What to Do if a Loved One is Involved in a Fatal Car Accident

A fatal car accident is every family’s worst nightmare. It happens without any notice and always leaves a massive void. Knowing how to respond after a shocking accident is absolutely imperative.

3 Steps to Take in the Wake of a Fatal Car Accident

Between 1913 and 2019, motor vehicle deaths in the United States increased by a whopping 831 percent, from 4,200 deaths in 1913 to a staggering 39,107 deaths in 2019. And while that number is somewhat misleading (there were just 2 million drivers in 1913, compared to the 231 million licensed drivers today), the fact remains: Car accidents can be deadly.

Nobody ever expects it to happen to their family, but if a loved one is killed in a fatal car accident, it’s important that you know what to do.

Here’s a recommended plan of action:

1. Hire a Skilled Lawyer

The first step is to hire a skilled and experienced car accident attorney to help you handle the situation. Fatal car accidents are a lot more complicated than your typical wreck. There are legal and financial complexities that must be worked through with a fine-tooth comb. If you try to hire any old lawyer off the street, you could end up compromising your case in a pretty serious way.

A good fatal accident lawyer is someone who is experienced and has a track record of obtaining positive outcomes, verdicts, and settlements for their clients. You need someone who has a solid reputation in the community and is able to put together a team of skilled professionals to build a solid case (even if it goes to court).

The attorney should also be someone whom you connect with. This is a highly emotional and sensitive time. You’ll be spending a lot of time communicating with your attorney. Make sure this is someone you feel connected to in some capacity. They don’t have to give you warm and fuzzy feelings, but there should be a high degree of trust present.

2. Know the Facts

Wrongful death suits are very unique. For starters, the victim has passed away and is not able to advocate on their behalf. Thus the question arises: Who brings the suit forward?

Every state has its own rules regarding who may file a wrongful death suit, but it’s typically limited to spouses, domestic partners, and children of the deceased. If the deceased individual is a minor, then a parent or guardian is able to file the case.

As far as the process goes, there’s typically an orderly sequence of events that occurs. This begins with the filing of the claim and a settlement demand (which you and your attorney will determine). This claim and demand is sent to the responsible insurance company, who then negotiates with you based on the first offer. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, the case will eventually be taken to trial.

3. Focus on Healing

Unexpectedly losing a loved one in a fatal car accident can do a number on your mental and emotional health. Once you hire a legal team, it’s time to step back and let them take over the reins. From this point,100 percent of your focus is on healing.

Grief manifests itself in a variety of ways. It’s difficult, messy, and lingering. And if you aren’t careful, it can push you into some not-so-positive habits and tendencies.

“Grief is an emotional work that is natural, normal and necessary,” bereavement counselor Ricki Ray explains. “However, our culture tends to believe that anything that hurts is bad, so many of us have not been taught how to properly deal with grief and loss. In avoidance, you may seek other means to release emotions or distract from the pain, such as busyness, food and substance abuse, isolation, shopping or excessive sleeping.”

The key is to address the emotional work head-on, rather than letting it fester beneath the surface. This includes processing emotions, talking through your feelings, and meeting with a therapist or counselor to help guide you through healthy steps you can take to find healing.

Putting the Pieces Back Together

It’s impossible to fill the empty void that a fatal car accident leaves behind in your family. However, with the right plan of action, you can slowly rebuild and put some of the pieces back together.

Surround yourself with the right people and patiently advocate for your family’s rights. It won’t always be easy or quick, but healing will eventually come.

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