When a car accident happens, and someone is killed, the repercussions continue for decades. If your family member lost their life due to the mistakes of another driver, you have the legal right to seek financial compensation against those who hurt you with the help of a Walterboro wrongful death lawyer who is dedicated to offering compassion to our clients. Our Walterboro car accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you with this process.
Damages Recoverable in South Carolina After a Fatal Car Accident
One of the most common questions that victim families have is about the right to file a claim and what that claim should include. Every situation is vastly different, but the law allows victims to seek compensation for any losses caused to them as a result of the death. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Medical costs associated with the care of the individual who died after the accident prior to their death.
- The pain and suffering the decedent experienced prior to the death.
- Funeral, burial, and other end-of-life costs.
- Lost wages suffered prior to the death.
- Lost earnings following the death.
- Mental anguish, pain, and suffering by the family.
- Loss of expertise and knowledge.
- Loss of companionship and consortium.
- Property damage from the incident.
With the help of a Walterboro fatal car accident attorney, you gain the knowledge of what damages you may be able to recover in the case after our full investigation into what occurred and who is responsible. Our legal team recognizes the importance of going through this process and will not leave any stone unturned as we seek to maximize your claim. You are suffering serious losses, and you need an advocate ready to fight for you, like our Walterboro personal injury lawyers.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Car Accident
Wrongful death is the legal term Walterboro fatal car accident lawyer use for the legal process of seeking compensation from those at fault for the death of another person. In a fatal car accident, the victim may be unable to have a voice, but as an attorney for the estate and the close family members, you can expect the Shelly Leeke Law Firm to fight tirelessly for justice in your case.
Under the South Carolina Code of Laws Ann. Sec. 15-51-50, the person’s heirs or family members may take legal action to hold those who caused the death accountable, following a specific order. If you are a close family member and you are unsure if you have this right, we encourage you to reach out to us for clarity. Under the law, the following parties can seek wrongful death:
- The decedent’s spouse
- The decedent’s children
- The parents of the decedent, if no spouse or children are identified
- The heirs according to the law, if there is no parent, spouse, or child
- The estate of the decedent or the representative of that estate
How a Walterboro Fatal Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
It is not uncommon for a family to be approached after the death of a loved one with a settlement offer. It may seem like a fair amount of money to cover expenses and allow you to move on. Yet, you should not accept or even talk to the insurance company without the guidance of a fatal car accident attorney in Walterboro by your side.
- Determine all parties at fault: In many situations, more than one party is responsible for the accident, and in those cases, they all may be responsible for paying for losses.
- Determining all types of losses: Calculating the value of a person’s life is never possible, but our experience and knowledge enable us to calculate the losses you and your family have incurred due to the loss of your loved one, building a stronger case for you.
- We allow you to grieve: Instead of answering questions or trying to dig up medical records for insurance companies, we handle all of the legal work for you so that you can focus on your family’s recovery.
- Compassionate, aggressive support: There is a need for compassion in every fatality case, and with our experience, you can be sure that you will always be treated with respect.
- Trusted experience and proven results: Our attorneys can give you peace of mind because we have been where you are, and we have helped our clients recover the damages they deserve.
In complicated legal matters like wrongful death, having a trusted attorney with a strong reputation by your side advocating for you is critical, and it can be essential to your quality of life as well. This process is not simple. With the help of our Walterboro fatal car accident attorneys, you do not have to worry about the process or “what if” situations.
A Free Consultation Can Answer Your Questions
No matter where you are in the process right now, you can reach out to our fatal car accident lawyer in Walterboro for answers and guidance. We offer a free consultation as a way to provide you with clear insight into what is to come. When you set one up with us, you can expect the following:
- Our lawyers will answer your questions with the information we have and the knowledge we bring to the table.
- There is no obligation to work with us if you do not want to do so after our meeting.
- If you already have a settlement offer from the insurance company, we can review it and provide honest, transparent insight into whether it is fair or not.
We do not charge our clients for any case we do not win for them. For that reason, we will not provide you with inaccurate or inflated information about your case. Trust our Walterboro personal injury lawyer to be honest and open with you about your legal rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Legal Team Now to Get Answers You Need
Call the Shelly Leeke Law Firm now to get the legal guidance you need after the loss of your family member. Our Walterboro fatal car accident lawyer is committed to staying by your side throughout this process. Let us answer your questions and give you the resources you need to take action.