The professionals generally recommend that you hire an attorney if you lose your spouse in a car accident. Getting compassionate legal advice from an Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer can prove invaluable during this challenging time.
An attorney can answer any questions you have about your legal situation and provide you with personalized guidance through the legal system. Working with a lawyer can allow you to hold the party responsible for your spouse’s death accountable.
Your lawyer may also help you secure the damages that you need to handle the financial pressures you face after the loss of a spouse.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer After Your Spouse Dies in a Car Accident?
You should get a lawyer after your spouse dies in a car accident because our personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis will put you first in this challenging time, answer any questions you have, and help you understand the legal options you have available.
While working with a lawyer cannot bring back your spouse, it does give you a chance to get a sense of closure by taking legal action against the at-fault party.
Your attorney will compassionately listen to all of your concerns, help you navigate the complicated legal system, and provide you with the support you need as you process your new situation.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
When Should You Get a Lawyer After the Death of a Spouse?
The professionals recommend that you contact an attorney quickly after a fatal car accident. Getting fast legal help is essential because it allows your attorney to:
Gather Evidence About the Collision
Attorneys can build a claim on your behalf by collecting evidence and finding the party responsible for the fatal car accident. Your Whitestown personal injury lawyer may need to:
- Speak to eyewitnesses
- Collect videos and photos of the collision
- Get a copy of all accident reports
- Work with wrongful death experts
Waiting to contact an attorney will make it more challenging for the law firm to collect all relevant evidence.
Handle the Insurance Company
The insurance company representing the at-fault driver may immediately begin pressuring your family. You don’t have to deal with these conversations alone. Instead, you can rely on your attorney to take charge of all legal matters, including communication with the insurance company.
Turning to a lawyer for help immediately can give you more time to provide for your family’s emotional needs.
Move Forward with a Claim before the Statute of Limitations Expires
Indiana will only give you two years to file a wrongful death claim after most fatal car accidents. Therefore, it’s essential to begin working with a lawyer quickly after a collision.
So, when should you hire a wrongful death lawyer? The professionals recommend that you reach out to a law firm as quickly as possible after a fatal car accident.
Do You Have a Legal Claim if Your Spouse Dies in a Car Accident?
Indiana’s laws on death from a wrongful act or omission may allow you to file a legal claim if you lose a spouse in a fatal collision. You may have a valid claim if your attorney can show that another party caused the accident through a negligent act, like running a red light or tailgating.
However, Indiana only allows a person’s personal representative to file a wrongful death claim. Your spouse may have selected you as a personal representative, in which case you can file this claim.
If your spouse did not have a chance to select a personal representative, the court may assign you to this role. You can discuss the role of the personal representative in more detail with your wrongful death attorney.
Damages Available if You Lost a Spouse in a Car Accident
A wrongful death claim may allow your family to secure the damages they need to face financial pressures after a fatal car accident. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive funds for:
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Your spouse’s hospital and medical expenses
- The loss of your spouse’s future earnings
- Loss of your spouse’s affection, love, and care
The damages to cover funeral, burial, and hospital expenses will go to the estate of your spouse. The other damages will go directly to you, along with dependent children and other relatives.
How Long Will Your Wrongful Death Claim Take?
The time required to complete a wrongful death claim after the loss of a spouse will vary. Insurance negotiations may take a few months. Filing a lawsuit against the liable party may take a year or more.
Talk to Us if You Lose Your Spouse in a Car Accident
Should you get a lawyer after your spouse dies in a car accident? Hiring an attorney can help you understand your options and ensure you get the compassionate support you deserve after the loss of a loved one.
You can turn to our team at Vaughan & Vaughan immediately after a fatal crash. We’re here to assist you in every way we can when you call or complete our online contact form.
