Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Tempe

Prosecutorial Experience Working for Families Who’ve Lost Someone

When a family member dies in a crash, the legal decisions made in the weeks that follow can affect whether the family has a path to accountability. Kent Law PLC represents families throughout Tempe and the greater Phoenix area who have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident. Attorney Adam C. Kent began his career as a prosecutor and served as a Deputy County Attorney at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, where he built cases under Arizona law from the government side. That foundation shapes how we approach fault, evidence, and liability in every fatal crash case we handle.

The firm carries over 20 years of combined experience and has recovered millions of dollars for clients across Arizona. Other attorneys refer their most difficult cases to us. Personal injury clients pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation, and initial consultations are free with no obligation.

Fatal Crashes on Tempe Roads

Tempe’s road network creates conditions that contribute to severe and fatal collisions. Route 60, Loop 101, and the I-10 Broadway Curve carry high-speed freeway traffic that produces extreme crash forces when accidents occur. Near Arizona State University, sustained pedestrian, cyclist, and student commuter exposure at intersections like Rural Road and University Drive adds another layer of risk. When a fatal crash happens along any of these corridors, physical evidence, traffic camera footage, and witness accounts are time-sensitive.

Arizona law under A.R.S. Title 28 governs vehicular accidents and establishes the legal framework for liability in fatal crash cases. Our team applies direct knowledge of Tempe’s traffic conditions and accident trends when building evidence and arguments for each case. We work with accident reconstruction professionals and gather forensic evidence to establish who caused the crash and why.

Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Tempe

Understanding what caused the crash is the foundation of every case. Our investigation approach is matched to the cause.

• Distracted driving: Mobile phone records and in-car technology data can document distraction at the moment of impact.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment substantially increases crash severity and can support punitive damages.
• Speeding and reckless driving: High-volume roads in Tempe amplify the consequences of excessive speed.
• Road hazards and vehicle defects: Dangerous road conditions or mechanical failures may involve third-party liability beyond the driver.

Surveillance footage is often overwritten within 30 days, and witness memories change quickly. Our team acts early to preserve the evidence that supports a strong case. We examine driver actions, road conditions, and vehicle records, then coordinate with accident reconstruction professionals to document exactly what happened.

Arizona Wrongful Death Law: What Families Need to Know

Fatal car accident cases in Arizona proceed under the wrongful death statute, A.R.S. §§ 12-611 through 12-613. The surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased have the right to file. Under A.R.S. § 12-612, the estate’s personal representative may also bring the action on behalf of those beneficiaries, or on behalf of the estate if none of them survive.

Filing Deadlines & Government Entities

Families must act within specific legal deadlines. The statute of limitations under A.R.S. § 12-542 is two years from the date of death, not the date of the underlying accident. When a government entity such as the City of Tempe or a state agency is involved, the deadlines are significantly shorter: a Notice of Claim must be filed within 180 days, and the lawsuit generally must be filed within one year of the date of death. Both deadlines arrive well before the standard two-year window and can’t be missed.

Comparative Fault & Damage Caps

Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule under A.R.S. § 12-2505. If the deceased was partially at fault, recovery is reduced proportionally but isn’t eliminated. Arizona imposes no cap on compensatory damages in wrongful death cases.

How We Help Families After a Fatal Crash

We handle every aspect of a fatal car accident case from initial investigation through litigation. That means gathering evidence, working with accident reconstruction professionals, coordinating with medical and financial experts to document both economic and non-economic losses, and negotiating with insurance carriers. When settlement offers don’t reflect the full impact of the loss, we can take cases to Maricopa County Superior Court.

Throughout the process, our team maintains frequent communication so clients always know where their case stands. Clients receive personal attention from the attorney and paralegal handling their file, not periodic updates from staff who don’t know the details. There are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation, and the initial consultation is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should Our Family Do in the Days After Losing a Loved One in a Fatal Crash?

Make sure law enforcement has documented the crash. In the days that follow, don’t give recorded statements to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Preserve any evidence the family has access to, including photos, communications, or documents related to the incident. Contact a car accident attorney in Tempe promptly. Evidence degrades quickly, and the two-year filing deadline under A.R.S. § 12-542 begins running from the date of death. Digital evidence, including mobile phone records, can be critical to reconstructing what happened and must be preserved early.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Arizona?

Under Arizona’s wrongful death statute, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased have standing to file. The estate’s personal representative may also bring the claim on their behalf, or on behalf of the estate if none of them survive. When multiple eligible parties exist, the claim is typically filed by one person on behalf of all statutory beneficiaries. Our team can clarify who has standing and how the claim should be structured for your family’s situation.

How Does a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Help?

A fatal car accident lawyer investigates the crash, preserves evidence before it disappears, identifies all liable parties, negotiates with insurers, and represents the family in court when a fair settlement isn’t offered. At Kent Law PLC, we also coordinate with medical experts and financial analysts to document the full economic impact of the loss, including the deceased’s projected future earnings and household contributions.

How Long Does a Fatal Car Accident Case Take?

Timelines vary based on the complexity of the case. Straightforward cases with clear liability may resolve in months. Cases involving contested fault, multiple parties, uninsured or underinsured motorists, or insurance bad faith can take considerably longer. Arizona law requires filing within two years of the date of death. We manage cases proactively to move them forward while keeping clients informed at every stage.

Why Choose Kent Law PLC?

Attorney Adam C. Kent began his career as a prosecutor and served as a Deputy County Attorney for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, which means he understands how fault is built and challenged in Arizona courts. The firm carries over 20 years of combined experience, has recovered millions of dollars for clients across Arizona, and holds hundreds of courtroom victories in Arizona Superior Court and Federal Court. We hold the Avvo Client’s Choice Award and top ratings on Avvo and Yelp, and other attorneys refer their most difficult cases to us. Clients pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation, and initial consultations are free.

Start with a Free Consultation

Arizona’s two-year filing deadline runs from the date of death, and evidence can disappear in the weeks following a crash. Acting promptly protects your family’s ability to pursue compensation. There are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Need a fatal car accident lawyer in Tempe? Contact us online or call (480) 359-5368 now for a free consultation. The deadline starts running from the date of death, and we’re ready to help your family act before it closes.