Fatal motorcycle accidents in Katy not only leave family members reeling with the loss of a loved one, they can cause a number of potential logistical and financial challenges. Costs can rise quickly, particularly when you take into account the loss of a loved one’s income and support. While a wrongful death claim cannot bring back your loved one, our seasoned motorcycle accident lawyers can help hold the liable party accountable and provide your family with compensation that can help with the expenses that often crop up after a death.
When Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
After fatal motorcycle accidents in Katy, families have the right to file a lawsuit when they lost their loved one due to the negligence of another party. That can include another driver involved in the accident, the employer of a driver on the clock that engaged in negligent practices that led to the risk of an accident, or other parties that contributed to the incident. Most of the time, the claim will go through the other driver’s insurance.
Each family can file only one wrongful death claim for the loss of a loved one. The closest family member to the deceased will have the right to file the claim after a motorcycle accident. That can include the deceased’s spouse, their children, or their parents. If the deceased does not have close family members that fit into those categories, their estate may have the right to file a claim.
Compensation Recovered After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
After the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident, many families find that not only do they have to deal with a number of potential logistical challenges, they experience substantial financial losses. A lawsuit can cover some of those damages, including:
- The loss of the deceased’s income
- The loss of services that the deceased performed for the family
- Funeral and burial expenses, or other final expenses
In addition, some claims may include compensation for the deceased’s final medical costs and other expenses. A Katy lawyer can also include compensation for the family’s suffering after the fatal motorbike crash, including loss of the loved one’s presence in their lives.
The Statute of Limitations in Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Texas law grants two years from the date of a loved one’s death for the family to move forward with a wrongful death claim. That means that families who lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident will have two years from the date of death to file a claim. The statute of limitations begins counting at the date of death even in cases where the deceased suffered serious injuries that did not cause immediate death, but that did eventually lead to their death: for example, if the deceased lingered in the hospital for several days or weeks after the incident.
Contact a Katy Lawyer After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
The loss of a loved one means immense challenges for the family. If you lost someone in a fatal motorcycle accident in Katy, a personal injury lawyer can help you learn more about your rights and how to navigate the complex claim process. Contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP today for a free consultation that will help you navigate insurance claims or file a claim against the party that bears liability for the accident.
