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Economic Losses in a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

Written by Jared Staver

Read Jared's Bio

Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 25 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death


Motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. In 2023 alone, an estimated 42,795 people died in fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These tragic events leave families not only grieving but also burdened with unexpected and often overwhelming financial losses.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in the Chicago area, you may be entitled to compensation for your economic and emotional losses.

At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., our experienced Chicago wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your legal claim. Call us today at (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation.

What Are Economic Losses After a Fatal Car Accident?

When a fatal car crash occurs, the surviving family members can pursue economic damages—which are the measurable financial losses resulting from the accident. These damages are often part of a wrongful death claim in Illinois and can help offset the long-term financial impact on your family.

Common economic losses include:

1. Medical Expenses Prior to Death

If your loved one received emergency care after the crash, you may be responsible for bills such as:

  • Ambulance transportation
  • ER visits
  • Surgery or ICU care
  • Medications and life-saving treatments

These expenses can quickly add up to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

2. Lost Income & Future Earnings

If your family member was working before the accident, their sudden death may cause a loss of income that your family relied on. A wrongful death claim can recover:

  • Wages your loved one would have earned
  • Benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions
  • Loss of financial support for dependents

3. Funeral & Burial Costs

The average cost of a funeral in the U.S. is now over $7,800, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. These expenses may include:

  • Casket or cremation
  • Memorial services
  • Cemetery fees
  • Transportation and obituary costs

4. Property Damage

Fatal accidents often involve total vehicle losses or serious damage to personal property. Compensation can cover:

  • The value of the damaged vehicle
  • Replacement of personal belongings inside the car

How Much Does a Fatal Crash Cost Total?

The National Safety Council estimated that in 2022, the average economic cost of a fatal motor vehicle crash was $1,778,000—a significant increase from past years. This figure includes lost productivity, medical bills, property damage, and administrative expenses.

Why You Need a Chicago Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Navigating a wrongful death claim in Illinois requires legal experience and an understanding of the emotional toll these cases take. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we will:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation of the crash
  • Gather medical records, accident reports, and witness statements
  • Calculate your family’s economic losses
  • Negotiate with insurance companies
  • Fight to hold the negligent party accountable

Whether your loved one died in a drunk driving accident, high-speed crash, T-bone collision, rollover, or head-on crash, our firm has the experience and compassion to help.

Serving Chicago & the Surrounding Suburbs

Our fatal accident lawyers represent clients across the Chicago metro area, including:

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help you seek justice and financial relief.

Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. Today

A fatal car crash can change your life in an instant. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we understand the grief, stress, and financial uncertainty that come with losing a loved one. Our dedicated legal team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (312) 236-2900 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Chicago wrongful death attorney today.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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