Few tragedies compare to losing a loved one in a sudden car crash, only to have the at-fault driver flee the scene. Amid the grief and turmoil, you may feel lost, angry, and even hopeless. But you don't have to go through this heartbreaking time alone.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, we understand the devastating impact of this loss. Our experienced Omaha wrongful death lawyer can guide your family through the legal process of pursuing justice and accountability on behalf of your loved one.
What to Do Immediately After a Fatal Hit and Run
After a deadly pedestrian accident, taking the right actions can protect your family's legal rights down the road. If you lost a relative in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Omaha, here are the key steps to take:
Call Police and Remain at the Scene
Immediately report the accident to law enforcement and remain at the scene until the officers arrive. Share every detail you can remember about the vehicle and driver, including:
- Make, model, and color of the car
- Full or partial license plate number
- Damage to the vehicle, including which area was impacted
- Physical description of the driver
- The direction the car was traveling before and after the crash
This early evidence is crucial for tracking down the suspect and building your case. If you didn't witness the collision yourself, check for nearby surveillance or doorbell cameras that may have captured footage of the incident.
Preserve Evidence from the Scene
If it's safe to do so, take photos and videos of the crash location from multiple angles, showing:
- Your loved one's injuries and final resting position
- Vehicle debris, skid marks, and property damage
- Traffic signs and signals near the intersection
- Lighting, weather, and road conditions at the time
Keep the contact information of any eyewitnesses who witnessed the incident or interacted with the driver. Their testimony can help substantiate your case. Your wrongful death attorney can also canvas for additional witnesses while memories are fresh.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your auto insurance provider to report the accident, even if your loved one was on foot. Ask if your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies, what steps to take, and what information they need. In Nebraska, UM policies often cover hit-and-run accidents up to the same limits as your liability policy.
Be cautious about giving a recorded statement without consulting a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters may attempt to shift blame to your loved one to limit payouts. An attorney can handle these conversations to protect your rights and interests.
Consult an Omaha Wrongful Death Attorney
Reach out to a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. Look for an attorney with experience handling hit-and-run wrongful death claims who can guide you through the process from day one.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Pedestrian Hit and Run
When a reckless hit-and-run driver shatters your world, you may be entitled to significant compensation for the losses you've suffered, including:
- Medical expenses related to your loved one's fatal injuries
- Funeral and burial costs
- Your family member's lost income and benefits
- Loss of care, guidance, and companionship
- Your pain, suffering, and mental anguish
A knowledgeable Omaha wrongful death lawyer can thoroughly investigate the accident to identify all potential sources of recovery, such as:
- The hit-and-run driver's auto insurance policy, if located
- Your own uninsured motorist coverage
- Additional parties that may have contributed to the crash
While a lawsuit can never bring back your loved one, it can ease the financial burdens you face and deliver a measure of justice for your devastating loss. By holding the at-fault driver accountable, you also help deter others from fleeing accident scenes in the future.
Our Compassionate Legal Team is Here to Help
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, we've guided heartbroken families through the unimaginable tragedy of losing someone they love in fatal hit-and-run accidents. We understand the legal and emotional challenges you're facing, and we're here to be the compassionate counsel you need every step of the way.
When you work with our skilled wrongful death attorney, you can expect:
- Personalized attention and responsive communication throughout your case
- Meticulous investigation to identify the hit-and-run driver and other liable parties
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to maximize your financial recovery
- Careful case preparation to take your claim to trial if a fair settlement isn't offered
- Considerate, client-focused service that helps shoulder your legal burdens
Taking legal action while you're grieving can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to shoulder this burden alone. Let us handle the insurance paperwork, accident investigation, and legal filings so you can focus on honoring your loved one's memory. You and your family deserve justice and support during this devastating chapter. Together, we'll explore your legal rights and options for moving forward after your tragic loss.