After a car accident, you might wonder if you should get a lawyer. For injury-only accidents or crashes without injuries, it's smart to have a lawyer to ensure you receive the total compensation for medical and repair costs.
When a crash results in the death of a loved one, not having a lawyer can mean never receiving compensation for their death. Without the right attorney, it's difficult to know how to receive compensation for death in a car accident and how much it should be.
While compensation can never replace your loved one, it can help cover medical and funeral expenses. Here's what you need to know about your options when dealing with a car accident death.
You're Not Alone
In 2019, 33,244 fatal motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States. With car accident statistics like that, we hope you understand that you're not alone when dealing with the loss of a loved one after a car crash.
Navigating the paperwork, dealing with the police, and working with insurance companies can be overwhelming during a time of grief. If you are an immediate family member, you might be able to sue for wrongful death to receive compensation from other drivers or anyone involved in the crash-related death.
The right car accident lawyer can help you through the lawsuit process and make sure you get the amount you deserve after this kind of loss.
Gather the Paperwork
An experienced legal team helps you collect necessary paperwork to pursue a lawsuit. You'll need the Pronouncement of Death form from a medical professional who treated your loved one after the accident. You'll also need:
- Insurance paperwork
- Estate documents
- Your loved one's will
- Medical bills for your loved one's treatment
- Receipts for funeral costs
These documents establish you with the legal precedence to act on behalf of your deceased loved one. With medical and funeral receipts, you have the basis for determining a settlement amount for the lawsuit.
Determine the Right Compensation Amount
In addition to recovering the costs for your loved one's treatment and burial, you might also be entitled to compensation for other financial losses, including:
- Income
- Emotional distress
- Future inheritance
- Consortium (companionship)
- Household services
The right car accident attorney can help you estimate a fair amount of compensation for these losses as the goal for your lawsuit settlement.
Don't Settle For Less Than You Deserve
The insurance company might make an initial offer to avoid an ongoing lawsuit or larger payout. With an experienced lawyer, you'll know if that amount is too low. You'll also have an advocate to pursue a claim and get everything you deserve as a result of your loss.
Get the Right Compensation for Death in a Car Accident
Losing a loved one in a car crash is difficult enough. Choose a lawyer with the experience to make sure you get the right amount of compensation for death in a car accident. Contact the Bruning Law Firm for a free evaluation of your case.
