What Happens When Someone Dies Due to an Auto Accident?

Losing a loved one in an auto accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. Beyond the grief, you may suddenly find yourself facing medical bills, funeral costs, and questions about your legal rights. In Pennsylvania, families may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the at-fault driver accountable and seek compensation. At Edgar Snyder & Associates, our experienced auto accident attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process so you can focus on healing.

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Immediate Steps After a Fatal Auto Accident

In the aftermath of a fatal accident, it’s hard to know what to do. These steps can help protect your family’s rights:

• Call 911 immediately to ensure medical and law enforcement response.
• Notify the authorities and ensure an official police report is created, then obtain a copy of the report when it becomes available.
• Preserve evidence whenever possible: photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and witness contact information can all support a future wrongful death claim. Acting quickly can make a significant difference if your family chooses to pursue legal action.

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Legal Process After an Auto Accident Death

If your loved one was killed in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania. This civil claim allows families to recover damages even if criminal charges are never filed.

In Pennsylvania, families typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Note that limited exceptions can pause or extend that deadline in some situations, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly ensures your attorney has the best chance to collect evidence and witness testimony before memories fade.

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Understand Your Legal Rights

It is important for you to know your legal rights after a fatal auto accident.Without an attorney, you may not fully understand your legal rights making it more difficult for you to recover the proper compensation. If your loved one was working at the time of the accident, you can receive compensation through a claim of Workers’ Compensation death benefits. In addition, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for economic wages such as wage loss and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of companionship. Surviving family members can also seek recovery for funeral and burial costs as part of the economic damages under Pennsylvania law.

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Emotional and Psychological Support for Families

Losing a family member in a car accident is devastating, and the grief can feel overwhelming. Counseling, support groups,and community resources can make a difference. At Edgar Snyder & Associates, we often connect grieving families with trusted local organizations and grief counselors. We know that true recovery means more than financial compensation. It also means having the support to begin healing emotionally.

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Preventing Future Fatal Auto Accidents

One reason families pursue wrongful death claims is to prevent future tragedies. Holding negligent drivers’ accountable helps send a clear message that reckless or distracted driving has serious consequences. Beyond compensation, your case can make roads safer and bring awareness to dangerous behaviors that cause fatal crashes.

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Talk to an Auto Accident Lawyer Today

No family should have to go through this alone. At Edgar Snyder & Associates, our attorneys have decades of experience guiding families through wrongful death claims in Pennsylvania. We will handle the legal and financial details so that you can focus on your loved ones.

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Call us today for a free consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin protecting your family’s rights.