Antioch Woman Killed in Interstate 680 Car Crash
An Antioch, CA woman was identified by officials as one of three people who were killed in a recent car crash on Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek. 18-year-old Zakiya Thomas of Antioch, 18-year-old Terrinae Williams of Antioch, and 47-year-old Dimitri Washington of Oakland all reportedly passed away at the scene of a single-vehicle accident on northbound I-680 at the exit for North Main Street. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said a driver of a Pontiac Grand Prix sedan allegedly lost control while taking the exit and struck a tree around 10:40 p.m. The impact caused the vehicle to catch fire, and the three occupants inside succumbed to their injuries at the collision site. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of Ms. Terrinae Williams and her family to help cover her final resting expenses.
Loss of a Loved One
The loss of a close relative is devastating for any family to experience, particularly when it was the result of someone else’s fault. Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe a situation where an individual has passed away due to the carelessness or negligence of another. A wrongful death claim is a civil action brought on behalf of survivors against the at-fault party. Surviving family members of loved ones killed by negligent acts of others may seek financial compensation in a wrongful death case. While no amount of money can bring a lost loved one back or undo the pain a wrongful death auto accident has caused, it can bring a sense of justice to the family knowing that the negligent party has been held financially accountable for their wrongdoing.
Types of Damages in a Wrongful Death Case for a Fatal Interstate 680 Car Crash
Discussions on wrongful death settlement offers can occur any time during the claims process. Some cases may settle during the negotiations process while others during the trial itself. Once all parties have reached an agreement, either by a jury decision or outside of the courtroom, the family will receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages as decided by the court. This includes:
- Expenses due to the end of life medical treatment, hospitalization, or funeral of a lost loved one
- Loss of future income and benefits the decedent provided (e.g., pension, health benefits, and more)
- Lost affection, companionship, guidance, and moral support
- Mental anguish and emotional distress caused by the wrongful death car crash
- Punitive damages are generally awarded by a jury in wrongful death cases of egregious conduct to punish the at-fault party and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior (e.g., excessive speeding or drunk driving)
If you would like to learn more about the wrongful death claims process, watch the YouTube video below created by our law firm:
What is the Filing Deadline for a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
An experienced accident attorney can help you and your family through the legal process of bringing a wrongful death case. The last thing you and your family should worry about while grieving is to deal with is negligent parties and their insurance companies. This is especially true if they are disputing liability for the wrongful death car accident.
In times like these, it is critical to keep in mind that you only have two years after the date of a fatal accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver responsible for the incident. Afterward, the statute of limitations expires, and the court will dismiss your wrongful death claim. For this reason, it is best to work with an experienced attorney on your case to ensure all filing criteria and deadlines are met.
Is it Worth Working with a Wrongful Death Attorney?
An individual who has caused the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident should be held financially accountable for their negligence. Losing a close relative is heartbreaking on many emotional and financial levels. When deciding to take legal action, it is best to seek the assistance of an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Antioch who understands the unique nature of each case and how to prove how the loss has impacted the family.
At AutoAccident.com, our Antioch, CA, wrongful death attorneys understand that the loss of a loved one can bring immense pain and hardship. That is why our law firm is dedicated to treating each family we represent with the understanding and compassion they need in their time of loss while working diligently to obtain the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve. When you are ready to take action against the party responsible for your loved one’s wrongful death, contact our legal team so we can get started on providing your case with the dedication, knowledge, and experience, it needs.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Antioch
I’m Ed Smith, an Antioch wrongful death lawyer. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, contact our law firm as soon as possible. Our legal team offers complimentary case evaluations and can provide you compassionate, free, and friendly advice on how to proceed with a wrongful death claim under California law. Our accident attorneys have the experience and resources needed to prove your case for the justice and compensation it deserves. To get started today, call (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.
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