What to Do After a Fatal Accident

1. Take time to process the news. It is difficult to learn about the loss of a loved one. You need time to grieve. But remember: clear thinking after receiving tragic news can help you build a legal case.
2. Collect and preserve evidence about how the death occurred. Gather photos and videos taken at the scene (personal injuries and property damage), as well as notes about the accident damage and contact information for witnesses. Document the income your loved one made before their passing, how your loved one interacted with your family, and how the life of you and your family has been impacted by the passing of your loved one. If the fatal accident occurred in a car or truck accident, write down the license plate information, and make detailed notes about what happened. If the fatal accident occurred at work or in a recreational setting, take photos of the location of the accident, note the state of the environment at the time of the accident, and any apparel/equipment your loved one was wearing/using.
3. Report the death to the proper authorities and companies. The authority or company will depend on the circumstances of your case. We suggest contacting your loved one’s life insurance company and the police. If the fatal accident occurred in a car accident, report the accident to your loved one’s automobile insurance company. If the fatal accident occurred at work, contact the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
4. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the accident, there may be strict timelines for making reports and providing notice to potential lawsuit defendants, even before the lawsuit is started. Notice may need to be delivered within a short and strict time limit or else you may lose your right to sue. Legate Injury Lawyers is ready to help you navigate your requirement to send notice, make reports to bodies such as your loved one’s insurer and WSIB, and start a lawsuit. Consultations are free.