A car accident wrongful death can be the basis for a legal claim against the person or persons responsible for the death. If the person acted negligently in any way, or was strictly liable for the victim's death, then the victim's immediate surviving family members, or the personal representative of the victim's estate, may file a wrongful death action against the person(s) responsible. Part of a wrongful death lawsuit inevitably involves showing that the victim died of the injuries sustained from the fatal car accident, and not another medical condition, as well as showing that the person responsible acted carelessly, recklessly, or negligently in some way. If the suing party is successful in proving these elements, which are common to wrongful death claims in most states, the he or she is entitled to recover certain damages from the person(s) responsible for the victim's wrongful death. However, wrongful death laws do vary from one state to the next, so it is essential that you contact a lawyer for advice about your potential claim.