Two Killed in Highway 165 Crash in Merced County
Two parties were killed in a crash on Highway 165 in Merced County on the morning of Saturday, May 10, 2021. The incident took place shortly after 11:00 a.m. on State Route 165, just south of Westside Boulevard in the Hilmar area.
Information on the Fatal Crash on Highway 165 in Merced County
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a Hilmar woman was driving a 2006 Kia Rio northbound on SR-165. For unknown reasons, the woman lost control of her vehicle and was reportedly involved in a head-on collision with a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.
The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as a 32-year-old Modesto man. He and his four passengers, a 30-year-old woman and children ages 11, 10, and 5, were all transported to a hospital in Modesto. CHP traffic officials said they sustained minor injuries in the crash. Sadly, the Hilmar woman and a minor child in the passenger seat were ejected from the Kia. They were declared deceased at the scene of the car accident.
The Merced County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the two decedents as a mother and daughter, 42-year-old Melanie Valdez of Hilmar and her 9-year-old girl. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of the Valdez family.
What is Wrongful Death?
When a loved one has suffered fatal injuries in an accident caused by negligence on the part of another individual or entity, the decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, or children may have the right to bring a claim for financial compensation. This civil action is known as a wrongful death suit that seeks recovery of economic and non-economic damages.
Survivors should only discuss their case with an experienced Merced wrongful death attorney and the standards that must be met to prove liability. For details on how to find the best lawyer to handle your case, watch the video below.
Is There a Filing Deadline on Wrongful Death Claims?
Families often delay speaking with a lawyer regarding their case until the statute of limitations or filing deadline is coming up or has expired. This often puts survivors at a significant disadvantage as retaining a lawyer later may make proving the case more challenging. The longer a family waits to hire an attorney, the more complex it becomes to collect the necessary evidence, locate witnesses, and identify all potentially negligent parties.
Since there is a two-year statute of limitations that applies to most wrongful death cases in California, it is best to discuss your legal options for recovery with the best wrongful death lawyer in Merced County. An attorney who has years of experience handling cases like yours will know the best way to proceed, especially when dealing with difficult insurance companies and defense counsel.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Wrongful Death Car Accident
An unexpected loss in the family is a tragic and life-changing experience. When the person who lost their life was the primary source of support for the family, surviving family members are often thrown into a dark place of anxiety, fear, panic, and grief. This is especially true when difficult insurance companies and defense attorneys are involved. When faced with such a loss, our attorneys are here to provide support and guide your family throughout the legal process.
We will handle all aspects of your wrongful death case to ensure negligent parties are held financially accountable for your loss. This way, you will have peace of mind knowing your case will be provided the utmost care and attention it requires. Contact our law firm today if you would like to discuss the loss of your loved one and the process of bringing a wrongful death suit in California.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death attorney. There is nothing more heartbreaking than the loss of a close relative. The loss is often compounded when the death is caused by someone else’s negligence. Fortunately, California recognizes the damages associated with the wrongful death of a loved one and allows survivors to seek justice for their loss. To learn more about the legal process, contact our law firm today for free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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We understand that losing someone you love in a fatal accident is devastating, particularly if it was caused by the fault of another. That is why our legal team has helped families like yours since 1982 in obtaining justice and fair compensation in their wrongful death cases. To see how we helped others, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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