Fatal Head-On Collision in Fresno County
A fatal head-on collision in Fresno County left four dead and two others seriously injured on the morning of March 13, 2020. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the car accident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Millerton Road near Friant. A 60-year-old Fresno man was driving his 1998 Toyota Camry southbound on Millerton Road. At the same time, a man was headed northbound in a 1995 Nissan pickup truck. For unknown reasons, the Nissan and the Toyota collided head-on. The driver and front-seat passenger of the Toyota both suffered serious injuries. Sadly, the Nissan driver and three backseat passengers of the Toyota all passed away at the scene. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the driver of the Nissan as 64-year-old Ty Wood Sr. of Coarsegold. The passengers of the Toyota were identified as 54-year-old Koua Vang Xiong, 60-year-old Shor Xiong, and 74-year-old Mai Yang, and all were residents of Fresno. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of Ty Wood’s family to help cover his funeral expenses.
Loss of a Loved One
After losing someone you love in a car accident, you have a lot on your mind. Not only must you cope with grief, but also adjusting to a new life without your loved one and planning for their final resting services. This may overwhelm you, especially if your loved one was wrongfully taken away from you and your family in the fatal incident. However, it is best to consider discussing your options for recovery with a wrongful death lawyer in Fresno.
What is Wrongful Death?
The term, wrongful death, is considered a loss of life as a result of another party or entity’s negligence. This includes reckless behavior and the failure to act with reasonable care. When a loved one is killed in an auto accident caused by someone else, the family of the decedent may take legal action against the at-fault party. A wrongful death claim holds parties financially responsible for their negligence and alleviates the financial hardship wrongfully imposed on the family. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the family may be entitled to damages such as:
- Costs of medical treatment related to the wrongful death car accident (recoverable through a survival action)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of a loved one’s affection, care, and companionship
- Loss of future income and benefits like pension or health insurance
- Lost household services, like childcare and vehicle maintenance performed by the decedent for the family
- Punitive damages may be available in wrongful death cases where the actions of the at-fault party were especially egregious (e.g., excessive speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs)
To learn more about how a wrongful death claim works to help affected families, watch the video below.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Head-On Collision in Fresno?
As the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the decedent, you may be entitled to wrongful death benefits. However, a claim must be filed to obtain them. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a claim must be brought within two years from the date of a loved one’s wrongful death. Time is of the essence when it comes to severe matters such as these. The sooner you speak with a wrongful death lawyer from Fresno, the earlier a lawyer can obtain justice and fair compensation for your family.
How Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Our Family?
There is so much that is lost in wrongful death car accidents. Since these cases often result in high monetary damages, insurance companies may offer low-ball settlements to surviving family members. Most of the time, these settlements do not consider how much a loved one truly meant to their family and how their absence has impacted those they leave behind. Do not accept an early settlement offer from the negligent driver’s insurance company before consulting with an experienced Fresno wrongful death lawyer. The sad reality is that any quick settlement offered by an insurer is typically a fraction of what a family would expect to receive with the assistance of an attorney.
Car Accident Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno car accident lawyer. If you have lost someone you love in a fatal car accident that could have been prevented, you and your family deserve justice. When you are ready to discuss the details of your loss, please feel free to call me anytime at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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Since 1982, our personal injury law firm has advocated for families who have been injured or lost loved ones in car accidents. To see have we have resolved wrongful death cases for other families, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Picture Credit: By “Myriams-Fotos” via Pixabay
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