With the number of fatal car accidents per year still at extremely high levels, the number of wrongful death lawsuits continues to be higher than one would expect, as well. When a person dies a wrongful death, that is, as a result of another person's actions, a wrongful death lawsuit may be brought under the relevant state's wrongful death laws. Typically, a wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the immediate family members surviving the victim of the wrongful death, and/or the personal representative of the victim's estate. A wrongful death action must follow state law regarding the timeframe in which it can be filed. Most state wrongful death laws provide that such actions be brought within two years, although some states allow only one year, and other states allow up to three years. Hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney is the most efficient way to evaluate your potential wrongful death claim, and to ensure that you meet all requirements of your state's laws regarding the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit.