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When someone dies from a car wreck you were in, it is always advisable to contact 911 or the police. These authorities will take statements from the parties involved to understand how the event happened. They will also get emergency medical care for victims with injuries.
If your loved one dies from a car wreck in South Carolina, you may get compensation from the party at fault or the deceased’s insurance company. Your lawyer will guide you in claiming damages and filing a lawsuit against a negligent party. They can also handle various legal procedures to allow you to mourn the loss with less worry.
Steps to Take After a Fatal Car Wreck in South Carolina
If you were involved in a car accident that resulted in a fatality, call 911. South Carolina requires you to report a fatal car accident. You have a right to legal representation if you decide to file a claim or lawsuit for your injuries or if the family of the deceased files a claim or lawsuit against you.
If you were involved in the accident, insurance adjusters will contact you for a statement. Avoid discussing who bears the fault for the accident. Do not give insurance adjusters any comment on your injuries, either. Simply tell them you are seeing a doctor. You should get immediate medical attention, even if you believe you only have minor injuries. Our legal team can review your statement before you speak with an insurance adjuster.
If You Lost a Loved One
If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. Usually, the deceased’s will names a representative of the estate, and this person files the claim or lawsuit. If there is no will, the court will appoint a representative. Typically, a spouse, child, or parent can take legal action.
If the case settles or the court awards compensation, the representative will then distribute the awards among the surviving family members.
Determining Liability for Death from a South Carolina Car Wreck
You must determine the liable party before claiming damages for the death of a loved one. This process is also necessary if the deceased was a passenger during the collision.
We can investigate how your loved one’s crash happened to determine liability. During this process, we can use police and medical reports then interview witnesses. We may also consult with experts to reconstruct the scene.
Additional evidence may include:
- Surveillance camera footage
- Images of the scene
- Statements from drivers and passengers
Based on the details gathered from these sources, our lawyers can work to prove that someone was liable for the fatal accident. They can then present this evidence in court or during negotiations with insurance companies when seeking compensation.
What Forms of Compensation Can I Pursue?
When your loved one dies from a South Carolina car wreck, you may wonder about the compensation you will get. In most cases, the reimbursement value will differ depending on various factors. Such include the deceased person’s income, the number of dependents, and if they were the sole provider.
A lawyer from our firm can determine the proper amount to claim from the liable party. We can assess all the damages caused by the death and assign them a monetary value. Damages may include:
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of future income
- Potential earnings
Since your loved one may have been in hospital for a while before their death, you may have pending medical bills. Our lawyers can help you prove that your loved one’s injuries resulted from the accident. We can then fight to recover these medical expenses.
The death of a loved one also leads to pain and suffering, which is difficult to calculate. Luckily, our lawyers can determine the proper compensation for non-economic damages. With their guidance, you can assess the cost of therapy to help you recover from the traumatic events. You can also seek compensation for the support you will lose due to the death.
Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers For a Free Case Consultation
At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we can guide you through the steps to take after a death caused by a car crash. If you lost a loved one, you deserve to grieve in peace right now. While you honor your loved one’s memory, we can handle your wrongful death case.
Our attorneys in South Carolina will determine liability and seek justice. We can investigate your loved one’s accident and file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party responsible for the crash. Call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers now at (888) 612-7001 for a free case assessment. We can explore your legal options and explain how we can help.