car accident fatalities, Wisconsin personal injury lawyer, driver negligence, pedestrian accident, wrongful death, pedestrian fatality, Kaukauna Wisconsin, Green Bay, Appleton Wisconsin, [[title]], pedestrian injuryCar accidents occur at an alarming rate throughout the United States. In fact, in 2012, 109, 385 traffic crashes occurred in Wisconsin alone. Of those crashes, 601 people were killed. Losing a loved one in car accident can be devastating, especially when it is due to another driver’s negligence. Although there is nothing that can be done to bring a loved one back, pursuing a cause of action on behalf of the deceased may help alleviate some of the financial burden a family may face in the wake of a tragedy.

Pedestrian is Struck by a Car and Faces Serious Injuries 

It was recently reported that a 63-year-old man was hit by a car while trying to get into his own vehicle. The man was taken to the hospital and is facing life-threatening injuries. The 30-year-old driver, however, left the scene unscathed. The accident, which occurred Monday in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, is currently under investigation.

Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Car accidents can be fatal when two cars collide while moving at fast speeds. But the aftermath can be catastrophic when a car hits a pedestrian. There are several reasons why an individual should be extra cautious when driving a vehicle through an area heavily populated with pedestrians. First, pedestrians are more vulnerable to injury because they are not insulated by a steel cage weighing several thousand pounds. Second, the legal consequences of hitting a pedestrian can be serious and result in lasting financial and mental anguish.

Pursuing an Action for Wrongful Death

According to Wisconsin law, the family of a deceased victim can bring an action for wrongful death against a driver (the defendant) of the vehicle. However, a lawsuit for wrongful death can only be brought against a driver if a deceased victim could have pursued his or her own personal injury claim had he or she survived.

Also, it is important to note that a wrongful death claim is a civil suit and a driver faces no criminal liability. In a wrongful death lawsuit, a victim’s family seeks monetary damages from the person deemed responsible for a victim’s death.

Additionally, Wisconsin has strict guidelines as to when a lawsuit must be filed. In fact, a wrongful death lawsuit that is not filed within three years may be barred completely, and therefore leave the survivors of the deceased with no possible recovery.

Contact an Experienced Wisconsin Car Accident Attorney

If you recently lost a loved one in a car accident and are unsure how to proceed, contact one of our compassionate Green Bay personal injury lawyers or Appleton personal injury lawyers at [[title]] today. We have offices located in Green Bay, Appleton, and Oshkosh. We will carefully review the facts surrounding your case and make sure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.