Losing a loved one brings unbearable pain, but suspecting that their death resulted from someone else’s negligence adds another layer of heartache. While nothing can return your loved one, quick action can help you get justice and compensation.
Get the crash report and medical records
Request a copy of the police accident report right away. This contains crucial details about what happened and how the other party’s negligence played a role in the fatal accident.
Additionally, make sure to get copies of all medical records from the ambulance team, emergency room and hospital that treated your loved one. Medical documents often help prove how the crash led to their death.
Preserve evidence from the scene
Time-sensitive evidence can disappear quickly, so document everything as soon as possible. These include:
- Photos of the area and other vehicles involved
- Pictures of skid marks and debris on the road
- Video footage from nearby security cameras
- Witness names and contact information
- Proof of weather and road conditions
Detailed documentation helps show what happened during the accident and strengthens your case.
Maintain the car and personal items
Keep your loved one’s damaged vehicle in its crash condition—do not repair or sell it. The vehicle itself serves as key evidence of the accident. Moreover, take photos and videos of the vehicle, just in case.
It’s also advisable to save their torn clothing, personal items from the crash and any broken car parts you find.
Avoid discussing details online
While sharing updates on social media might feel natural, resist posting about the incident or any legal plans. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys monitor these platforms closely. Even well-meaning posts can potentially hurt your case later.
Seek professional legal guidance
These steps might seem like a lot to handle when you’ve yet to fully grieve the loss of your loved one. However, you don’t have to do everything all by yourself.
Consulting a legal professional can help lessen the stress you carry. Wrongful death cases often have strict requirements and deadlines that can make things more confusing. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and advise you on what to do.
