When a car accident takes a life — everything changes
Not every car accident ends in tragedy. But when it does, the loss is permanent, and the consequences last for generations. A spouse is suddenly alone. Children grow up without a parent. Parents bury their child.
The Steinfeld Law Firm specializes in wrongful death cases. We exclusively represent families who’ve lost a loved one in fatal accidents. We do not accept standalone personal injury cases. However, we do represent victims who were injured in the same incident that caused a wrongful death because the injury claim is part of a broader fatal accident case. Every case we accept involves a fatal accident.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
Car crashes can happen in an instant, but many are preventable. Some of the most common causes of fatal collisions include:
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS, inattentiveness)
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Unsafe turns, lane changes, or failure to yield
- Road hazards, poor signage, or dangerous intersections
- Mechanical failure or defective vehicle parts
When a fatal accident occurs, we investigate all potential causes, and all parties who may be legally responsible. We don’t stop at the driver. We pursue liability against vehicle owners, government entities, adjacent landowners, and other third parties who may have contributed to the loss of life.
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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Patrick Steinfeld was named a Top-25 Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers
Under California law, certain family members and legal heirs have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These may include:
- A surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children (including stepchildren and adopted children)
- Parents or legal guardians
- Other dependent relatives
If you’re unsure whether you have standing (e.g. the legal right) to file a claim, reach out to us for a free consultation at (424) LAW-PROS, and we’ll explain your rights and help you move forward with clarity and compassion.
Why Fatal Car Accidents Require a Specialist
Fatal car accidents are rare. According to the California Highway Patrol, more than 98% of all vehicle accidents involve injuries only. That means most car accident lawyers spend less than 2% of their time on fatal car accidents.
At the Steinfeld Law Firm, 100% of our cases involve fatal accidents. Every client we represent has experienced the unimaginable, sudden and irreversible loss of someone they love.
Wrongful Death requires more than legal knowledge.
- It demands emotional intelligence: the ability to understand and communicate profound loss.
- It requires skilled advocacy: the ability to stand firm, speak with authority, and negotiate from a position of strength.
- And most of all, it demands the ability to communicate the full impact of a life that was taken too soon... not just through evidence, but through stories, memories, and the enduring bonds of love.
We know how to convey that loss in a way that connects with juries, insurance adjusters and hardened defense attorneys on an emotional level. Because a wrongful death case isn’t just about what was taken... it’s about what can never be replaced.
What Makes Wrongful Death Cases Unique
Wrongful death cases are fundamentally different from personal injury cases... not just in outcome, but in what must be proven.
Personal injury lawyers rely on tangible evidence: MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, doctors and medical records. Documents tell the victim’s story of pain and suffering.
But in a wrongful death case, the most devastating losses are invisible. A CT scan can’t measure a father’s heartbreak after losing his daughter. An X-ray can’t show what it’s like to lose your soulmate. A medical record can’t explain how a child feels when they no longer have a parent to guide them through life.
Wrongful death cases demand a different kind of advocacy...one that speaks to the heart, not just the body. Because fatal accidents aren’t about broken bones... they’re about broken families. They require the ability to describe what made someone irreplaceable, not just what they did, but who they were.
We then build a case that brings your loss to life... through memories, testimony, and the relationships left behind. Because the greatest losses in wrongful death cases aren’t found in medical records. They’re found in the empty chair, missed milestones, and the silence that follows when a voice is gone forever.
What to Expect
We understand that no one is ever prepared for this. But when you’re ready, we’re here to help.
- Free consultation - no pressure, no obligation
- Zero fee guarantee - we don’t get paid unless we recover money for your family
- Statewide support - we represent families throughout California, and make house-calls
- Immediate action - we begin investigating the moment we’re retained
- Compassionate advocacy - we walk beside you at every step
Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you’ve lost someone you love in a fatal car crash, we’re here to help. We’ll give your loved one a voice, and ensure their memory is honored with dignity, truth, and justice.
Call (424) LAWPROS, or complete our free case evaluation form to get started.