents in accident and injury cases that result in a wrongful death.
I have personally handled hundreds of these cases, and in my experience it is important for the family to find an attorney who will be readily accessible and who can handle all of the aspects of these complicated legal matters. Wrongful death actions are brought by the executor of the estate, but I will counsel any member of the family regardless of whether they live locally in Irvine, across Orange County or throughout the State of California.
I invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact us or call 949-305-1400 to speak with me personally for a free consultation. There is no cost to you out of pocket as we work on a contingency fee basis.
You will work with me personally throughout your case, and I will work to develop all of the facts surrounding your case and hold those responsible accountable, so that you and your family can focus on each other, grieving your loss and healing from these unexpected events.