WHEN A LOVED ONE IS KILLED IN A CAR CRASH, HOW CAN THE FAMILY AFFORD THE SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED FUNERAL EXPENSES?

For the grieving family in any wrongful death claim, an additional unexpected consequence of the tragic event is the sudden funeral expense for the deceased. Funeral expenses can be made a part of the wrongful death claim against the adverse, at-fault party, but often- and especially in cases where liability for the death is disputed- receipt of the funds by the victim’s estate can be uncertain, or at the very least months or years down the road.

Families whose loved ones die in auto crashes should always look to the auto insurance policy of the deceased (or the parents or spouse in the deceased’s household), because in Washington, under RCW 48.22.095(1)(b), the Personal Injury Protection coverage on an auto policy will provide for at least some amount of funeral expense- usually up to $2,000. Given funeral costs today, this may not be enough, but it is something that (unless PIP coverage has been rejected by the insured) will be quicker and more certain to pay out, to assist with this immediate expense.