Losing a loved one in a fatal car wreck is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face. In addition to grieving after such a tremendous loss, you must navigate complex insurance matters and potential legal action.
You do not need to face your hardships alone. At Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys at Law, our experienced wrongful death lawyer understands how difficult this time is for you and your family. We can provide compassionate support and exceptional legal counsel during your time of need.
If you’ve lost someone in a fatal crash due to someone else’s negligent actions, consider the following steps.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer
If your spouse, child, parent, or other family member perished from injuries sustained in a car accident, contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options. When reckless or careless behavior of a negligent driver results in death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation.
At Fuller & Fuller Attorneys at Law, our wrongful death attorney, Marya Fuller, will review the facts in your case and assess the merits of your claim. She will discuss the details of Washington’s wrongful death law and advise you on your next steps. She knows this is more than just a case for you; it may be one of the most challenging moments in your life. She will help you through this difficult time with dignity and compassion.
Gather and Preserve Evidence
As difficult as it is after losing a loved one, it is essential to gather and preserve evidence to support your case. This is why hiring a wrongful death lawyer to conduct an investigation should be one of your first courses of action.
Your attorney will gather pertinent evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, videos, photographs, and medical documents. If you don’t have your loved one’s medical records, your attorney will reach out to obtain the necessary records and paperwork. You will also need a Death Certificate from the Washington State Department of Health.
Assume Responsibility for the Estate
Responsibility must be assumed by someone to manage the estate of the deceased, which includes your loved one’s money, property, other assets, and debts. The deceased may have left behind a will that names a specific individual as the executor. Probate courts give executors the power to manage the legal and financial matters of the deceased. This is typically a spouse, adult child, or parent. The wrongful death attorney may arrange to have a probate action started if it is necessary for the pursuit of the wrongful death case.
Notify the Insurance Company
To begin a wrongful death claim, your attorney will notify the insurance company of the at-fault driver. Your lawyer will also notify any other relevant parties. For example, if the accident involved a negligent truck driver who was working at the time of the wreck, his or her employer will be notified to ensure potential evidence is preserved.
If you are contacted by an insurance company, tell them you’ll get back to them and contact your attorney. You do not have to make any impromptu statements or answer any of the investigator’s questions. Your lawyer will prepare your statement and answer any questions you may have. Your attorney will ensure the insurance company gets the information it needs without overly burdening you and your family during this difficult time.
Pursue Full and Fair Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
While no monetary award can make up for your devastating loss, compensation in a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burdens that accompany the unexpected death of a loved one.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Burial or cremation costs
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of support
- Mental anguish
- Loss of parental care and guidance
- Loss of companionship
- The pain and suffering your loved one endured
- The diminution of the size of their estate due to their untimely passing
Call an Olympia Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you lost someone dear in a car accident, contact Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys at Law as soon as possible. Experienced wrongful death attorney Marya Fuller can inform you of your legal options and help you pursue the compensation you need to get your family back on track.
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Contact our office today online or at (800) 570-4878 for an initial consultation. Our firm proudly serves clients in Olympia, Tacoma, and nearby areas in Washington.
