Losing a loved one to accidental death, such as a car crash, can be devastating. This grief can then be exacerbated by the number of things you’ll have to take care of immediately following the passing of your loved one. With that in mind, there is support out there to help you as you navigate these difficult times. If you have someone close to you that has recently passed as a result of some type of accident, here are some of the next steps you’ll need to take in order to ensure that everything is in order.
1. Hire a personal injury lawyer to help you file charges.
Some accidents are just that: accidents. Others, however, may occur as a result of negligence. For example, those who have had a family member die in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence will see that it is a case of wrongful death rather than an accident. In cases like these, you may wish to take legal action in order to press charges and receive compensation for the physical and emotional damage caused. If this is something that you wish to pursue, consider reaching out to a high-quality personal injury lawyer like those at Dante Law Firm. With the right personal injury lawyers, you can ensure that your case produces the desired outcome so that you can make the necessary arrangements for your loved one and handle any other financial needs.
2. Reach out to nearby funeral homes.
Sudden deaths can leave you wondering how to handle the funeral or memorial arrangements. Although it can be quite jarring, the best first step to take is to speak with local funeral homes or services that can help you figure out which arrangements you want to make for your loved one. For example, if your loved one expressed a desire to be cremated, you can reach out to Heritage cremation provider to learn more about what cremation arrangements entail, how they can help you memorialize your family member, and what other services they provide (providing a death certificate, helping you file for social security benefits, and more) that’ll make dealing with the necessary responsibilities outside of the funeral that much easier. This can be a difficult step but with the right support and guidance, you will be well-cared for as you memorialize your loved one.
3. Begin executing their will and managing their belongings.
Memorializing your loved one is often something that’s done within a few days after they’ve passed. However, this is not the end of the tasks you’ll need to manage for your loved one who has moved on. You’ll also need to handle responsibilities such as executing the will or becoming an administrator, canceling subscriptions and bank accounts, and reaching out to the Social Security Administration and relevant credit agencies. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of these tasks, consider reaching out to family and friends who can help you along the way.
4. Make sure to prioritize self-care.
Juggling the responsibilities above while navigating the grief process can be debilitating at times. As such, it’s important that you prioritize self-care in order to stay healthy and capable of handling the emotions you’re feeling. Whether this means going to therapy, finding exercises that help you stay calm and relaxed, or seeking out ways to release and process your emotions, self-care is crucial moving forward.
Receiving news that your loved one has died unexpectedly can leave you wondering what the next steps are supposed to be. If you have lost a loved one in an accident and need to know how to proceed, the list above will illustrate some of the major tasks and focuses you’ll have in the weeks ahead.
