January 12, 2026
Fatal Car Accident Lawyers: Seeking Justice After an Unthinkable Loss
Losing a loved one in a car accident is a tragedy no family should ever have to endure. In an instant, your world changes forever. The grief is overwhelming, and the questions can feel endless. Who was responsible? Could this have been prevented? What happens now?
At Elia & Ponto, we understand that no legal outcome can bring back someone you love. However, we also know that holding negligent parties accountable and securing financial stability for your family’s future can provide a measure of justice during an impossibly difficult time. Our fatal car accident lawyers in Michigan are here to guide you through this process with compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to your family’s rights.
What Is a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer?
A fatal car accident lawyer specializes in wrongful death claims stemming from auto accidents that result in a fatality. These legal professionals represent the families of victims who have lost their lives due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct on the road.
Unlike standard personal injury cases, wrongful death claims focus on compensating surviving family members for their losses. This includes financial support, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the emotional trauma of losing someone irreplaceable.
Types of Fatal Accidents We Handle
At Elia & Ponto, our Michigan fatal car accident lawyers have extensive experience with a wide range of wrongful death cases, including:
Drunk Driving Fatalities
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they put everyone on the road at risk. We hold drunk drivers accountable and pursue maximum compensation for families devastated by preventable tragedies.
Commercial Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and other commercial trucks pose significant dangers when operators or trucking companies fail to follow safety regulations. These accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, and maintenance providers.
Distracted Driving Crashes
Texting, phone calls, eating, or other distractions take a driver’s attention away from the road for just seconds—and that’s all it takes to cause a fatal collision. Our team investigates phone records, witness statements, and other evidence to prove distraction played a role.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are among the deadliest types of accidents. They often result from wrong-way driving, impaired driving, or drivers crossing the center line. These cases require thorough investigation to establish fault and liability.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities
Vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists have little protection against motor vehicles. When drivers fail to yield, speed through crosswalks, or drive recklessly in residential areas, the consequences can be fatal.
What To Do After a Fatal Car Accident
The immediate aftermath of a fatal car accident is traumatic and confusing. While nothing can prepare you for this moment, understanding the legal and practical steps can help protect your family’s rights:
- Prioritize Your Family’s Well-Being
Your emotional health and that of your family comes first. Seek grief counseling, lean on your support network, and give yourself permission to grieve.
- Preserve Important Documents
Keep copies of the police report, death certificate, medical records, and any correspondence from insurance companies. These documents will be critical to your wrongful death claim.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often contact families quickly after a fatal accident. Remember, they are focused on minimizing payouts. Politely decline to give recorded statements and direct them to your attorney.
- Document Everything
If you witnessed the accident or have information about your loved one’s final moments, write down what you remember. Photographs, videos, and witness contact information can also support your case.
- Contact a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
Michigan has strict deadlines for filing wrongful death claims. The sooner you consult with experienced fatal car accident lawyers, the better positioned your family will be to pursue justice.
How Elia & Ponto Can Help Your Family
At Elia & Ponto, we’ve built our reputation on fighting for Michigan families during their darkest hours. Our approach combines legal excellence with genuine compassion for what you’re going through.
Our Experience Matters
With a 99% success rate in no-fault litigations, our team has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims and their families across Michigan. We understand the complexities of wrongful death law and know how to navigate insurance companies, multiple liable parties, and aggressive defense attorneys.
A Compassionate Approach
We never forget that behind every case is a real family dealing with unbearable loss. Our fatal car accident lawyers take time to listen to your story, understand your loved one’s impact on your life, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation—No Upfront Costs
We offer free consultations to all families considering a wrongful death claim. During this meeting, we’ll review the circumstances of the accident, explain your legal options, and answer any questions you have. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
What We Fight For
Our goal is to secure compensation that reflects the true extent of your loss, including:
- Medical and funeral expenses: Coverage for final medical bills and burial costs
- Loss of income: Compensation for the financial support your loved one provided
- Loss of companionship: Recognition of the emotional bond and guidance lost
- Pain and suffering: Damages for your family’s emotional trauma
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, additional penalties for wrongdoers
Understanding Michigan’s Wrongful Death Law
Michigan law allows certain family members to file wrongful death claims on behalf of a deceased loved one. The claim must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate and can benefit:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Other dependents
These claims are separate from any criminal charges the at-fault driver may face. Even if criminal proceedings are underway, your family has the right to pursue civil compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Michigan?
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally three years from the date of death. However, certain circumstances can shorten or extend this deadline. It’s critical to consult with fatal car accident lawyers as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss important filing deadlines.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Michigan?
Only the personal representative (executor or administrator) of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Michigan. This person is typically named in the will or appointed by the probate court. The compensation recovered goes to eligible family members and dependents.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options for recovery. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system provides certain benefits, and you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim through your own policy. Our team will explore every avenue for compensation available to your family.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
No amount of money can replace the person you’ve lost, but holding negligent drivers accountable can prevent future tragedies and provide your family with financial security during this difficult transition. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
At Elia & Ponto, our fatal car accident lawyers are ready to stand by your side, fight for justice, and help you move forward. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Call (855) 75-EPLAW or visit our website at www.eliaandponto.com or use our fast and easy virtual tool to see if you have a case. Let our experienced Michigan legal team provide the compassionate representation your family deserves.
