What documents do I need to prove the marriage and parent-child relationships for benefits or a legal claim after a fatal accident? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the most common documents used to prove a marital relationship after a fatal accident are a certified marriage certificate and records showing the marriage was…
What can I do if the agency denies or limits access to a fatal accident report or photos? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the next step depends on what was requested. The text of an official autopsy report is generally a public record, but autopsy photos and recordings are usually not public…
How do I get the police or highway patrol crash report if they won’t release it to me? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, crash reports written by law enforcement are generally public records, and a certified copy is available through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to anyone who requests…
How can I correct a death certificate that incorrectly says the decedent was not married? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a death certificate generally cannot be changed after it is filed unless an amendment request is submitted and accepted by the State Registrar. When the marital status is wrong, the usual fix…
Can someone other than the spouse legally claim the body or control death-related paperwork, and what can I do if that happened without my consent? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the surviving spouse is usually first in line to control final disposition decisions (burial/cremation) when the deceased did not leave valid written…
What information or authorization is typically needed to release a fatality investigation report to a representative? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, agencies usually require proof that the requester has legal authority to act for the deceased person or the legally authorized family decision-maker. That typically means showing a signed authorization from the…
Can a law firm obtain other investigation materials related to a fatal accident? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes, a law firm can often obtain some investigation materials related to a fatal accident in North Carolina, but access depends on what the material is and who is requesting it. Basic incident records may be available…
Can I apply for survivor benefits for the children if the children are on the birth certificates but the death certificate doesn’t list me as the spouse? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes, in many situations in North Carolina a parent or guardian can still apply for survivor-type benefits for the children even if the…
How do I request the official investigative fatality report for a fatal car crash? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the “official investigative” report for a fatal crash is usually the law enforcement crash report (and any supplemental report noting the death) that the investigating agency files and forwards to the N.C. Division…
Do I need to be the personal representative to negotiate or receive money from an insurance company after a death? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes. In North Carolina, the person who can legally settle a death-related claim and receive settlement funds on behalf of the decedent’s estate is usually the court-appointed personal representative…