Easton Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Easton Fatal Car Accident Attorney

Many fatal car accidents are the result of another driver’s negligence. Speeding, intoxicated, drugged, distracted, and reckless driving all happen on Pennsylvania roads. Although no amount of money can ease the loss of a family member, compensation can cover medical and funeral expenses and help provide for the surviving family. An Easton, PA, fatal car accident lawyer can explain your rights and how to proceed if you have lost a family member in a fatal car accident.

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908-329-2003

9 Hanover Street
Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

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Hire a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

When you lose a loved one to a fatal car accident, you need a lawyer who will treat you with understanding, patience, and compassion. You will also need skilled legal representation to navigate Pennsylvania’s fatal car accident laws. The Frank Santini Law Firm has over 16 years of experience handling fatal car accident cases.

Our office has a longstanding reputation across Northampton County and within the legal community for getting results. We understand the importance of frequent and clear communication, and we keep you informed of developments in your car accident case, your rights, and your options.

Driving Under the Influence

In Pennsylvania, a driver can face a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. According to data from the Pennsylvania DUI Association, 311 individuals died in alcohol-related crashes in 2021, which accounted for 25% of all fatal accidents.

Most alcohol-related deaths (62%) occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Additionally, 64% of fatal accidents involving alcohol happened on a Friday, a Saturday, or a Sunday. The demographic categories with the highest number of DUI incidents were males aged 26 to 35.

The penalties for a DUI vehicle homicide where the defendant is found guilty can include up to 10 years in jail and fines of $25,000 for each life that was lost as a result of the negligent act. The Court of Common Pleas oversees cases of this nature in Pennsylvania, and each county has its own location.

The Northampton County Court of Common Pleas is located at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042. The Constitution of Pennsylvania identifies the court as the trial court to handle criminal prosecutions.

Fatal Car Accident Claims in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law limits who can file a fatal car accident claim. Allowable individuals include the spouse, the parents, and the children of the deceased. Other family members or personal representatives are not permitted to file a claim.

Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws determine how compensation is divided among the beneficiaries. If the deceased has a surviving spouse, the first $30,000 in damages goes to the spouse. Remaining award monies will be divided evenly between the spouse and the deceased’s children,

In cases where the deceased does not have children, the remaining amount is evenly divided between the spouse and the parents of the deceased. In cases where there is no surviving spouse, damages are divided evenly among the children. In cases where there is neither a spouse nor children, the parents of the deceased will receive the damages.

According to the Pennsylvania statute of limitations law, all wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the individual’s death. There are some exceptions to the rule. One exception is cases that involve minor children. If the parents of a minor child were killed in a car accident, the child would have two years after turning 18 to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

What Types of Compensation Can Be Sought in a Fatal Car Accident Case?

Compensation for death that results from a car accident can cover various damages and losses suffered by the family of the deceased. These may include:

• Medical expenses (e.g., costs incurred due to the accident)
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of services and household contributions (e.g., childcare or elder care, home maintenance, cooking, cleaning)
• Loss of financial support (e.g., income, benefits, retirement contributions, pension benefits)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

FAQs About Easton, PA Fatal Car Accident Laws

What Is Considered a Fatal Car Accident?

A fatal car accident is an incident involving one or more motor vehicles that results in the death of at least one individual as a direct result of the accident. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports that, in 2024, there were 110,765 total crashes that resulted in 1,127 fatalities statewide. In 80.2% of the fatalities, there were no adverse conditions, and in 82.7%, the road surface condition was considered dry.

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in PA?

In most cases, there are no caps on the amount of compensation someone can seek following a car accident in PA, including economic and non-economic losses that result from a car accident, outside of what the actual damages are. The exception is when the defendant is a unit of government. In cases involving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there is a cap of $250,000 per person and a $1,000,000 cap for all victims.

What Is the PA Law for Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury?

The PA Vehicle Code (Title 75) deals with motor vehicle deaths involving death or personal injury. Chapter 37 – Miscellaneous Provisions – 3742 provides information on what to do following an accident that results in death or personal injury, as well as the penalties that may be imposed, the authority of the sentencing court, and legal definitions.

What Happens if You Are at Fault in a Fatal Car Accident?

If you are found at fault for a fatal car accident, you can be charged with a third-degree felony that may result in heavy fines, license suspension, and time in jail. Title 75 Chapter 37 Section 32 states that drivers who cause another person’s death will be deemed guilty of either homicide-by-vehicle or vehicular manslaughter.

Contact an Easton Fatal Car Accident Attorney

At The Frank Santini Law Firm, we know firsthand how difficult it can be for families to get peace of mind after unexpectedly losing a beloved family member in a fatal car accident, as well as the financial difficulties they may face moving forward. If your loved one was killed in a crash that was the fault of someone else, contact our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.