When someone you love is killed in a car accident, nothing can truly prepare you for what comes next. Beyond the emotional shock and grief, you may find yourself dealing with phone calls, paperwork, and pressure from insurance companies. It can feel cold and overwhelming, and without the right support, it’s easy to make decisions that hurt your ability to recover financially.
At Gilbert Law Firm in Spokane, Washington, we’ve helped families across the region navigate the aftermath of fatal car accidents. Whether you’re dealing with a pushy insurance adjuster or unsure how to move forward, our team understands how to protect your rights and help you seek justice during the most difficult moments.
This blog explains how to handle the insurance process after a fatal car accident, and why working with a wrongful death attorney can help protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
What to Expect From the Insurance Company
After a fatal car accident in Washington, several different insurance companies may reach out to you:
- Your loved one’s auto insurance provider
- The at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Life insurance companies
- Health insurers or hospital billing departments
These companies often reach out quickly, sometimes within days of the crash. They may sound sympathetic, but their main goal is to settle the claim for as little as possible. Unfortunately, that often comes at the expense of grieving families.
Common Insurance Tactics That Could Hurt Your Case
If you’re not careful, some of the following tactics could result in you receiving far less compensation than you’re entitled to:
- Recorded statements: Adjusters might try to get you on record saying something they can use to deny or reduce your claim.
- Quick settlement offers: These are often made before the full cost of your loss is known.
- Requesting signed documents: You could unknowingly waive your right to pursue further compensation.
Before you speak with the insurance company, consider reaching out to a Spokane wrongful death attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your claim.
Fatal Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims in Washington
In Washington State, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident. This is separate from any insurance claim and allows families to pursue compensation for things like:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Lost income and financial support
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
While insurance might offer a small portion of what you’re owed, a wrongful death claim can help ensure that you and your family receive full consideration for the loss you’ve endured.
What Should You Do After a Fatal Car Accident?
If you’ve lost a loved one in a crash in or near Spokane, Washington, here are a few important steps you can take to protect your case:
1. Don’t give a recorded statement right away.
Wait until you’ve talked to a legal professional. What you say early on can affect the outcome of your claim.
2. Keep copies of everything.
Save all communication with insurance companies, medical bills, accident reports, and funeral records.
3. Avoid rushing to settle.
It might be tempting to accept the first offer you get, but it’s often far below what you truly deserve.
4. Get legal guidance.
A wrongful death lawyer can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for a fair resolution.
If you’re unsure about how to handle the back-and-forth with insurers, a legal team can step in and take the pressure off your shoulders.
Why You Shouldn’t Trust the Insurance Company to Be “Fair”
While you may assume your loved one’s insurance provider, or even the at-fault driver’s company, will do the right thing, it’s important to remember: these companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.
They may undervalue certain types of damages, especially:
- Loss of emotional support
- Future income your loved one would have earned
- Non-economic damages like grief and trauma
A fatal car accident lawyer can help make sure every element of your loss is considered.
Why Work With Gilbert Law Firm?
Insurance companies are often better equipped, better funded, and more experienced than grieving families. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.
When you work with Gilbert Law Firm, we step in and handle:
- All conversations and negotiations with the insurance companies
- Investigation into the crash and responsible parties
- Collection of medical and financial documentation
- A full assessment of your losses, both economic and emotional
- Legal filings if a wrongful death lawsuit becomes necessary
We’ve helped families throughout Spokane County and Eastern Washington find a path forward after fatal accidents, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Contact Gilbert Law Firm in Spokane, Washington
If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one in a fatal car crash and are overwhelmed by the insurance process, you don’t have to face it alone. The team at Gilbert Law Firm is here to support you with compassion and clarity.
Call us at (509) 321-0750 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and help you determine the best path forward.
