Daytona Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer
Retired Homicide Detective. Retired Traffic Homicide Investigator. Trial Attorney.
There are few experiences in life more devastating than losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence.
A telephone call.
A knock at the door.
A visit from a police officer.
A trip to the hospital.
In a matter of moments, an ordinary day can become a tragedy that changes a family forever.
No lawsuit can replace a husband, wife, child, parent, or sibling.
No settlement can erase grief.
No verdict can undo what happened.
However, the civil justice system can provide accountability, financial security, and answers when negligence causes a preventable death.
At the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A., we represent families throughout Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast, Volusia County, Flagler County, and throughout Central Florida in wrongful death cases arising from serious accidents and fatal crashes.
What makes our firm different is Patrick’s unique background.
Before becoming a lawyer, Patrick served as a homicide detective, traffic homicide investigator, accident reconstructionist, and police instructor. He spent years investigating fatal crashes and death investigations before entering private practice.
Today, he uses that experience to help families seek justice when tragedy strikes.
What Is A Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, negligence, carelessness, recklessness, or misconduct of another individual or entity.
Simply stated, if the deceased person could have brought a personal injury claim had they survived, a wrongful death claim may exist after death.
Wrongful death cases frequently arise from:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Drunk driving crashes
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Defective products
- Negligent security incidents
Every case is unique and requires careful investigation.
The Human Cost Of A Fatal Accident
Insurance companies often view wrongful death cases through spreadsheets, financial calculations, and risk assessments.
Families experience them very differently.
The loss of a loved one affects every aspect of life.
Families often face:
- Emotional trauma
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Lost benefits
- Lost companionship
- Uncertainty about the future
Children may lose a parent.
Spouses may lose a life partner.
Parents may lose a child.
The effects frequently extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.
Why Wrongful Death Cases Require Immediate Investigation
Fatal accidents often trigger extensive investigations.
Unfortunately, important evidence can disappear quickly.
Witness memories fade.
Vehicles are repaired or destroyed.
Electronic evidence can be lost.
Surveillance footage may be overwritten.
Roadway conditions change.
The sooner an investigation begins, the greater the opportunity to preserve critical evidence.
Fatal Crash Investigations
Many wrongful death cases arise from motor vehicle collisions.
As a retired traffic homicide investigator and accident reconstructionist, Patrick spent years investigating fatal crashes before becoming a lawyer.
These investigations often involve:
- Scene analysis
- Vehicle inspections
- Witness interviews
- Speed analysis
- Event data recorders
- Toxicology evidence
- Driver behavior analysis
- Accident reconstruction
Determining exactly how and why a fatal collision occurred is often the first step toward establishing liability.
A Background Few Wrongful Death Attorneys Possess
Most wrongful death lawyers learn about fatal crash investigations from experts they hire.
Patrick conducted those investigations himself.
Before becoming an attorney, he spent years investigating:
- Fatal traffic crashes
- DUI-related fatalities
- Pedestrian fatalities
- Motorcycle fatalities
- Commercial vehicle crashes
- Death investigations
Most attorneys review traffic homicide reports.
Patrick prepared them.
Most attorneys hire accident reconstruction experts.
Patrick was one.
That experience provides valuable insight into how evidence is collected, analyzed, and presented.
Common Causes Of Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims frequently arise from preventable conduct.
Common causes include:
Distracted Driving
Texting, social media use, GPS devices, and other distractions continue to contribute to fatal collisions.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol-related crashes remain a significant cause of preventable deaths throughout Florida.
Drug-Impaired Driving
Both illegal drugs and prescription medications may impair judgment and reaction times.
Speeding
Excessive speed increases both crash risk and crash severity.
Commercial Truck Negligence
Trucking accidents frequently involve:
- Driver fatigue
- Hours-of-service violations
- Maintenance failures
- Inadequate training
Failure To Yield
Intersection collisions often result from drivers failing to yield the right of way.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors continue to cause preventable fatalities.
Who Can Bring A Wrongful Death Claim?
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act establishes specific procedures regarding who may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Generally, the claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of eligible survivors.
Depending upon the circumstances, survivors may include:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Other qualifying family members
Determining who may recover damages requires careful legal analysis.
What Damages May Be Available?
Every wrongful death case is unique.
Potential damages may include:
Medical Expenses
Medical care provided before death may create substantial expenses.
Funeral And Burial Expenses
Funeral costs can create significant financial burdens for families.
Loss Of Financial Support
The loss of future income and benefits may have a profound impact on surviving family members.
Loss Of Services
Many families lose valuable household services and support provided by the deceased.
Loss Of Companionship
Spouses often suffer the loss of companionship, protection, and emotional support.
Loss Of Parental Guidance
Children may suffer the loss of parental instruction, guidance, and companionship.
Mental Pain And Suffering
Certain survivors may be entitled to compensation for emotional losses resulting from the death.
Wrongful Death And Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents frequently produce catastrophic consequences.
These cases often require investigation into:
- Driver logs
- Electronic data
- Company records
- Maintenance records
- Federal safety regulations
Trucking companies often deploy investigators immediately after serious crashes.
Families deserve representation that is equally prepared to investigate and preserve evidence.
Wrongful Death And Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle fatalities frequently involve disputes concerning:
- Visibility
- Speed
- Right-of-way violations
- Driver awareness
Insurance companies often attempt to blame the rider.
A thorough investigation frequently becomes necessary to determine the true cause of the collision.
Wrongful Death And Drunk Driving
Drunk driving fatalities are among the most preventable tragedies on Florida roadways.
These cases may involve:
- Criminal investigations
- Civil litigation
- Insurance claims
- Accident reconstruction
The outcome of a criminal case does not necessarily determine the outcome of a wrongful death claim.
Independent investigation is often essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have To File A Wrongful Death Claim?
Florida law imposes strict deadlines.
Failing to act within the applicable limitations period may result in the loss of important legal rights.
Because exceptions may apply, families should consult an attorney promptly.
How Much Is A Wrongful Death Case Worth?
Every case is different.
Factors may include:
- Age of the deceased
- Income history
- Family relationships
- Medical expenses
- Future financial losses
- Liability issues
No two cases are exactly alike.
Will We Have To Go To Court?
Many cases settle without trial.
However, preparation for trial is often necessary to maximize the value of a claim.
Can We Pursue A Claim If Criminal Charges Were Never Filed?
Yes.
Civil wrongful death claims and criminal prosecutions are separate proceedings.
A wrongful death claim may exist even when criminal charges are never filed.
Why Families Choose Patrick J. McGeehan
Many attorneys handle wrongful death cases.
Few have spent years investigating deaths before becoming lawyers.
Patrick’s background includes:
- Retired Homicide Detective
- Retired Traffic Homicide Investigator
- Accident Reconstructionist
- Court-Certified Expert Witness
- Police Instructor
- Trial Attorney
- Wrongful Death Lawyer
This combination of investigative and legal experience provides a unique perspective when evaluating fatal accident cases.
A Career Dedicated To Finding Answers
Families often have the same questions after a tragic loss.
What happened?
Could it have been prevented?
Who is responsible?
What evidence exists?
Patrick has spent decades investigating those very questions.
As a homicide detective, traffic homicide investigator, accident reconstructionist, and trial attorney, he has devoted his career to uncovering facts and seeking the truth.
That same commitment guides every wrongful death case he handles today.
Serving Daytona Beach, Volusia County, And Flagler County
Patrick proudly represents families throughout:
- Daytona Beach
- Port Orange
- Ormond Beach
- New Smyrna Beach
- DeLand
- Palm Coast
- Bunnell
- Flagler Beach
- Volusia County
- Flagler County
Whether the death resulted from a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle collision, drunk driver, commercial vehicle crash, or other act of negligence, every case receives personal attention and thorough investigation.
Contact A Daytona Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a family can endure.
While no legal action can undo the tragedy, pursuing accountability may help provide answers, financial security, and a measure of justice.
If your family has lost a loved one because of another person’s negligence, contact the Law Offices of Patrick J. McGeehan, P.A. today.
As a retired homicide detective, retired traffic homicide investigator, accident reconstruction expert, and trial attorney, Patrick brings decades of investigative experience to every wrongful death case and is committed to helping families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Resources:
Leaving the Scene of an Accident With a Death
Fatal Crash Investigations in Florida