Introduction
Driving is a lot more dangerous than people believe. Car accidents are a leading cause of fatalities in the United States, leaving families devastated and struggling to adjust to life after the death of loved ones. This article covers what happens when someone dies in a motor vehicle accident, including legal obligations, and how personal injury medical records reviews can be undertaken to assist in the process.
The Impact of Car Accident Fatalities
In the year 2021, an estimate of over 42,000 people allegedly died because of unfortunate motor vehicle crashes. Over these past two years, an even greater number have been suffering from these accidents. These fatalities, regrettably, do not only remain with the family but impact them reasonably broad socially, emotionally and financially.
Emotional Toll
Emotional consequences concern grief, anxiety, and depression to name, which a person may suffer from, especially if they go through a sudden and tragic loss of a close friend or family member. Families may feel anxious without emotional support and remain numb or distressed by the overpowering change brought to their lives.
Financial Consequences
As it stands, families deal with tremendous stress and also the costs of funereal arrangements, medical check-ups, and loss of income. Being aware of and seeking compensation may relieve some financial burden.
Legal Implications Following a Car Accident Death
There are some legal considerations that come into play following a death related to an automobile accident. These include;
Wrongful Death Claims
This procedure enables the family of the deceased to receive payment from the negligent party. Some elements include;
- Negligence: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the other party was negligent resulting into the claimable injury.
- Cashing members: In most cases, spouses, children or parents may initiate a claim.
- Cashable injuries: Medical expenses may be inclusive of but not limited to funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Insurance Claims
Families may also need to file insurance claims to cover expenses related to the accident. This process can be complex and may involve:
- Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are likely to undercut the pay-outs. Hence, family members must be aware of their position.
- Evidence: Police reports and hospital documents are some of the records necessary to make claims.
The Role of Medical Records Review
Medical records review is a vital service for attorneys representing families in wrongful death cases. This process involves:
- Assessing Medical Evidence: Verifying the medical records to find the injuries which led to death.
- Documenting Treatment: Making sure that every treatment and cost incurred is claimed so that reimbursement can be provided.
Benefits for Attorneys
- Strengthening Cases: A thorough medical records review can provide critical evidence to support claims for damages.
- Enhancing Credibility: Accurate medical documentation enhances the credibility of the case in court, making it easier to argue for fair compensation.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Fatal Car Accident Due to Driver Negligence
Overview: A family lost their father in a car accident due to a careless driver who was distracted by his phone.
Challenges: The burden of proving the negligence of the driver and the repercussions the family is undergoing.
Solutions: The medical records review can support the claim with the father’s medical expenses incurred before his death and statements from witnesses supporting the father’s claims of the driver’s distraction.
Case Study 2: Car Accident Resulting in Multiple Fatalities
Overview: The death of two individuals from a multi-car crash that left their families mourning.
Challenges: Proving negligence is difficult in this case since many parties were responsible for the accident.
Solutions: An in-depth analysis and examination of the medical records provided the sequence of events and the injury’s sustained severity.
Conclusion
No one ever wants to navigate the profound loss of their loved one or the trauma incurred during a car accident which led to someone’s death. However, it is important for the family to know what the first steps should be taken which could help the family prepare for a compensation case in the future. Seeking legal assistance along with proper documentation helps the family fight for justice and relief during a horrendous event in their lives.