A fatal car crash often has a devastating impact on the family and friends of the person who has died. Unfortunately, land transport accidents are one of the leading causes of death in Australia, particularly among young adults.
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show a vehicle crash is the main cause of fatalities in the 1-14 age range. Furthermore, such accidents are the second and third most common cause of deaths in those aged between 15-24 and 25-44 respectively.
However, there is compensation available to the family members of people who have been killed in a car accident, including money for:
- Funeral or cremation expenses
- The cost of erecting a headstone
- The loss of financial support provided by the deceased
- Any loss of services associated with the accident, such as childcare
- Past economic losses
- Health care costs
Am I eligible to make a claim?
The Compensation for Relatives Act sets out the people who are eligible to pursue a claim for damages when a fatal car accident occurs. These include spouses, parents and children of the deceased. Sisters, brothers and half-siblings can also make a claim.
Nevertheless, there are time restrictions on lodging a claim, so it's important to seek the services of a compensation lawyer as soon as possible after the accident occurred.
This may be the last thing on your mind when you are still grieving the loss of a loved one, but a Motor Accidents Compensation for Relatives form must be completed within six months of the crash to protect your entitlements.
An expert legal team can take care of all the details so that you don't have to, helping to make sure all requirements are met on time and with minimal delays.
What are my next steps?
If you are not sure whether or not you are entitled to compensation for the death of a loved one in a fatal car accident, please contact Gerard Malouf & Partners for more information.
We offer free consultations to help guide you through the claims process and provide a no-win, no-fee payment structure should you decide to proceed with your case.
Our team will make all the necessary arrangements to begin your claim and we can fight your corner in court in the event your case goes in front of a judge.
