What happens when you lose a loved one to a motor vehicle crash?

Car accidents happen every day. Most times, people involved in accidents are able to walk away. Sometimes, however, that is not the case, and whole families are shattered as a result.

Sudden loss can be difficult to cope with. Surviving family members, particularly if they were in the vehicle at the time of the accident, may need extensive therapy to process their loss. Most times, money and an lawsuit are the farthest things from your mind after losing someone you love. However, it is important to remember that working with an attorney can protect your family after a fatal crash.

As soon as possible after losing a loved one due to a motor vehicle accident, you should seek out the advice of an experienced Louisiana personal injury attorney. Your lawyer should understand motor vehicle laws, which can help you understand your options. An attorney will not just file a lawsuit; he or she may be able to help your family recover after an accident, both financially and emotionally, by holding the person who caused the accident accountable in a court of law. Closure like that can help your family move on after an unexpected and devastating loss.

Losing a family member affects your finances

If the person who died was a wage earner in your home, your family will have to adjust substantially after the accident. In addition to loss of income, your family will also likely experience a number of major expenses immediately after an accident.

There may be medical bills, including ambulance charges and trauma care. Then there’s the cost of a funeral service and burial. Even the most basic services and burial options can cost thousands of dollars. You may have life insurance, but often it can take weeks, if not longer, to pay out. You’ll have to find a way to pay in the meantime.

When your family is grieving, therapy is often necessary. Depending on the size of your family and the extent of the trauma, that could represent a substantial amount as well. If the accident was caused by another driver, whether the person was just negligent, distracted or drunk, you shouldn’t be the ones shouldering those expenses. An attorney can help ensure that the person or people responsible for your loss are the ones who are held financially responsible as well.

Help for your family after a fatal crash

Your attorney can review a proposed settlement to determine if it is reasonable, as well as negotiate with insurance companies and others in the wake of a fatal crash. This kind of legal assistance allows you to focus on your family when they’ll need you the most.