Fatal Car Accident Lawyers in Melbourne Beach

An award-winning fatal car accident lawyer is waiting to review your case (for free)

Thank you! Your submission has been received and our team will begin reviewing shortly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Melbourne Beach Fatal Car Accident Lawyers

Big Results. Little Stress.

Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident creates a void that no legal action can fill. In Melbourne Beach's close-knit barrier island community, such losses are felt deeply by families and neighbors alike. Our fatal car accident lawyers understand that behind every case is a cherished person whose absence leaves an irreplaceable emptiness in your life and our community.


At Douglas R. Beam P.A., we approach fatal car accident cases with both compassion and determination. While we recognize that no amount of compensation can restore what you've lost, securing justice can provide financial stability during this difficult transition and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Our team has deep experience handling wrongful death cases in Melbourne Beach and throughout Brevard County.



Understanding Florida Wrongful Death Claims


Florida law allows certain family members to seek compensation after a fatal car accident through a wrongful death claim. These claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate on behalf of surviving family members. While no legal action can replace your loved one, our Melbourne Beach wrongful death attorneys can help secure the financial stability your family needs during this difficult time.


It's critical to understand that Florida has a strict two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. This means families have just two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. This timeframe is particularly important in Melbourne Beach cases, where accidents on A1A or along beachside roads may involve tourists or seasonal residents who return to other states, potentially complicating the legal process.


Recoverable damages in fatal car accident cases include both economic losses (medical expenses before death, funeral costs, lost income) and non-economic damages (loss of companionship, pain and suffering). Our experienced attorneys know how to properly value these damages to ensure your family receives fair compensation that acknowledges both financial needs and emotional suffering.



Thorough Investigation and Case Building


Building a strong fatal car accident case begins with a comprehensive investigation. Our team examines police reports, gathers witness statements, reviews traffic camera footage, and works with accident reconstruction specialists to determine exactly what happened on Melbourne Beach's roads. We understand the unique traffic patterns along A1A and the Melbourne Causeway where many serious accidents occur.


When investigating driver behavior, our team pays special attention to signs of impairment. If alcohol was involved in your loved one's accident, our Melbourne Beach drunk driving accident lawyers can build a case that addresses both the criminal and civil aspects of these particularly devastating crashes.


When the responsible driver leaves the scene of a fatal accident, families face additional investigative hurdles. Our Melbourne Beach hit and run accident attorneys work closely with local law enforcement to identify responsible parties, utilizing our extensive resources and relationships with the community to pursue justice even in these challenging cases.



Seasonal Factors in Melbourne Beach Accidents


Melbourne Beach's seasonal population fluctuations create unique circumstances in fatal accident cases. Winter months bring increased traffic from snowbirds and tourists, while summer brings different patterns of local travel. Our firm's decades of experience in this community gives us insight into how these seasonal patterns affect road safety and accident investigations.



Comprehensive Support for Grieving Families


Beyond legal representation, our Melbourne Beach fatal car accident lawyers provide a support system for families during their most vulnerable time. We coordinate with funeral homes, grief counselors, and financial advisors to ensure all your family's needs are addressed. As longtime members of the Melbourne Beach community, we understand the local resources available to assist families through this difficult journey.


Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for clients throughout our 35+ year history. Led by Doug Beam, the 2025 National Trial Lawyers President, and Riley Beam, recognized in the National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40, we bring exceptional experience and dedication to every case we handle.


We represent families in fatal car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. This arrangement ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to all Melbourne Beach families regardless of financial circumstances, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.


If your family has experienced the tragedy of losing a loved one in a car accident in Melbourne Beach, we encourage you to contact our office for a confidential, compassionate consultation. While we understand that taking this step can be difficult, acting promptly helps preserve evidence and protect your legal rights under Florida's two-year statute of limitations.


One Case.
Countless Reasons.

The majority of our clients only pursue one lawsuit in their lives. High-touch client care, obsessive legal strategy, and a focus on select cases has helped our clients take their one case to historic outcomes.

Proven Track Record

$1 Billion+

In Total Recoveries for Personal Injury Clients

No Cost Consultation

Free Consult

Your Injury Case Review is Always Free

★★★★★ on Google

Great Reviews

Clients Love Our Fast Response and Results

Winning Awards Nationally

Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award
Ave PreEminent Attorney Award
Million Dollar Advocates Forum badge
Top 25 Brain Injury Attorney NTL Award
Super Lawyer Award

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about fatal car accident cases in Melbourne Beach

What do fatal car accident lawyers do?

Fatal car accident lawyers provide comprehensive legal representation to families who have lost loved ones in crashes. Our attorneys investigate the accident thoroughly, determine liability, collect evidence, calculate the full extent of damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and if necessary, represent families in court. In Melbourne Beach, we understand the unique aspects of local roadways like A1A and the Melbourne Causeway, which helps us build stronger cases. We also handle all communication with insurance adjusters and defendants, allowing families to focus on healing while we pursue maximum compensation and justice.


What types of damages can I receive compensation for in a fatal car accident case?

In fatal car accident cases, Florida law allows families to recover several types of damages. Economic damages include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, and loss of services the deceased provided to the family. Non-economic damages encompass loss of companionship, guidance, and protection, as well as pain and suffering. In cases where victims initially survived with catastrophic injuries before passing away, our Melbourne Beach brain injury lawyers work with medical experts to document these injuries and their connection to the eventual death, ensuring all related damages are included in your claim.


What is the statute of limitations for fatal car accidents?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, including those arising from fatal car accidents, is strictly two years from the date of death. This timeframe is half the time previously allowed for standard personal injury cases, making prompt legal action essential. There are very limited exceptions to this rule. If the death resulted from murder or manslaughter with a defendant facing criminal charges, the statute may be extended. However, these exceptions are rare, and we strongly recommend consulting with our attorneys as soon as possible after a fatal accident to ensure your family's right to seek compensation is preserved.


What should I do after losing a loved one in a car accident?

After losing a loved one in a car accident, focus first on your immediate family needs and funeral arrangements. When you're ready to consider legal options, obtain a copy of the police report, preserve any evidence you may have, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies. Gather medical records, death certificate, and any documentation of expenses. If other family members were also injured in the same accident, our Melbourne Beach serious injury attorneys can assist with those claims simultaneously. Consider speaking with grief counselors, many of whom serve the Melbourne Beach area. Finally, consult with our fatal car accident attorneys as soon as you're able to protect your legal rights.


How does no cost representation for fatal car accident cases work?

Our no cost representation for fatal car accident cases operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or hourly attorney fees. We advance all expenses associated with investigating and litigating your case, including court filing fees, expert witness costs, accident reconstruction expenses, and document preparation. We only collect payment as a percentage of the compensation we recover for your family through settlement or verdict. If we don't recover compensation, you owe us nothing for our services. This arrangement removes financial barriers to quality legal representation during your time of grief and ensures our interests are aligned with yours—we only succeed when you receive the compensation your family deserves.


Helpful

Insight for Every Step

Discover the stories, expertise, and resources that drive our success.

What's Behind a Number?

You be the judge. We've provided a look at a sampling of our cases that helped drive our over $1,000,000,000 in results.

Legal Wisdom, Delivered

We've bundled legal perspective into easy-to-digest resources. No legalese, just good info.

"I left insurance behind..."

Why Our Attorney Chose People Over Insurance

Pedro Chavarriaga was quickly rising as an attorney in insurance law when he decided it was time for a change...

Pedro Chavarriaga, trial attorney
This is the end of the page (but not your story)

Free Case Review

Get a complimentary review of your case

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.