5 Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims in Arizona
Losing a loved one is emotionally devastating. It can also be financially and economically overwhelming to you and other family members.
That is why it is critical that preventable deaths be brought before the law. If someone you love died as a result of negligence or misconduct from someone else, you and your family may be eligible for compensation.
Any suspicion of a wrongful death should be taken to a local wrongful death attorney. They will be able to advise you on your next course of action.
Not everyone is permitted to file a wrongful death claim. A surviving spouse, parent, child, or legal guardian of the victim may be eligible for compensation, but there are few exceptions to this rule.
Here are some of the most common types of wrongful death in the state of Arizona.
DUI Accidents
Auto accident deaths have steadily risen in the state of Arizona for the past three years. Almost half of those fatalities involved driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.
DUI accidents aren’t only related to alcohol consumption. Judgment or reflex-impairing medications and drug abuse also contribute to vehicular fatalities. In spite of state-wide efforts to raise awareness and prosecute drunk drivers, the death toll has only continued to climb.
Semi-Truck Collisions
What might be a simple fender-bender with a sedan can become a life-threatening collision with an 18-wheeler.
Commercial vehicles weigh far more than the average vehicle, which is why semi-truck accidents are statistically more likely to end in death. While the number of semi-truck accidents has decreased slightly in the last ten years in Arizona, there has been an increase in the last two years in commercial-related car accidents.
Almost 75% of semi-truck accident fatalities in Arizona are drivers of other, smaller vehicles. Less than 20% of semi-truck accident fatalities are the actual commercial truck drivers.
Work-Related Accidents
In Arizona, workplace fatalities have risen sharply since 2015. Over half of those workplace deaths occurred during work-related transportation, once again testifying to the level of danger associated with auto accidents.
The other half of Arizona workplace deaths are split somewhat evenly among violence between individuals, equipment misuse/malfunction, facility hazards, and other injuries most commonly associated with the workplace.
Insurance Companies Delaying Coverage
Even though insurance companies are supposed to fulfill their obligation to help you during times of medical tragedy, a common tactic by insurance companies is to delay compensating you for as long as possible. Legally holding an insurance company accountable for delayed payments would constitute a bad faith lawsuit, but many insurance companies delay payments until the injured party passes away.
In extreme cases, which are more common than one would expect, an insurance company’s practice of delaying coverage results in the victim not being able to get the treatment they need to recover.
Roadside Collision with Pedestrians or Cyclists
When it comes to DUI-related and semi-truck accidents, it is not just the vehicle drivers who are hurt. Thousands of pedestrians and cyclists are fatally injured in these accidents as well.
Even a small car operated by a perfectly sober driver can collide with pedestrians and cyclists. Careless drivers simply trying to beat a yellow light or change lanes without checking their blind spot can unintentionally hit civilians.
For more information about how a local, Mesa wrongful death lawyer can help you with your case, contact Ray Arenofsky at 480-345-0444 or visit our website.
