Fatal Car Crash on SR-12 and Disch Road
On September 2, 2023, the California Highway Patrol reported a fatal car crash on SR-12 and Disch Road near Lockeford. The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 p.m. and involved a 2022 Honda, a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, and a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado.
Details on the Fatal Car Crash on SR-12 and Disch Road
A preliminary report by CHP traffic officers indicated that the driver of the 2018 Silverado allegedly rear-ended the Honda. The impact allegedly caused the driver of the Honda to lose control, enter the oncoming traffic lane, and collide with the 2022 Silverado approaching from the opposite direction.
Sadly, the Honda driver suffered fatal injuries in the traffic collision. Six parties were inside the 2022 Silverado at the time of the incident, and one individual, a 35-year-old, was hospitalized for unspecified injuries. It was unclear if any occupants in the 2018 Silverado were injured. An investigation is ongoing.
What to Expect From a Case of Wrongful Death
A wrongful death case allows eligible surviving family members to seek damages against another party or entity whose negligence or carelessness caused an incident leading to the loss of a loved one. Parties entitled to file a claim for damages in California include the spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased individual. These parties have priority for filing. Other relatives may be eligible if the decedent does not have a surviving child, domestic partner, or spouse. This will be determined based on the circumstances and facts of the case.
A wide array of factors is considered in determining economic and non-economic damages in a case of wrongful death. These include the age, health, education, occupation, life expectancy, and earning potential of the decedent. There is also a time limit imposed by California law known as the statute of limitations. In cases of wrongful death, a two-year deadline usually applies. The statute may be decreased if the loss of life was the result of negligence on the part of a government entity. This is outlined in California Government Code Section 911.2.
The basis of a case of wrongful death is negligence. A California wrongful death lawyer must prove through clear and compelling evidence that the other side owed the deceased a duty of care, there was a breach of the duty of care, the breach was the direct cause of the incident that caused fatal injuries, and surviving family members suffered damages due to the loss of a loved one. Given that these cases are often disputed, an attorney must have the resources to work with experts who can provide testimony regarding liability and the extent of damages incurred in the case.
Importance of Having an Attorney After a Fatal Accident
Surviving family members should be aware that any information they provide to the insurance company, even details that may seem insignificant, may be used against them later to weaken any potential case they may have. Insurers often take words out of context in requested recorded statements to dispute or deny claims for damages. If an insurance claims adjuster reaches out to a surviving family member, it is best to redirect them to their California wrongful death lawyer, if they have one. Moreover, survivors should politely decline to sign any settlements or releases until they have retained legal counsel.
The sudden loss of a close relative is all the more devastating and painful if it was caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence. Such a tragic event may leave survivors financially and emotionally devastated. When seeking legal counsel, surviving family members should consider an attorney who has successful experience with cases like theirs, and a history of satisfied client reviews. Moreover, survivors should look for an attorney who is sensitive to their situation and will stop at nothing to protect their rights. You can expect that from our legal team at AutoAccident.com. Learn more about us in this video.
Personal Injury Attorney in Lockeford
The last thing on the minds of surviving family members during such a painful and devastating time is to retain legal counsel. However, time is of the essence in these matters. Failure to act quickly, despite the grief and loss survivors are experiencing, may cause surviving family members to lose out on the opportunity to obtain justice and compensation. Our legal team at AutoAccident.com is here to answer your questions, provide support, and handle your case from start to finish. Receive free, friendly case advice from our Lockeford personal injury attorneys by dialing (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo Credit: “RDNE” Pexels
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