Levi KeswickIf you have recently lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. This can be an extremely difficult time, and it is important to take the proper steps to ensure that your loved one’s estate is taken care of. In this blog post, we will outline six important things that you need to do if you lose a loved one in a car accident.
1. Consulting with a wrongful death attorney
The first thing you should do if you lose a loved one in a car accident is to consult with a wrongful death attorney. If your loved one’s death was caused by another driver’s recklessness or negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit against that driver. A wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal options and whether or not you have a case. For example, if you live in Pittsburgh, you can find a wrongful death attorney in Pittsburgh by searching online. Consulting with a wrongful death attorney is important because they can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also help you navigate the complex legal process, which can be very confusing and overwhelming.
2. Obtaining a copy of the death certificate
The next thing you need to do if you lose a loved one in a car accident is to obtain a copy of the death certificate. This document will be important for many purposes, including proving your relationship to the deceased and establishing their date of death. In some cases, you may also need the death certificate to claim life insurance benefits or other financial assets. You can usually obtain a copy of the death certificate from the funeral home or mortuary where the deceased was taken. If you are unable to obtain a copy of the death certificate yourself, you can ask your attorney to help you get one.
3. Notifying the deceased’s employers and financial institutions
If your loved one was employed at the time of their death, you will need to notify their employer. You will also need to notify any financial institutions that they were associated with, such as banks, credit unions, and investment firms. This is important so that these organizations can take the proper steps to close out the deceased’s accounts and distribute any assets accordingly. Another important thing to do if you lose a loved one in a car accident is to notify the Social Security Administration. If your loved one was receiving Social Security benefits, those benefits will stop once they pass away.
4. Filing a claim with the deceased’s life insurance policy
If your loved one had a life insurance policy, you will need to file a claim with the insurer to receive the death benefit. The death benefit is typically paid out to the named beneficiaries listed on the policy. In some cases, you may be able to collect on more than one life insurance policy if the deceased had multiple policies. It is important to contact an attorney before filing any claims with an insurance company, as they can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive all of the benefits that you are entitled to.
5. Handling the deceased’s final expenses
One of the most important things you need to do if you lose a loved one in a car accident is to handle their final expenses. This includes things like funeral and burial costs, as well as any outstanding medical bills. In some cases, life insurance policies will cover all or part of the cost of the funeral. If this is not the case, you will need to find other ways to finance the funeral and other final expenses. You may be able to use money from a savings account or take out a loan. It is also important to notify the deceased’s creditors of their death so that they can stop trying to collect on any outstanding debts.
6. Taking care of yourself
It is important to remember to take care of yourself after losing a loved one in a car accident. This is a difficult and emotionally draining time, and it is important to give yourself time to grieve. Seek out support from family and friends, and consider talking to a counselor or therapist if you are having difficulty coping. It is also important to take care of your physical health during this time. Make sure to eat healthy meals, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you through this difficult time.
As we saw, there are a few important things you need to do if you lose a loved one in a car accident. While this is a difficult and trying time, it is important to take care of the practical matters so that you can focus on grieving and taking care of yourself. If you have any questions or need help with any of these steps, be sure to talk to an attorney who specializes in wrongful death cases. Good luck!
