Losing someone in a car accident is devastating, and the legal process that follows can feel impossible to face while grieving. Florida’s wrongful death laws are specific about who can file a claim, what damages are available, and how long you have to act.
At Distasio Law Firm, we understand that no amount of compensation replaces what your family has lost. What we can do is fight to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue every dollar your family is entitled to under Florida law.
A fatal car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg from Distasio Law Firm can handle every aspect of the legal process so your family can focus on healing. Speak with a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer today at no cost to your family.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act controls who has the legal standing to bring a claim after a fatal car accident. The claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, but the damages recovered are distributed to surviving family members. Understanding who qualifies and what they may recover is one of the first things we address with families who come to us.
Under Florida law, eligible survivors in a wrongful death claim may include:
- A surviving spouse
- Minor children of the deceased
- Adult children, in cases where there is no surviving spouse
- Parents of a deceased minor child
- Blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were partly or wholly dependent on the deceased
Each survivor’s recoverable damages differ based on their relationship to the deceased and their level of financial or emotional dependence. Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers will help you through the entire process of seeking compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer serving St. Petersburg, call (813) 259 0022
What Damages are Available in a Fatal Car Accident Case
The damages available in a Florida wrongful death case go well beyond funeral and burial costs. Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for the financial support the deceased would have provided, as well as the loss of companionship, guidance, and care that cannot be replaced.
The estate itself may also recover damages for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced between the time of the crash and the time of death, as well as medical expenses incurred during that period. Lost earnings and benefits the deceased would have accumulated over their working life may also be recoverable.
Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, though certain facts can affect that deadline in either direction. Acting promptly protects your family’s ability to recover.
St. Petersburg Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (813) 259 0022
How Liability is Established After a Fatal Crash
Proving liability in a fatal car accident case follows the same negligence framework as any other Florida injury claim, but the stakes are higher, and the evidence demands are greater. Without a surviving victim to describe what happened, the case depends almost entirely on physical evidence, witness accounts, and reconstruction analysis.
Common causes of fatal car accidents in St. Petersburg include:
- Speeding and reckless driving on high-traffic corridors
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving, including phone use behind the wheel
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Drowsy driving, particularly in commercial vehicle crashes
- Defective vehicle components that contributed to the severity of the crash
We investigate every factor that may have contributed to the collision and identify every party that may share liability. In crashes involving commercial vehicles, trucking companies, or defective products, multiple defendants may be responsible.
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Why Distasio Law Firm Represents Fatal Accident Families
Wrongful death cases require a firm that is willing to invest the time, resources, and preparation necessary to get the right result. These are not cases that resolve easily, and insurers defending them are motivated to pay as little as possible.
Distasio Law Firm has been standing up for injury victims and grieving families since 2006, bringing over 35 years of personal injury law experience to every case. Our lead attorney is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, a special credential that few law firms have in the state.
We do not refer wrongful death cases out — we handle them fully in-house, from investigation through resolution or trial. When our fatal truck accident lawyer in St. Petersburg takes your case, you should feel confident that they are fully committed to your family’s outcome.
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What to Do After Losing a Family Member in a Car Accident
The legal process does not pause for grief, and certain steps taken early can significantly strengthen your family’s claim. While we never expect families to think about legal strategy in their darkest moments, there are a few things that matter early on.
Preserving evidence, securing the police report, and avoiding early contact with the at-fault driver’s insurance company are among the most important initial steps. Insurance adjusters may reach out quickly after a fatal crash in an attempt to resolve the claim before your family has legal representation. Do not engage with them before speaking with an attorney.
We are available seven days a week for families who need answers right away. The sooner we are involved, the better positioned your family will be to pursue the full compensation Florida law may allow.
Speaking With a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg
Your family deserves a legal team that treats your case with the seriousness and care it demands. Distasio Law Firm is ready to stand with you, handle the legal process, and fight for accountability on your family’s behalf.
Contact Distasio Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available any time, any day, and we will give your family’s case the personal attention it requires from the very first call. Speak with our St. Petersburg fatal car accident lawyers so we can begin to help you.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form