Fatal Car Accidents In Bradenton: The Risks And Your Rights In A Wrongful Death Claim

Traffic is heavy throughout Manatee County, and car accidents in Bradenton are common. Unfortunately, these can have potentially life-threatening impacts on victims.

When fatal injuries occur, the victim’s loved ones are left devastated in the aftermath. Our Bradenton car accident lawyer provides compassionate service and the professional legal representation needed during this challenging time, helping families get a sense of justice and the compensation they need to recover. We explain common causes of fatal crashes and your rights in a wrongful death claim in Florida.

Common Contributing Causes Of Fatal Car Accidents in Bradenton

According to the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, fatal car crashes in Manatee County claimed the lives of 60 people in 2024. That averages to an alarming five per month. Reckless and dangerous behavior on the part of other drivers is often to blame.

Car accidents are complex events and fatal crashes often occur due to multiple factors. However, common contributing causes that increase the risk include:

• Distracted driving, which includes texting or engaging in any activity that diverts attention from the road;
• Driving under the influence;
• Drowsy driving or falling asleep when behind the wheel;
• Speeding, which increases the risk of fatal injuries;
• Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, and ignoring traffic signals.

When a fatal crash occurs due to the reckless and dangerous behavior of other motorists, the victim’s survivors have the right to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Filing A Wrongful Death Claim In Bradenton After A Fatal Crash

The loss of a cherished loved one is always devastating, particularly when it happens in a way that could have been prevented. In addition to the grief you experience during this difficult time, it is common to feel angry and frustrated as well.

Filing a wrongful death claim in Manatee County can provide a sense of justice by holding the at-fault driver accountable and provides the compensation you need to move forward after your losses. Under the Florida Statutes, the victim’s parents, spouse, children, or other close family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim, as can legal representatives of the victim’s estate. Compensation you may be entitled to in a Bradenton wrongful death claim includes:

• Economic damages, covering property losses, outstanding medical bills, lost income, funeral expenses, and other actual losses;
• Non-economic damages, compensating you for intangible losses, such as your loved one’s pain and suffering, loss of their companionship, and lost enjoyment in life in general;
• Punitive damages, available in cases of gross negligence, punish the at-fault driver and serve as a deterrent to others.

Reach Out Today And Contact Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

Fatal car accidents in Bradenton leave the victim’s loved ones reeling. As an experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer and certified civil trial attorney, Steven G. Lavely provides the compassionate support and professional legal representation needed to get justice and compensation in a claim. Reach out and contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Bradenton car accident lawyer.

Sources:

flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2020/768.21