Wrongful Death | Orange County
Fatal Car Accident in Orange County: What Families Need to Know
When a loved one dies in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, your family may have the right to pursue a wrongful-death claim. We're here to help you understand your options.
By CHG Lawyers · Published September 29, 2026
Was There a Fatal Car Accident in Orange County Today?
If you’re searching for information about a fatal car accident in Orange County, Florida—whether in Orlando or nearby—you may be looking for details about a specific crash. Or you may be trying to understand what happens next after losing someone you love. This page explains how to find accident information and, more importantly, what legal rights your family may have.
Not sure what your next step is?
Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
How to Find Information About a Fatal Car Accident in Orange County
Public crash data for Orange County, Florida is kept by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which publishes crash reports and statistics. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also tracks fatal traffic crashes nationwide through its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). This includes Florida data and lets you search by county and year.
For details about a specific crash today or recently, contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or the local police department where the crash happened (such as Orlando Police Department). They can provide a crash report. It typically includes the date, time, location, vehicles involved, and early fault information.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Fatal Car Accident
Finding out what happened matters. But if someone in your family was killed in a car accident, you also need to know your legal options. You may have the right to file a wrongful-death claim—a lawsuit brought by surviving family members against the person or company responsible for the death.
Who Can File a Wrongful-Death Claim in Florida?
In Florida, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate (usually named in a will, or appointed by the court) can file a wrongful-death claim. This is done on behalf of surviving family members. Spouses, children, and parents of the deceased may also have the right to recover damages.
The claim seeks compensation for the family’s loss. This includes: – Lost income the deceased would have earned – Medical expenses from the accident – Funeral costs – Loss of companionship and support
The Two-Year Deadline: Why Time Matters
Florida law sets a strict deadline for filing a wrongful-death claim. This deadline is firm. If you miss it, your family loses the right to pursue a claim, no matter how strong your case is.
If the fatal accident happened in Orange County today or recently, time is already working against you. Waiting to understand your options or to contact an attorney can put your family’s claim at risk.
How Fault Is Determined: Florida’s Comparative Fault Rule
Florida follows a rule called modified comparative fault. Under Fla. Stat. §768.81(6), if the deceased victim is found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, the family generally cannot recover any damages.
If the victim is 50% or less at fault, the family’s recovery is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault (Fla. Stat. § 768.81(6)).
Example: If a family is awarded $100,000 but the deceased is found 30% at fault, the family receives $70,000.
This rule makes it critical to have an experienced attorney investigate the crash and build a strong case. The goal is to show the other driver’s negligence clearly.
Who Might Be Liable in a Fatal Car Accident?
The Other Driver
The most common defendant in a fatal car accident case is the negligent driver. This is the person whose careless or reckless driving caused the crash. This might include: – Speeding – Drunk driving – Distracted driving – Failing to obey traffic laws
The Vehicle Manufacturer
In some cases, a defect in the vehicle itself may have made the crash more severe or fatal. Examples include: – Faulty brake system – Airbag failure – Structural weakness
These are called crashworthiness claims. Even if another driver caused the accident, a vehicle manufacturer can be held responsible. This happens if a design or manufacturing defect made injuries worse than they should have been.
Property Owners or Businesses
If the fatal accident occurred in a parking lot, at a gas station, or on property where poor maintenance or lack of security contributed to the crash, the property owner may also be liable.
Have questions about what happened?
Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.
What Happens After You File a Wrongful-Death Claim?
Once a claim is filed, the defendant’s insurance company will be notified. Your attorney will investigate the crash and gather evidence. This includes: – Police reports – Witness statements – Vehicle inspection reports – Medical records
Your attorney will build a case showing the defendant’s liability. Many wrongful-death cases settle before trial. Others proceed to court. The process typically takes months to years. It depends on how complex the case is and whether both sides are willing to negotiate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a valid wrongful-death claim?
You have a valid claim if someone else’s negligence or wrongful act directly caused your loved one’s death. An attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you.
Can I file a wrongful-death claim if my loved one was partly at fault?
Yes, but your recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If they were more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything under Florida law.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
Florida law requires vehicle owners to carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability insurance. But some drivers are uninsured. Your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) may cover the claim. Or your attorney can pursue other remedies.
How much can I recover in a wrongful-death claim?
Damages may include lost wages the deceased would have earned, medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. The amount varies based on the victim’s age, earning capacity, and the circumstances of the case.
Do I need an attorney to file a wrongful-death claim?
You are not required to hire an attorney. But the legal process is complex, and the two-year deadline is strict. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. They can also negotiate on your behalf.
Next Steps
If you’re looking for information about a fatal car accident in Orange County because your family has lost someone, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Many families in this situation reach out to us to understand their legal options. We help ensure their claim is filed before the deadline passes.
A free case evaluation can help you understand whether you have a claim. It can also help you learn who might be responsible and what your family may be entitled to recover.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We’re here to answer your questions and to help your family seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Time Matters
Wrongful-death claims are subject to strict legal deadlines. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner we can preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and protect your family's right to recovery.
Common Questions About Wrongful-Death Claims
Do I have a valid wrongful-death claim?
You may have a claim if someone else's negligence or wrongful act directly caused your loved one's death. An attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on your options.
Can I file a claim if my loved one was partly at fault?
Yes. Even if your loved one bore some responsibility for the crash, you may still pursue a claim. Your recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault, but you are not automatically barred from seeking damages.
Who can file a wrongful-death claim?
In Florida, a wrongful-death action is brought by the decedent’s personal representative, who recovers for the benefit of the decedent’s survivors and estate.mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.18.html”>Under Florida law, “survivors” means the decedent’s spouse, children, and parents and, when partly or wholly dependent on the decedent for support or services, any blood relatives and adoptive brothers and sisters. The survivors who may benefit from a recovery are those the statute defines, and an attorney can explain how that definition applies to your situation.
What damages can a wrongful-death claim recover?
Damages may include medical and funeral expenses, lost wages and earning potential, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional conduct.
Want to know where you stand?
Tell us what happened and our team will walk you through the options available to you, at no cost.
Why CHG Personal Injury Lawyers
Focused on Catastrophic Injury
We focus exclusively on serious and catastrophic personal injury, including wrongful-death claims. We understand the profound impact a fatal crash has on your family.
Thorough Investigation
We investigate every detail—police reports, witness statements, vehicle data, and driver records—to build a strong case and identify all liable parties.
Compassionate Guidance
We handle the legal burden so you can focus on your family. We communicate clearly, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way.
No Attorney’s Fees Unless There Is a Recovery
We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for your family.