Coping With Losing a Family Member in a Vehicle Accident

The loss of a family member is one of life’s most stressful events, particularly for those who lost someone in a car accident. Anger and depression can take root and make the grieving process unbearable. It is during these trying times that the advice of a knowledgeable wrongful death attorney comes in handy.

Everyone grieves differently

People’s feelings are different. One person might feel depressed while another might feel angry and hopeless. Some might lack the strength to go on. These feelings can come and go or become constant. If you have lost a significant other, don’t give up. You will face unique challenges but it will get better.
Grief feelings can manifest outside or inside. In other words, you might keep feelings inside but that doesn’t mean you don’t care. Perhaps you express your feelings but you are grieving constantly. Whether you choose to speak out your grief or to remain silent, you should accept the reality of the loss and seek professional help.

Work through your pain

Dealing with intense emotional pain is a long-term process. Emotional healing doesn’t happen overnight. You must be patient, give yourself a break and take some time to heal. If you lost someone that was an important part of your life, you will think about the good times but also think about what you never had. You need to adjust to the new environment and get used to new routines. As you embrace your new life, the pain of loss will subside. Remember grief is a natural healing process. But in some cases, it might also disrupt your physical health, which will definitely require medical attention.

Filing wrongful death claim

When someone dies in a vehicle accident, the most important step is to find out what caused the death. If there was negligence on behalf of the at–fault driver or any other party, surviving family members can receive compensation for the unexpected costs. This is particularly true in cases where the deceased was the main provider. Acting early can make a huge difference and help prevent financial hardship.

Proving your claim

You should keep some things in mind when proving your wrongful death claim:

• Someone was at fault – Every case is different. This is why hiring an attorney can help you take a closer look at the circumstances of your accident. Sometimes more than one party is responsible for the accident or incident that led to the injuries and damages.
• Prove your relationship to the deceased - You may need a copy of the deceased’s will, your birth certificate if the deceased was one of your parents, and insurance policy if you are a beneficiary.
• Lost of income – Besides being emotionally painful, losing a loved one can become a financial burden. The deceased’s earnings can be calculated and you may be entitled to compensation.

Wrongful death damages

• Funeral costs
• Pain and suffering
• Medical costs
• Expected income and loss of inheritance
• Loss of companionship, love, guidance, or any other support the deceased provided.

If you have lost a family member or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule your initial case evaluation with one of our talented personal injury attorneys.

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