What Do I Do if My Family Member Was Killed in an Accident in North Carolina?

When a family member is killed as a result of an injury or accident that was not their fault, the whole world seems to shift. Too often, loved ones are taken too soon and through no fault of their own as a result of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck crashes, and DUI accidents. When this happens, most people experience a variety of emotions including grief, anger, frustration and more. There are a lot of things that need to be taken care of, but this can be difficult in the middle of so much emotional pain.

Here at Burton Law Firm, we compiled a list of important actions for you to take following the wrongful death of a family member. Our hope is that this will give you some answers and take at least some stress off of your plate so you can spend more time taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this difficult time.

If your family member was not at fault for the injury or accident that took their life, here are some things we suggest you do or consider as soon as possible:

  • PRESERVE EVIDENCE: Photos and videos get deleted, and memories start to fade quickly. If you’re thinking about filing a legal claim of any kind, make sure you take steps to keep crucial evidence from disappearing. This means making sure people save all cell phone photos and videos, write down and store the names and contact information for any witnesses, and safely store any and all relevant documents.
  • KEEP A JOURNAL: With so much going on, it can be hard to look back months later and remember all of the day-to-day events, feelings, and experiences that immediately followed after your loss; however, these details are really important if you end up filing a legal claim, so be sure to keep a journal where you can document everything. Additionally, a journal can also be a great coping tool because it gives you a safe space to reflect, vent, and remember.
  • CONSULT A LAWYER: Almost all NC wrongful death attorneys, including Burton Law, will provide you with a free consultation and will work on a contingency fee (so you wouldn’t owe attorney fees unless they recovered money for you). That said, make SURE the attorney you ultimately hire is someone who has experience handling North Carolina wrongful death cases. These cases are different from injury cases, and an experienced wrongful death attorney will know and be able to explain all of your legal options, and they’ll know how to maximize your recovery. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, you can relieve some of your stress by having an experienced lawyer guiding you every step of the way.

At Burton Law Firm, we have experience helping our clients bring successful wrongful death claims after losing a loved one. We know how difficult it is for families to go through this, so we walk with you every step of the way. Our compassionate legal team is there to answer your questions, talk with you about your legal options, protect your rights, and help you get the legal help you need. Give us a call today to get started: (833) 623-0042.

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