There were over 39,508 fatal car accidents in 2021. A non-fatal car accident can cause trauma and plenty of property damage, but fatal crashes are something else entirely.
But what should I do when someone I know is involved in a deadly car crash? Who should I contact?
Even the safest and best-looking cars get into accidents. These moments can be confusing and painful for everyone involved. In this article, we’ll be outlining exactly what you need to know when someone’s involved in a deadly car crash and why lawyers are crucial in these steps.
Firstly, Take Safety Measures
When someone faces a fatal car accident, the first step is to provide health care to him. If possible, wait for the medical help. Or, if someone on the site of an accident is trained to rescue people from a car crash, he must take the lead.
Move the car to the side to avoid disturbing the traffic. Place warning signs around the crashed car to make people aware of the accident.
Also Read: Is It Illegal to Sleep in Your Car?
Contact Professionals
The moments after a hit-and-run are chaotic for all parties involved, but you have to remain calm. Preserving evidence of the crash is important. Professionals can collect them in the form of images, videos, witnesses’ names and details, clothing that points at the crash, and the injuries the patient has.
While it might be difficult to do after a loved one is involved in a fatal car crash. Contacting a wrongful death lawyer is important here. They’ll start investigating your case to prepare you for court.
If someone you know dies, a medical professional will fill out a Pronouncement of Death form. You should contact a coroner if you want more details about the accident and how your loved one passed.
Consult a Doctor
If you are feeling excruciating pain (or even minor pain in some cases), you must visit a professional healthcare provider to get a complete checkup. Often, people get underlying issues in a car accident that unfolds later on if they do not get them treated on time.
Some injuries take time to show symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to get periodic checkups until you get healthy completely.
Figure Out the Estate
Someone needs to manage your deceased loved one’s estate. They might’ve left someone as the executor of their will. Find out who that is and make sure the estate is in the right hands.
Talk to a Lawyer
If someone you know died in a hit-and-run, a wrongful death attorney can help that person’s family get compensation. Those involved in fatal accidents that might be held responsible should also contact a lawyer.
These attorneys help you review the facts and advise whether you or your loved ones are entitled to pursue a lawsuit.
Personal injury lawyers or car accident lawyers also help in handling these cases.
Notify Insurance
A wrongful death lawsuit begins with notifying the insurance of the at-fault driver. Organize this step with your attorney. Other relevant parties, like the at-fault driver’s employer, will also be notified.
Also Read: Your Guide to Making Informed Car Insurance Choices!
Begin Investigation
Both your loved one’s insurance company and the lawyer will begin their investigations. Keep communicating with them about their progress and see if you can gather the information they need. Also, you can learn about the car tire aging investigation.
The investigation will tell you the reason behind the accident clearly. You will learn if the battery was dead, if there was any other technical issue with the vehicle, or if it was the mistake of another car driver.
Medical bills may pile up after a deadly car accident. Talking to a lawyer about getting them paid by the right people is very important.
Attorneys can also try to suspend certain payments until after a claim is settled.
Pursue a Settlement
Close relatives of those affected in deadly car accidents are entitled to things like lost income, emotional distress, lost inheritance, and funeral expenses.
Attorneys will secure settlements by showing proof of responsibility for the at-fault driver. A trial might occur if the at-fault driver’s insurance contests their claims.
Conclusion
Deadly car crashes take a huge emotional toll on those affected, which is why it’s important to take the right steps to be properly compensated. Use this guide to make the correct decisions even during a difficult time.
