Who Can Make a Wrongful Death Claim in a Fatal Car Accident in Glendale, CA? 2025

Losing your loved one in a car accident is an extremely devastating experience, especially if it was caused by the unnecessary negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Family members of Glendale car accident victims may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to get compensation for their losses in such cases. However, many grieving families in Glendale ask, “Who can make a wrongful death claim in a fatal car accident in Glendale, CA?”

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Glendale

A wrongful death claim is a type of legal action. It works to hold parties accountable for any negligent or wrongful behavior that led to the death of another individual. For fatal car accidents, wrongful death claims can be filed against other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, and even government entities that are responsible for subpar road conditions. Wrongful death claims can cover both economic and non-economic damages sustained by the victim’s family, including:

• Funeral and burial costs. This includes all reasonable expenses required to celebrate the loved one of the deceased and adequately lay them to rest.
• Loss of financial support. Financial dependents may be entitled to compensation for any payments they otherwise would have received from their loved one, had they survived.
• Medical expenses. This can cover all medical expenses incurred due to emergency care, hospitalization, or other medical treatment required after the deceased’s accident and before their passing.

Family members could also recover compensation for pain and suffering as well as loss of emotional support and companionship.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under California law, specific family members are legally entitled to file wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their losses. These typically include:

• Spouses or domestic partners. The domestic partner or spouse of the deceased has priority when filing a wrongful death claim. If there is no surviving spouse or partner, other family members could then be eligible to file the claim.
• Children. The legally adopted or biological children of the deceased may also be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. If the accident victim had no children or spouses, other dependents or next of kin could be entitled to file a claim.
• Parents. If the deceased did not have a spouse, partner, or children, the surviving parents could file a wrongful death claim, especially if they had a relationship that involved financial dependence.
• Other relatives. Depending on the case, siblings or other relatives could be eligible to file a wrongful death case. However, this is typically only allowed when no other closer family members are eligible to do so.

Filing Claims When Multiple Family Members Are Involved

Under California law, all family members are required to join together in a single wrongful death claim. Therefore, it is not possible for multiple family members to file different claims for the same wrongful death case. Should disputes arise about how compensation should be divided, courts may intervene to determine how the money should be allocated, considering factors like emotional loss and degree of financial dependence. Navigating the process of filing a wrongful death claim can be challenging.

FAQs About Wrongful Death Law in Glendale,CA

Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under California law, wrongful death claims can be filed by those who have the following relationships with the deceased:

• Spouses
• Children
• Domestic partners
• Legal guardians or parents (if the deceased doesn’t have children or a spouse)

Siblings or whoever is next of kin could file a wrongful death claim if the above are not available to file it, depending on the circumstances. A knowledgeable wrongful death attorney can determine who is eligible in your case to pursue a claim.

Can Multiple Family Members File Separate Claims?

No. Under California law, all family members who are eligible to file a wrongful death claim must do so in a single claim together. It’s important to note that each family member could be entitled to get a part of the compensation awarded, depending on the type of relationship they had with the accident victim and the level of emotional or financial dependence they had. A dedicated wrongful death lawyer can advise and represent you and your family during this process.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Several types of damages can be recovered in a California wrongful death claim. These include medical expenses acquired during the time between the accident and the victim’s death, such as hospital bills and emergency care. Other recoverable damages include burial and celebration of life expenses as well as loss of emotional or financial support. Additionally, loved ones may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, along with pain and suffering.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

When filing a wrongful death claim in California, you usually have two years from the day the deceased passed away to do so. If you fail to file your wrongful death claim within this timeframe, you could risk losing your right to pursue compensation. A knowledgeable attorney can manage the crucial deadlines for your case. They can preserve your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Claim?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced wrongful death lawyer on your claim. They can balance the emotional sensitivity and legal complexity of such cases, collect evidence, carry out case investigations, and build a strong case on your behalf. After fully documenting fault and losses, they can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, working to get the optimal compensation amount your family is entitled to.

Contact Karlin & Karlin

If your loved one has passed away after a fatal car accident in Glendale or the surrounding areas, you are likely feeling devastated and unsure of how to proceed. Thankfully, an empathetic Glendale wrongful death attorney from Karlin & Karlin can be there for you during one of the most challenging times of your life. They can hold all the liable parties accountable for their actions and secure your financial future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.