Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Accident

Summertime is a busy season here in the Lowcountry, with families flocking to the beach, cooling off at the pool and enjoying picnics and playdates. With our weekend schedules jam-packed – and many employees back at work – the roadways are busier than ever. 

More drivers on the road means more potential for car accidents. In fact, Charleston, SC ranks number 12 on a national list of cities whose residents have the most car crashes, according to Insurify.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported 1,025 traffic fatalities in 2020 alone on South Carolina roads, despite the decrease in driving due to travel restrictions and shelter-in-place orders.

If your loved one was killed in a fatal car accident, contact Hoffman Law Firm to assist with filing wrongful death claim today. As your trusted car accident law firm in Charleston, our wrongful death attorneys are here to help with your accident claim.

If the car crash involved another driver’s negligence, we will seek justice on your family member’s behalf. Read on to learn more about filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Qualifies to Receive Compensation After a Fatal Car Accident?

The following individuals may be eligible for compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • Immediate surviving family members, including:
    • Wife or husband 
    • Child(ren) of the deceased
    • If there is a spouse and children, the settlement will be divided. The spouse will receive half and the children will split the rest. Note: If the children are minors, they will not receive their portion of the settlement until they are legally adults.
  • If there is no spouse or children, then the parent or parents of the deceased; or
  • If there are no parents, then the deceased’s heirs

If you are not sure whether or not you are eligible for compensation, consult our Charleston car accident attorneys. 

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?  

Losing a loved one is heartbreaking, especially when another driver’s reckless behavior or negligence is to blame. Here at Hoffman Law Firm, our wrongful death lawyers in Charleston will fight to hold the at-fault driver responsible and secure the compensation that your family is entitled to. Plus, we’ll handle all communication with the driver’s insurance company, helping to bear the burden as your family heals.

By filing wrongful death claim in South Carolina, it will provide financial compensation to the deceased’s surviving family members. You may receive compensation for the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of emotional support and companionship
  • Loss of financial support
  • Property damage

Hoffman Law Firm is Here to Help You Recover. 

Our Charleston auto accident attorneys are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve – and supporting you through this difficult time. We will first form a strong attorney-client relationship, then offer legal advice and guidance throughout the process.

In addition to car accident cases, Hoffman Law Firm handles a variety of injury claims, from personal injury to Workers’ Compensation and everything in between. Schedule your free consultation at our Charleston law firm with our experienced South Carolina attorneys today!

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