Lost A Loved One in A Car Accident? Here’s What you Need to Do

Statistics show that car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in America. In 2021, about 40,000 fatal motor accidents were reported. Police reports also show that New York City accounts for some of the highest automobile fatalities, as 3% of the accidents happen within the city.

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you should get compensated. The following steps will help you get paid for the pain and suffering of losing a loved one in an accident. 

Seek Legal Representation 

You should take the first step by seeking legal representation as soon as you are settled. This should be done immediately after the accident for the best results. Contacting an attorney is essential as the representative could help collect relevant evidence to build your case. 

The lawyer can also help by communicating with the insurance companies to address any concerns regarding claims. In several reports, insurance companies take advantage of the victim’s lack of knowledge in claims. A legal representative should be able to guide you through such challenges to save you from incurring unnecessary financial burdens. 

Collect and Retain Evidence 

The outcomes of accident-related claims depend on the amount of evidence that exists. It is crucial to collect as much evidence as possible about the accident and preserve it as best as possible. If you were at the scene during the accident, you should protect such evidence as photographs of the wreckage and dashcam footage from the cars involved.

Collecting statements from eyewitnesses who might be willing to back up your claim is also advisable. More importantly, remember to retain the evidence until an experienced attorney can assess it and provide further directions. 

Track Incurred Expenses 

In instances where car accidents lead to death, the probability of incurring expenses is high. For personal injury lawsuits, you could move to recover such costs as medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages. For the court to award these damages, you must have receipts indicating the amounts spent and when you incurred them.

 Insurance companies are notorious for trying to avoid making compensations, especially in cases where receipts for the claims are absent. To make sure the party responsible for the accident and death of your loved one is held accountable, ensure that you have all the relevant receipts that can prove your case. 

Limit Communication about the Accident

While providing information about the accident, ensuring you talk to the proper party is essential. In many cases, insurance companies contact the accident victims, seeking information about the accident. Rather than looking to help, their intention could be to find a loophole that would help them avoid compensating you for the personal injury damages. 

If any party requests any information, you should run it by your lawyer, informing them about the information the party is requesting. In some cases, the information insurance companies require can be vital in fast-tracking claims. If you are unsure what to say and withhold, ensuring your lawyer accompanies you to the meeting is essential. 

Summary

While taking these steps does not change the fact that you lost a loved one, it ensures accountability. With the insurance cost, insurers must hold their part of the bargain and compensate victims for the loss. These steps are also crucial in holding drivers accountable and ensuring they are more observant when using the road.