When a loved one is tragically killed in an accident, family members often have the most difficult time. Not only are they left to deal with their grief, but they also have to figure out how they’re going to pay for the funeral expenses, settle the estate, and move on with their lives. If you’ve lost someone close in a fatal car accident, then you must seek compensation from those responsible.
If you don’t know where to start or find yourself unable to deal with the aftermath of such a tragedy alone, don’t fret because there are plenty of resources available online that can help guide you through every step of the process. So let’s get into it!
How To Fight For Justice After a Car Accident
While it is not your fault that you’ve experienced such a loss, someone else may be to blame for causing the accident. If you’re in search of justice in this difficult time, then here’s how to fight for justice:
Seek Legal Counsel
After a fatal car accident, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If you know there were pain and suffering damages caused by the accident, then you need an experienced Pittsburgh wrongful death lawyer to help assert your rights. You will need this person to guide you on what documents you should keep and for how long, who should handle any negotiations with the other party’s insurance company, and most importantly, all of whom can be trusted to help protect your rights.
Gather Information about the Fatal Car Accident
If you don’t already have the police report, it is important to obtain that as soon as possible. A police officer will gather information such as the make and model of the vehicles involved in your loved one’s fatal car accident. This report can be very helpful when it comes time to contact an experienced attorney. Make sure that you get the names of any witnesses and make copies of notes, phone messages, and directions from police officials. In addition, take photographs of any damage to your car or the other person’s car involved in the fatal car accident.
Be Aware of Your Injury Rights
Every state has its own specific set of rules and regulations regarding your injury rights. Therefore, you must know these before dealing with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit. In the meantime, you should take notes on how much money has been paid out for medical bills and funeral costs, as well as any other damages that have occurred because of the accident. In some cases, people who have been injured or lost a loved one in a fatal car accident may opt to file a suit against those deemed responsible for causing such a loss. If this becomes necessary, be aware that it is within your rights to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Be Prepared for the Negotiation Process
While some car accident injury claims may involve lawsuits, other claims end up being resolved via negotiation instead. While it is never fun to enter into this kind of legal back-and-forth, rest assured that negotiating a settlement for your fatal car accident case will be much easier if you have documented proof that the other person was at fault for causing the accident. Furthermore, having a personal injury attorney can help immensely during this process. It will be their job to handle the details and do all necessary research on your behalf.
In any case, dealing with a car accident is never easy, but by following these steps, you can help ensure that no matter how difficult things may seem right now, justice will ultimately prevail. Plus, taking matters into your own hands will give you a sense of empowerment and control which can greatly reduce your stress level in addition to helping see you through this difficult time.
Know What You Can Expect To Receive
After talking with a lawyer or injury attorney, they will inform you whether or not they can help you file suit against the party responsible for causing the accident. A wrongful death suit allows victims’ family members to receive compensation for their loved ones’ unfortunate passing. This includes medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income from the days missed from work. Consult with a personal injury lawyer first for a complete list of all damages for which you could be eligible.
Make Sure Your Injury Claim is Not Trampled by Time
The statute of limitations for injury claims is usually two years. Since this time begins on the date of the accident, you must keep track of all dates related to your case. Some factors that are not included in this timeframe are missed doctor visits or other types of treatment. However, any information regarding the nature and extent of your injuries should be turned over to the attorney within a reasonable amount of time. When preparing your claim, keep thorough documentation of all medical treatment received about the accident. You will need copies of bills and invoices for any medical expenses incurred, so do not throw these away until you have hard evidence that they were paid or reimbursed.
Make Sure You Keep Involved in the Case
While it’s true that you may have to take a backseat when it comes to the actual negotiation process, you should still try your best to be involved as much as possible throughout the legal proceedings. For example, ask your attorney how things are going and any new developments or insights into the case. Furthermore, ask for copies of all paperwork filed with the court to keep track of what’s happening before it becomes too overwhelming. If anything out of the ordinary happens regarding your case, do not hesitate to call your lawyer right away. By doing this, you’ll feel like an active participant instead of someone who now has even more free time on their hands.
When the time comes to make your fatal car accident claim, make sure you are prepared with all necessary documents. You will also need access to proof that the other person was at fault for causing the accident. Taking these simple precautions can greatly improve your chances of feeling financially compensated for your pain and suffering, which may hopefully lead to a successful settlement.
