Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney to Sue a Car Manufacturer for Wrongful Death?

Losing a loved one in a car crash is devastating. The thought that the car crash could be due to a preventable reason such as a defect in the vehicle’s design or a flaw in manufacturing can be overwhelming. For the family of actor Paul Walker, the only course of action seems to be consulting a car accident attorney to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Paul Walker Dies in Valencia Car Crash

In November 2015, fans of the Fast & Furious movie franchise were shocked to hear that actor Paul Walker had died in a car crash in Valencia. The Porsche Carrera GT that Walker was riding in burst into flames after the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into lamppost and a tree. Both Walker and the driver, Roger Rodas, were killed in the car crash.

Walker’s Daughter Sues Porsche

Meadow Walker has sued Porsche, the maker of the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, claiming that design flaws caused the wrongful death of the actor. Meadow Walker is claiming that the vehicle lacked safety features that would have prevented her father’s death in the event of an accident. She alleges that poorly designed seatbelts and rubber fuel lines that did not have break-free fittings were partly to blame for the actor’s death. The wrongful death lawsuit states the actor would be alive today had it not been for the defects in the Porsche Carrera GT.

Porsche is blaming Walker for his death claiming that the actor was “a knowledgeable and sophisticated user” who intentionally exposed himself to the risks involved in operating the Carrera GT. Porsche also claims that the vehicle was abused and altered in addition to being driven at speeds that were unsafe for the roadway conditions.

A Second Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed

Paul Walker’s father has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Porsche for the death of his son in November 2015. Walker’s father is the executor of his son’s estate and he has filed the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the estate. This lawsuit is also claiming that the Porsche Carrera GT lacked the required safety features that would have prevented the actor’s death such as a stability control system and side-door reinforcements.

Filing a California Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The wrongful death laws in California provide a legal remedy for the families of victims of wrongful death. Unfortunately, a wrongful death lawsuit will not bring back your loved one nor will a monetary judgment relieve the pain and suffering the death of your loved one has caused you and your family. However, this is the only remedy the law can offer a family who has lost a loved because of another person’s negligent, careless, or reckless acts.

Reasons why you should consult a car accident attorney regarding a wrongful death lawsuit include:

• To hold the responsible party or parties accountable for the death of your loved one;
• To obtain a financial judgment against the responsible parties to deter other parties from similar actions that may result in the death of others; and,
• To obtain the financial support you need to provide for yourself and your family in the absence of your loved one.

As an experienced car accident attorney, Gordon Levinson has fought for the rights of victims and families against large insurance companies and defendants who seek to avoid taking responsibility for the loss of life. The Levinson Law Group accepts cases on a contingent fee. That means that if there is no recovery in your case you pay no fee. And in most cases, we even advance the costs. For your free consultation, call (760) 642-5475 today.

If you have lost a loved one, consult a car accident attorney who understands California’s wrongful death laws and who will not stop fighting until you and your family receive justice on behalf of your loved one.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

At The Levinson Law Group, our clients are our top priority. We work diligently on behalf of our clients but we also work to make our community better for everyone who lives and works here. Our law firm supports local charities through volunteer work and charitable giving. We also work to make our community safe from distracted drivers and drunk drivers who cause life-altering injuries.

We represent clients throughout California. Contact our office at (760) 642-5475 or use our convenient online contact form to ask a question or to schedule a free consultation.