some questions I need answers for

[mickeym]

As they're relevant to my Big Bang. Anyone who can answer these will have my undying devotion :)

Life Insurance: in the event of a death (auto accident, not the policy holder's fault), how soon would the named beneficiary receive the payout? Is it paid as a lump sum, or in installments? Are taxes taken out of it, or does the beneficiary have to take care of that?

Auto Insurance: how would this work, if it's the fault of the other party? Would that party's insurance contact the survivors of the accident, or do the survivors have to do the contacting? Presumably doctor bills, etc., would be either paid up front or reimbursed by the party at fault?

Medical: you have a 16yr old brought to your ER. Both parents are dead; nearest surviving relative is on the way, but not expected for several hours. Patient is bleeding internally, in addition to a broken leg and assorted contusions, etc. Would the doctors take the patient into surgery w/out a signed consent form, rather than risk patient's life further? Or would they be forced to wait? Could the emergency (non-relative) contact give prelim consent for the surgery?

Any help is greatly appreciated :)

Comments

[munibunny.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... Okay, it's been about 5 years since my dad passed so let me think... It takes about 2 weeks to receive copies of the Death Certificate. I can't remember who asked for copies but I had to send out MANY so I'm thinking the insurance company asked for one too. It seems like the check came within 8-12 weeks. I'm not positive because there were just so many things that needed to be taken care of, insurance was kinda the last thing on my mind. I do remember that it was long after the funeral and my relatives went home.

I think I remember being asked to fill out a form about having the taxes withheld. Not sure about that, though.

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the insurance isn't going to be high on Dean's list of things to worry about, either, but I wanted some background facts before I moved ahead.

Thanks, honey :)