Losing a child is a feeling that is unbearable. It's even harder when you know that their death could have been prevented, had another driver chosen not to drink and get behind the wheel of their vehicle. On average, over 10,000 people per year succumb to injuries resulting from an auto accident caused by a drunk driver. If a drunk driving incident has changed your family's life for good, now is the time to contact a reputable wrongful death attorney. Here are some reasons why you should.
To Handle Insurance Claims
When an accident occurs and there is damage to the vehicle or harm to drivers or passengers, your auto insurance company should be contacted right away. They will come to the accident site and gather facts. They may also have a lot of questions in the days following the tragic accident. Hiring a wrongful death attorney is a good idea so that they can handle most of the questions the insurance company may have about the accident. Not all insurance companies use proper claim techniques. They could be looking for loopholes so they don't have to pay excessive damages. Your attorney will be able to act as a liaison for you by answering questions and using this documentation should your case go to court.
For Emotional Pain And Suffering
While there is never any amount of money that can bring your child back, your attorney will request a monetary amount as he builds a lawsuit against the individual who caused the accident. Emotional pain and suffering amounts range and vary in amounts, depending on what state you live in and considers other factors, including how and when the accident occurred. Something the driver's attorney may try to prove is negligence on your teen's part or failure to practice good judgement. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- Was your teen drinking too?
- Was your child out past her curfew?
- Did your teenager have a valid driver's license or permission to be out at the time of the accident?
These factors could sway a judge in determining the dollar amount or pain and suffering, if your teen was breaking any rules or laws at the time of the accident. An aggressive accident and personal injury attorney will be able to refute these factors in court if the facts prove the teenager was not at fault.
To Relieve Financial Burden
The effect of the accident can easily leave you and your finances in financial ruin. Costs deriving from medical care, insurance deductibles and taking time off of work can affect your cash flow greatly. Part of building a case should involve going after the defendant's insurance company as well as making the defendant financially responsible for any burden you have suffered resulting from the accident.
Aggressively Pursue A Criminal Case
Most importantly, you'll want the defendant in this case who killed your child, to suffer to the full extent of the law. While the state where the accident occurred will likely press charges, your attorney can help represent you during your testimony and recommend to the judge that the driver be punished to the full extent of the law.
You've suffered painfully long enough. Call a wrongful death attorney today and get a head start on justice for your teenager.
