Wrongful death statistics are typically affected by a person's age and sex, at least to some degree. While the leading cause of unintentional deaths for people under the age of 35 is motor vehicle accidents, older Americans tend to fall prey to unintentional poisonings and falls. Likewise, children under the age of 1 are more likely to suffer unintentional suffocation or unspecified homicides, as opposed to unintentional motor vehicle accidents. Plus, the rate of wrongful deaths for males, particularly with respect to motor vehicle accidents, is much higher than that of females. Whatever the case may be, however, it is important to determine as soon as possible after a person's death whether a wrongful death claim can be brought by surviving family members. Although consulting an attorney is likely a low priority at the time of a loved one's death, it may be an essential step that is necessary to financially providing for the family who is left behind.