Lake County’s warm climate makes it a great place for motorcycle riders throughout most of the year. Unfortunately, other drivers may fail to share the roads safely with cyclists—and because of the lack of protection the motorcycle has to offer in the event of an accident, those collisions can easily result in death. After fatal motorcycle accidents in Lake County, the surviving family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. A talented motorcycle accident attorney could help you determine whether you have the right to file a claim and what compensation your family should expect.
When Families Have the Right to File a Wrongful Death Claim
Following a fatal motorcycle accident in Lake County, surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim when someone else’s negligence caused the accident. That can include, for example, a driver who chose to speed or drive while distracted or a motorcycle manufacturer who produced a vehicle with severe defects that led to the accident.
Each family can only file one wrongful death claim for the loss of a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident. Typically, the person with the closest familial relationship to the deceased will have the right to file that claim: their spouse, children, or parents, in that order. However, in cases where the deceased did not have any of those family members, their estate might have the right to file a claim for compensation.
Compensation in Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claims
After a fatal motorcycle crash in Lake County, families not only end up reeling from the loss of a loved one, but they can face significant financial difficulties. Working with a lawyer to file a fatal motorcycle accident claim could help families go over those financial losses and calculate them as part of a comprehensive claim.
Those claims may include:
- Loss of the income the deceased provided
- Loss of the deceased’s presence in the family’s life
- Final expenses, including funeral and burial expenses
- Lost services that the deceased performed for the family
While a fatal motorcycle accident claim cannot restore a lost loved one, it can provide family members with the funds they need to manage final expenses or handle the financial challenges that can come up when dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The Statute of Limitations on Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claims
In order to file a claim for the loss of a loved one, families must file before the statute of limitations expires. In Florida, that usually means filing a claim within two years of the date of death. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim does start counting down after the date of death, not the date of the incident. In cases where the motorcycle accident victim did not die immediately, that may offer the family more time to file a claim. A lawyer in Lake County could also help identify other potential extensions after a fatal motorcycle wreck.
Talk to a Lawyer About Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Lake County
Fatal motorcycle accidents in Lake County can mean significant losses for the family of the deceased: not just the loss of your loved one’s presence but also their financial support. A fatal motorcycle accident claim can help cover some of those expenses. At Largey Law, we understand the many challenges you can face after your loved one’s death in a motorcycle accident. Contact us for a free consultation and learn how we could support you in filing a claim.
