No one ever wants to receive that call, the one where a stranger on the other end, heavy with the weight of unwelcome news, asks for you by name. They tell you they are calling on behalf of your loved one who has just been in a terrible car wreck involving another driver. Before you can prepare yourself for the worst, the stranger apologizes and informs you that your loved one did not make it through.
The sudden loss of a loved one in a car wreck is a profound tragedy. It can leave you feeling lost and paralyzed by grief. But you are not alone in this.
Take care of yourself and your family
First and foremost, give yourself permission to mourn. Grief does not adhere to a schedule, and you must honor your feelings and process your loss in a way that feels right to you. During this period:
- Lean on your support network of friends and family.
- Consider professional grief counseling, which can offer a structured approach to healing.
- Look into local support groups where you can connect with others who understand what you are going through.
Grieving is a physical and emotional process, and it is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
Understand your legal rights
As you process your loss, know you have rights and options under Georgia law. If negligence or wrongful actions led to the car wreck that took your loved one’s life, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Take note of the following:
- Immediate family members, such as a surviving spouse, children or parents, have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia.
- The statute of limitations for such claims is typically two years, and you must act within this time limit.
- A wrongful death claim can allow you to seek compensation for the full value of the life of the deceased, including lost wages, benefits and loss of companionship.
Had they survived the wreck, your loved one may have wanted to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for the damages they suffered. A wrongful death lawsuit gives you a legal avenue to recover justice on their behalf.