Pittsburgh Fatal Car Accident Lawyer 

Fighting For Fatal Car Accident Victims in Pennsylvania

Losing a loved one in a car accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. Beyond the emotional pain, surviving family members often face overwhelming financial challenges — from funeral expenses to lost income and medical bills. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our Pittsburgh fatal car accident attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time with compassion, skill, and determination.

Our firm is dedicated to helping grieving families pursue justice and financial compensation after a fatal crash caused by someone else’s negligence. We understand that no amount of money can make up for your loss, but a successful wrongful death claim can ease financial burdens and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Contact Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with our fatal car accident attorney in Pittsburgh.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Fatal car accidents in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania can occur for many reasons. Understanding the most common causes can help establish liability in a wrongful death claim. Some of the leading causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, eating, adjusting navigation systems, or talking to passengers can distract drivers long enough to cause a deadly collision. Even a few seconds of distraction can have tragic consequences.
• Speeding: Excessive speed remains one of the top factors in fatal accidents. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the force of impact, often leading to catastrophic injuries or death.
• Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving: Despite strict DUI laws, impaired driving continues to claim lives every year in Pennsylvania. Alcohol and drugs slow reflexes, impair judgment, and lead to devastating outcomes.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, running red lights, or weaving through traffic are all forms of reckless driving that frequently result in fatal crashes.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers are less alert and may even fall asleep behind the wheel, leading to head-on or rear-end collisions that can be deadly.
• Poor Road Conditions or Defective Vehicles: Sometimes, fatal crashes result from factors beyond a driver’s control, such as poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning brakes, or defective airbags. In these cases, government entities or manufacturers may share liability.

Pittsburgh's diverse road system, characterized by its numerous bridges, tunnels, and complex traffic patterns, can sometimes be hazardous for drivers. Unfortunately, fatal car accidents are not uncommon in this area.

Common contributing factors to fatal accidents in the region include high-speed collisions on highways like Interstates 376 and 79 and impaired driving. Having our knowledgeable and compassionate legal team on your side is critical when facing such circumstances.

Fatal Car Accidents & Wrongful Death Claims in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law, when a fatal car accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These claims allow families to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages resulting from the loss of a loved one.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in PA?

In Pennsylvania, the personal representative (executor) of the deceased person’s estate typically files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family members. If the personal representative does not file within six months, any beneficiary (such as a spouse, child, or parent) may pursue the claim.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

Compensation in a wrongful death claim may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to the final injury or illness
• Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
• Pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death

In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish egregious or reckless behavior, such as drunk driving.

Survival Actions in PA

In addition to wrongful death claims, Pennsylvania law also recognizes survival actions, which allow the deceased person’s estate to recover damages the victim could have claimed had they survived — such as pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost earnings up until the time of death.

Our Pittsburgh fatal car accident attorney at Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. will review all potential claims to ensure your family pursues every available form of compensation.

Fatal Car Crash FAQs

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of death. It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the driver responsible for the crash was uninsured?

If the at-fault driver had no insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your loved one’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or through other liable parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or municipalities.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if criminal charges are pending?

Yes. A wrongful death claim is a civil case and can proceed independently of any criminal charges filed against the at-fault driver.

How long does a fatal car accident case take to resolve?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some claims settle within months, while others — especially those involving litigation — may take a year or longer. Your attorney will keep you updated every step of the way.

What if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages as long as your loved one was less than 51% at fault. However, the compensation may be reduced proportionally to their share of fault.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the proper legal representation can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we are committed to client-centered advocacy, focusing on clear communication and your individual needs. For over 40 years, our firm has built a legacy of trust and successful recoveries, ensuring that Pittsburgh families receive the justice they deserve.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable settlement for you. This approach reflects our confidence in our ability to advocate effectively for our clients and our commitment to eliminating financial barriers that might prevent you from seeking legal recourse.

We also pride ourselves on the personalized attention we provide each client. We tailor our strategies to meet each case's specific circumstances and goals, taking the time to understand the emotional and financial burden our clients are experiencing. This level of care and focus has made our firm a leader in the community for handling sensitive and complex fatal accident claims.

Schedule your free consultation today by calling (844) 383-0565 to get started with our Pittsburgh fatal car accident lawyer.