The thought of losing a loved one in a tragic crash is something no one wants to think about. However, crash data shows that the number of fatal crashes continues to increase year after year. The number of fatalities from traffic accidents in 2023 looks like it will surpass those in 2022, according to early crash data.
In the immediate hours, days, weeks and even months following the loss of a loved one, family members may be at a loss for what to do, especially from a legal perspective. However, to help protect your best interests, there are some definite dos and don’ts you want to be sure to avoid.
Schmidt Kramer attorney Scott Cooper speaks to CBS 21 News about the steps you can take to avoid some very common, but critical legal mistakes family members often make in this situation. Cooper is a personal injury lawyer whose practice focuses on motor vehicle crashes and has over 30 years of experience.
Critical Legal Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest legal mistakes family members often make happens soon after the crash. Family members, who may not be aware of all their rights, may make the mistake of speaking to the lawyer of the other driver.
Cooper offers some tips on what to do after a crash and how to avoid some common, but critical legal mistakes.
Seek Legal Help Right Away
The best thing you can do after a tragic crash involving the loss of a loved one is to contact your family lawyer immediately. If you do not have one, you can call an auto accident lawyer to help ensure your legal rights and best interests are protected.
Write it Down
If you speak with the police, crash scene investigators or other first responders to your loved ones’ crash, be sure to write down the details of that conversation right away. Waiting to do this could result in you forgetting critical details that could be helpful later on.
Do Not Speak to the Other Driver’s Lawyer or Insurance Company
If the lawyer of the other driver is at the scene, which is most likely if the collision involved a commercial truck, do not speak with them. They do not have your interests in mind.
Open an Estate
After a loved one passes away in Pennsylvania, family members have to open an estate. Many people may be unsure how to proceed with this, but an attorney can help you with this.
Act Quickly
The most important step to remember, says Cooper, is to act quickly. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for taking legal action after a motor vehicle crash is two years from the date the incident occurred.
Seek Legal Help You Can Trust
At Schmidt Kramer, we have seen firsthand the devastation that occurs after a tragic crash. Our experienced auto accident lawyers in Pennsylvania are compassionate and deeply committed to protecting the rights of the injured and their families following a tragic crash.
Contact our law offices to learn more about your legal options. Our law firm has been representing the injured in Pennsylvania for decades, and we have a history of proven results.
If you choose our firm to represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We only get paid if you do.
Experienced Lawyers. Millions Recovered. (717) 727-1403