According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 30,196 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2010. These victims leave behind loved ones who may struggle emotionally and financially because of their losses. Many of these victims died because of someone else’s negligence, whether it be related to drunk driving, reckless or distracted driving, or other types of traffic violations.
Although it may be the last thing on a surviving family member’s mind, discussing the case and potential legal claim with a lawyer can be beneficial after an accident of this nature. Although no amount of money will resolve the grief or bring a loved one back, a wrongful death settlement can ensure that you and your family are supported financially after a fatal accident.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer Sooner Rather than Later
People do not always think clearly after the loss of a loved one when emotions and stress are at high levels, and subsequently they make many mistakes.
One mistake you do not want to make is to wait too long to seek legal help. The statute of limitations for wrongful death varies by state. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Once the time limit has expired, there is no second chance.
Hiring a lawyer early can also be beneficial because he or she can preserve evidence needed to support your claim. In some cases, fatal accidents are caused by defective parts in the vehicle. In this case, the car will need to be inspected and a report will need to be filed. In cases of accidents with a large commercial truck, evidence such as driving records and logbooks may have to be preserved to prevent them from being destroyed after a certain period of time. A lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure you have all the required documents.
Hiring a lawyer shortly after the accident may also help to ensure that you stay organized from the beginning. It can be much easier to gather documentation and organize it as things unfold rather than going back and trying to piece together documentation or chasing missing pieces of evidence. Your attorney can help you get organized and stay organized throughout the claims process.
Contact a Lawyer
A careless or reckless driver can take the life of a loved one in an instant. Nobody is truly prepared to lose a loved one suddenly, but filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help you and your family get though the financial hard times.
The attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC help accident victims or their families in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with injury or wrongful death claims after a serious accident. We can work to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and other emotional damages. Contact us at 215-642-2335.
