What are my rights after my family member was killed in a motorcycle accident?

Close family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal motorcycle accident. Wrongful death claims provide significant compensation provided you follow the appropriate legal steps.

Claims for wrongful death typically must be filed within two years of the motorcycle accident. Only close family members, including spouses and parents of minor children, may file wrongful death claims.

The plaintiff filing the claim has the legal burden of proving the defendant was responsible for the motorcycle accident and resulting death.

Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement before the case proceeds to trial and/or before a jury comes back with a verdict. Once a settlement agreement is reached, it is no longer possible to sue for the loss of a loved one.

It is important to have an attorney review any settlement agreement and/or provide legal representation in court, as wrongful death cases often result in a significant amount of compensation being awarded to surviving family members.

To learn more, see our article on Wrongful Death Accidents.