At Maison Law, we represent those who have lost loved ones in Gilroy accidents. Our Gilroy accident lawyers are here to support you throughout the entire process or pursuing a claim against those who caused your family harm. We will handle your claim with sympathy and compassion during this difficult time in your life. Please contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case review to find out how you can move forward.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Fatal Accident?
Wrongful death claims are technically personal injury claims. Though there is no legal requirement stating that you need a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury claim, it can be beneficial, especially if you have lost somebody close to you in an accident. Our attorneys will help you approach your wrongful death claim by helping you with the following aspects:
- Initial Investigation: Providing you with a comprehensive investigation into how your loved one’s accident occurred
- Gathering Evidence: Gathering evidence that can bolster your claim such as incident reports, photographs, your loved one’s medical records, burial expenses, and more
- Dealing with Insurance: Handling all communications, including negotiation, with the insurance company
- Easing Family’s Burden: Handling your claim so that you do not have to deal with the burden and stress of the aftermath
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Gilroy?
No matter what led to your loved one’s loss of life, wrongful death claims that result from accidents in Gilroy can be complex matters. In any normal personal injury claim, you as the victim have the right to file a claim for damages against a party who caused you harm. However, in the event of a fatal accident, the rules change. There are certain people who may be eligible to file one of these claims, which include:
- A living spouse
- A living domestic partner
- Living children of the deceased
If a living spouse or children are not present to file a claim, a process known as “intestate succession” takes place, which means passing away without a will. From there, several other parties may be able to file a claim. These include the deceased’s parents, siblings, cousins, and more.
What Types of Gilroy Accidents Commonly Lead to Wrongful Deaths?
Fatal accidents often happen unexpectedly, leaving families to feel helpless and alone. There are many types of accidents that can lead to a fatality. These include some of the following:
- Car or truck accidents
- Motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents
- Product liability cases
- Burn-related injuries
- Other workplace-related accidents
- Medical malpractice claims
Building your wrongful death claim is not always easy to do, which is why you may benefit from speaking with an attorney who has previously handled these cases. With our help at Maison Law, as well as from our accident reconstruction experts, we can help you determine what happened at the time of your loved one’s accident and help you hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
What Should You Do After a Fatal Accident?
There are some steps that you can take following a fatal accident to ensure that your rights are protected as you move forward with a wrongful death claim. These include the following:
- Reporting the Accident: It is important that the accident is reported to police immediately so that it is documented.
- Collecting Information: You should always gather evidence at the scene and after your loved one’s accident. These include witness statements and contact information, as well as photos or videos.
- Telling the Insurance Company: It is important that you let your loved one’s insurance company know about what happened.
- Tracking Expenses: Make sure to record all expenses related to the loss of your loved one, including medical expenses and the cost of the funeral.
Contact a Gilroy Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
It is normal to feel unimaginable pain and stress associated with the loss of a loved one due to a fatal accident. You and your family may wonder where you can turn during these difficult times. At Maison Law, our Gilroy wrongful death attorneys are here to help you through this process so that you never have to face it alone. Please contact us today for a free and confidential case consultation to get started on this process.