Fatal Collision on I-680 in Pleasanton
On the afternoon of December 18, 2023, the CHP reported a fatal single-vehicle collision on the southbound side of I-680 in Pleasanton. The crash occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m. close to the Sunol Boulevard off-ramp and involved a 2004 Honda Pilot, officials said.
Details on the Fatal Collision on I-680 in Pleasanton
A preliminary report indicated that the Honda driver stated that their vehicle experienced a tire blowout, causing them to lose control. The SUV veered off the roadway, became airborne momentarily, and collided with a tree along the shoulder of southbound Interstate 680. A Sig-alert was issued by the California Highway Patrol following the incident.
Sadly, two adult passengers were declared deceased at the crash site. A third adult passenger was transported to the hospital, where they succumbed to injuries. Officials have recently identified one of the three deceased parties as 62-year-old Sacramento resident Josefa A. Chagolla. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of the decedents to assist with funeral costs.
Three other occupants, including two infants and the motorist, were treated for minor injuries at an area hospital. Two other vehicle occupants were also taken to the hospital for treatment. An investigation by the CHP is ongoing.
Seeking Financial Recovery in a Wrongful Death Auto Accident Case
The sudden loss of a close relative can create a profound void in a family’s life. When the death of a family member is due to a motor vehicle collision caused by another party’s negligence, survivors are often met with anger and frustration while coping with grief at the same time. Surviving family members may have many unanswered questions, including whether they have the right to hold the opposing party liable for their loss through a wrongful death claim. A knowledgeable attorney can guide a family through the process while protecting their rights and having their best interests at heart.
The right lawyer will be experienced in handling wrongful death cases, be there to help tell a family’s story, and build the strongest case possible against all defendants and insurers sharing liability for the fatal incident. Since every case is unique, a family should consult with a wrongful death attorney in their area to find out if they have grounds for a claim for damages. In the case of a solo vehicle crash, there may be other parties responsible for the incident aside from the motorist. This may include a negligent manufacturer for faulty car parts or a government entity for roadway defects.
A wrongful death attorney will know the best way to proceed with conducting an in-depth investigation to uncover the sequence of events leading to the incident and identify all defendants. Damages to be considered and paid for in these cases often include funeral service expenses, medical bills (via survival action), loss of companionship, mental anguish, and more. An experienced lawyer can advise you on what to expect from the process moving forward during a free consultation. At our law firm, we offer free case reviews and are available for immediate support when you need it.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death?
California law pertaining to wrongful death specifies that the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased person can bring a case and have priority in doing so. This is outlined in CCP 377.60. In some instances, filing may extend to other relatives if the decedent is not survived by a child, spouse, or domestic partner. This will be based on the facts and circumstances of the case. It is essential to consult with a skilled and experienced lawyer immediately to understand your rights and options for recovery and justice under California law.
There is substantial time and effort involved in gathering evidence and building a strong case prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Most wrongful death cases are subject to a time limit of two years. This means that survivors must settle with the opposing party or file the case in civil court to protect the statute. In certain cases, the deadline may be shortened, with particular regard to those involving government entities. A notice of claim must be filed no later than six months from the incident date. For more details, contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer near you.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Pleasanton
If you are considering taking legal action or are seeking information on behalf of a family member or friend, our legal team at AutoAccident.com encourages you to explore further details about our law firm and the range of services we provide to our clients. We are available to provide answers to specific questions and provide compassionate support during this difficult time. Get started today by scheduling a free consultation with one of our wrongful death lawyers serving Pleasanton. Contact us at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice on your potential case.
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