Edmond Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Edmond, OK

Fatal car accidents can cause irreparable harm to Oklahoma families. Along with emotional trauma and unexpected financial stress, serious crashes often lead to complex legal questions. Our Edmond fatal car accident lawyer can explain how Oklahoma law may apply to your potential car accident case and help you understand the legal process that could occur following a fatal crash.

If your loved one died in a crash on Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 77, Covell Road, or another busy roadway in Edmond, speaking to an Edmond fatal car accident attorney can help you better understand your legal rights.

A Team Focused on Empowering Injured People

At Fulmer Sill, we are dedicated to empowering injured people and families. We work with each client to provide a collaborative approach to complex injury and wrongful death claims. Every case benefits from the combined experience of our legal team, leading to complete investigation and efficient resolution.

We believe our teamwork, modern resources, and open communication empower families by helping them understand the legal process while advocating for accountability after serious accidents.

Understanding Fatal Car Accidents in Edmond

Motor vehicle crashes that cause fatalities are often caused by preventable negligence. Although every collision differs, many accidents are caused by a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care or follow traffic safety laws. With high traffic volumes on Interstate 35, congestion around the University of Central Oklahoma, and busy commercial areas like 2nd Street and Broadway, it is important to drive with care throughout Edmond.

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reports that fatal accidents continue to happen in communities all over the state. In fact, 711 people died in fatal accidents in Oklahoma in 2023. Like most collisions, many of these crashes are caused by dangerous behaviors that could have been avoided. Tracking current crash data allows safety organizations to identify trends and create impactful roadway safety initiatives.

Relevant Oklahoma Car Accident Laws

Oklahoma’s wrongful death statute, found under O.S. §12-1053, allows certain surviving relatives of a deceased person to pursue compensation through a claim when another person’s negligence causes a death. The statute also allows the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file a claim.

Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence statute may also apply to a car accident case. If the court assigns any portion of fault to the deceased victim, the total amount of recoverable damages could be reduced by the percentage of fault.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Some crashes are fatal because of the speed of impact or the injuries involved. However, negligence by another driver often causes these types of collisions to occur. Common causes of fatal accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Tailgating
• Reckless driving
• Failing to yield
• Road conditions
• Inclement weather
• Mechanical issues

Compensation Available in Fatal Car Accidents in Edmond, OK

A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their losses. Examples of compensable damages may include medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.

Losses that were suffered by the deceased person’s estate may also be recovered. Every case is different, and the damages available depend on the facts of your case.

When to Hire a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer?

While some fatal accidents only involve a single insurance company, others can involve complex facts and liable parties. A collision may require legal assistance if there are multiple at-fault parties, disputed liability, commercial vehicles, defective products, or inadequate insurance coverage.

An attorney can also work to preserve evidence in the early stages of your case. This is why many people choose to hire a fatal car accident lawyer in Edmond as soon as possible. At Fulmer Sill, we strive to empower injured people. Our dedicated attorneys can help families understand the legal process and work toward a meaningful resolution after a fatal accident in Edmond.

FAQs About Edmond, OK Fatal Car Accident Laws

Who Can Obtain a Copy of a Fatal Car Accident Report in Oklahoma?

In many cases, family members, insurance companies, attorneys, and others can request copies of a fatal car accident report. Family members who are eligible to make this request can vary depending on the situation. These reports can include sketches, witness accounts, and initial findings that could be valuable to your case.

Police reports documenting fatal accidents are usually prepared by the law enforcement agency that investigated the wreck. This may be the Oklahoma Highway Patrol or a local police department.

What Should Families Do With the Deceased Person’s Vehicle After a Fatal Accident in Edmond?

Ideally, the family of someone who died in a fatal accident in Edmond should leave the vehicle undisturbed until after it has been fully documented and inspected if liability is still in question. Restoring, selling, or junking the vehicle too early can destroy evidence that may help explain how the accident happened. Sometimes damage to the vehicle, information stored in its computer system, or potential mechanical defects are also examined as part of the investigation.

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Dies in the Collision in Edmond?

The fact that the at-fault driver in the crash with your loved one also died does not automatically mean that your claim is over. Depending on the situation, there may still be legal claims against the driver’s estate or insurance policies. If there is evidence that someone else may have played a role in the crash that caused your loved one’s death, they can be investigated for liability as well.

What if There Are No Eyewitnesses in a Fatal Car Accident in Edmond?

If there are no eyewitnesses in a fatal car accident in Edmond, investigators can usually still figure out what happened. Skid marks on the road, damage to vehicles, computer evidence, paint transfers, photographs, video surveillance, and accident reconstructionist reports can all shed light on the cause of a crash. Investigators often gather diverse forms of proof when eyewitness accounts are unavailable.

Seek Justice With Fulmer Sill

If your loved one died in a car accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. We understand how devastating these accidents can be. Fulmer Sill can help. Contact us today to get started. We can help work on the legal side so you can focus on recovery for you and your family.