Can You File a Claim if the Victim Died Weeks After the Crash?

You can still file a claim if the victim died weeks after a crash due to severe accident injuries. Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the victim’s death date to file a wrongful death lawsuit after a car accident, so we recommend consulting with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can help you seek justice for your loved one and protect your family’s future. 

What to Do if Your Loved One Dies Weeks After a Car Crash in Fort Lauderdale

If you lose someone you love due to injuries suffered in an auto accident, we recommend taking the following steps:

• File a police report: You should notify the police so law enforcement can write a report or update an existing report.
  
• Gather evidence: Keep copies of all relevant evidence, such as medical records, police reports, photographs, and contact information from witnesses.
  
• Avoid talking to insurance adjusters: The insurance company may use your words against you to weaken your wrongful death claim. A car accident lawyer can talk to the insurer on your behalf so you can focus on grieving.
• Consult a wrongful death lawyer to learn your legal options: A car accident attorney can review your case and help you avoid mistakes that could negatively impact your insurance claim or civil lawsuit.
• File a wrongful death lawsuit: Insurance companies want to avoid going to court because the legal process is time-consuming and expensive, and a jury verdict could award you more compensation. Filing a lawsuit could show the insurer you are serious about recovering fair compensation for your loved one’s passing.

What if the Decedent Filed a Personal Injury Claim Before They Died?

Car accident victims often file personal injury claims to recover compensation for damages. If someone you love filed a claim but then died from their injuries later, their personal injury claim can convert to a wrongful death claim instead. Your personal injury attorney can advise you about this process.

Compensation You Can Claim if the Victim Died After a Crash in Ft. Lauderdale

Wrongful death lawsuits seek damages for surviving family members of fatal car accident victims, such as their spouse and children. If the decedent was a minor or there is no living spouse or children, the deceased person’s parents may receive compensation. 

Per Florida Statutes § 768.21, wrongful death damages generally include:

• Funeral expenses
• Burial or cremation costs
• Medical expenses incurred between the accident and the decedent’s passing
• Loss of income
• Loss of support and services
• Loss of companionship, protection, instruction, and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale?

In Florida, the decedent’s personal representative (estate executor) must file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the decedent’s heirs. Your lawyer can assist you with this process. 

How a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help You

A car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you by investigating the crash, gathering evidence to support your legal claim, negotiating with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement, representing you in court (if necessary), and protecting your rights.

If you choose our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers to handle your wrongful death case weeks after an accident, you can expect us to offer:

• Responsive and prompt communication
• Extensive legal experience 
• An ability to handle even the most complex cases
• Caring, compassionate, and attentive staff
• Awareness of your unique needs

You can sue after a delayed death in Fort Lauderdale, and we can handle the transition from a personal injury to a wrongful death case, if necessary. Our case results demonstrate our determination to achieve positive outcomes, and our client testimonials show that we truly care about serving victims and their families. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in Fort Lauderdale?

Our personal injury law firm handles fatal car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t need to pay us anything upfront or out of pocket. In fact, you will only pay attorney fees if we secure financial compensation for you, and our payment will come out of your settlement or court award. If we don’t win your case, you’ll pay us nothing. 

Contact Us for Help to File a Claim if the Victim Died After a Crash

Losing someone you love in a car crash is tragic and heartbreaking, but you have legal options if someone’s negligent behavior is responsible for their fatal injuries. A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help. It would be our privilege to represent you and your family to seek justice for your lost loved one. 

Even if a car accident victim died later in Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s statute of limitations (Florida Statutes § 95.11) gives you two years from their death date to take legal action against the at-fault party. Don’t wait to secure legal representation for a claim if the victim died after the crash. For a free initial consultation, please call (954) 633-8270 today.