When a person is killed in an Arizona car accident, the victim’s family has many things that they must handle immediately. From planning the funeral to managing the life insurance policy, the last thing on their mind may be filing a lawsuit. However, when the accident is the result of another person’s carelessness, families should consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In Arizona, a wrongful death lawsuit is a claim against a person who can be held liable for the person’s death. Although this cannot bring their loved one back, a wrongful death lawsuit can help the family financially recover as they go through such a difficult time.
Recently, a teen was killed by an intoxicated driver who ran through a red light. According to a local news report, the 18-year-old was instantly killed when a pickup truck failed to stop at a red light and slammed into his SUV. The driver of the pickup truck showed signs of impairment and is being charged with second-degree murder.
Although criminal charges are normally filed when a person’s death results from an intoxicated driver, the family will often still struggle to make ends meet and recover after the loss of a loved one. In many instances, a wrongful death lawsuit can help families seek justice and financial compensation through a civil action. In Arizona law, a wrongful death lawsuit can be brought when the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act of another person and the death would not have occurred but for this action. Another requirement is that the deceased must have been able to bring suit against the responsible party, if they had survived. However, as the deceased is no longer able to bring suit, the lawsuit can be filed by the deceased’s spouse, child, parent, or the deceased’s estate, if he does not have any living relatives. The lawsuit must be brought within two years of the deceased’s passing, otherwise the family loses their right to file the claim.