Fatal Head-On Collision on SR-99 in Madera
Officials reported a fatal head-on collision on SR-99 in the Madera area on the morning of Thursday, September 30, 2021. The traffic collision occurred at Avenue 7 and State Route 99 shortly after 5:10 a.m.
Details on the Fatal Head-On Collision Reported on SR-99 in Madera
Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) were called to the scene of the car accident and located two vehicles, a Honda Civic and a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck. Authorities indicated that both drivers were extricated from their vehicles.
One of the drivers was transported to an area hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries, and their condition has not yet been released by CHP traffic officers. Sadly, the other driver succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Their identity has been withheld by authorities due to pending family notification.
What Families Should Know About Wrongful Death Claims
When a close relative’s life is cut short because of the negligence of another party or entity, survivors are left behind to pick up the pieces. Families need time to grieve, and the last thing they want to deal with is difficult insurance companies looking to take advantage of their vulnerable situation. It is understandable that no amount of money may ever compensate surviving family members for the pain of losing a loved one too soon. However, legal action may help a family obtain a sense of justice, knowing the at-fault party has been held financially accountable for the losses in which they have faced as a result of a fatal car accident.
California law recognizes that the loss of a loved one in an accident caused by negligence is a tragic and challenging time and allows for two types of losses under a wrongful death action. While these may not bring a close relative back, they may help survivors by providing the means in which they need to build a more secure future. In this type of case, economic and non-economic damages may be recovered. The types of financial and intangible losses in which may be considered include expenses for end-of-life medical treatment, funeral costs, reasonably lost services and income, mental anguish, and loss of companionship and care.
A wrongful death lawsuit in California is subject to a time constraint known as the statute of limitations. This is set in place to compel claimants to file suit within a reasonable time frame and facilitate a quick resolution to the case. A family generally has two years from the date of a fatal traffic collision to file a lawsuit in civil court if a settlement is not accepted from the insurance company within that time, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. With this in mind, it is also helpful to ensure that critical evidence for proving the claim is not lost or destroyed over time. It is also essential for survivors to consult an accident attorney to determine whether they have grounds for a claim and the time limits in which may apply to their case. For details on how to find the best attorney, watch this video.
About Our Law Firm
Experiencing a situation in which a loved one’s life has been cut tragically short because of someone else’s recklessness or negligence may be devastating and heartbreaking, to say the least. Our attorneys understand that your focus during this difficult time is to get answers. We understand the grief and pain that your family has gone through and will guide you through the process of determining what occurred. Our team of attorneys will work diligently to obtain justice for your loved one and your family by holding the at-fault party financially accountable for their actions.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Madera
I’m Ed Smith, a Madera wrongful death attorney. The unexpected loss of a loved one is a challenging task that no family should ever have to be forced to deal with. Coping with grief will require ample time, and surviving family members should take care of themselves throughout the process. While taking legal action is not always an easy decision to make, it is essential to consider as the at-fault party may be held liable for their actions and damages incurred. At our law firm, we will do everything in our power to help your family by simplifying the process and handling all aspects of your case while you all focus on recovering. Learn more by calling us today and receive free, friendly case advice at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400.
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Our law firm represents families in Madera County and across California in wrongful death cases involving all types of motor vehicle collisions and causes. We have over three decades of dealing with difficult insurance companies and are aware of the various tactics they may use to get out of fairly compensating survivors for the loss of a loved one. To see some of the results we have obtained, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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