Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash on California Street
Officers with the Stockton Police Department (Stockton PD) are searching for two drivers after a fatal hit-and-run crash on California Street on the night of November 6, 2021. The fatal pedestrian accident occurred at approximately 7:00 p.m. at Wyandotte Street and California Street.
Information by Stockton PD on the Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash on California Street
Officials said a pedestrian was attempting to cross the road when they were struck by a vehicle, fell to the ground, and then was hit by another car. Authorities said that both drivers did not pull over and both allegedly fled the scene following the pedestrian accident in Stockton. Sadly, the pedestrian succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Officials have identified the decedent as Marino Daniel Lopez, 24, of Fresno.
Mr. Lopez’s mother said he was visiting Stockton from Fresno and had met up with a friend shortly before he lost his life. His mother says she is devastated that both drivers accused of crashing into her son fled the scene. Neighbors in the area said the area does not have enough lights or crosswalks for pedestrians and many drivers speed through the intersection.
Officers with Stockton PD are searching for the motorists of a dark-colored sedan and a dark-colored SUV. Authorities indicated that both drivers will face charges of felony hit-and-run once they are located. Additional information on the hit-and-run accident was not immediately provided by officials due to ongoing investigation.
How Can a Wrongful Death Claim Help Your Family?
The loss of a family member may be a devastating experience for anyone to go through. This is especially true if the incident was the result of another party or entity’s negligent actions. Families affected by such situations may have the desire for justice and financial compensation from the at-fault party. This may be accomplished through a wrongful death claim brought against the insurance company representing the other party.
A wrongful death action is intended to hold at-fault parties accountable for the harm their actions have caused and provide financial compensation to the surviving family members of the decedent. This may come in the form of economic and non-economic damages that may include costs of funeral services, medical expenses from the decedent’s final injury, mental anguish, lost future earnings, loss of companionship, and more. In California, some cases may be eligible for punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are sought from at-fault parties as a way of punishing them for their egregious conduct and are generally awarded by the court.
In fatal hit-and-run accident cases, survivors may be unsure of how to proceed with a claim, particularly if the other party goes unidentified. Under these circumstances, there may be recourse available if their loved one carried uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM) at the time of the incident or resided with a family member who carried this coverage. UM coverage will come into play in fatal pedestrian accident cases involving hit-and-run drivers up to the limits of the policy. Keep in mind that specific filing criteria and deadlines must be met in wrongful death claims. To learn what these are and what to expect from your case moving forward, watch this video.
About Our Legal Team
While there may be no way of undoing grief from losing a loved one, there is a way of seeking justice on behalf of a decedent through a wrongful death action. At our law firm, we are dedicated to helping families obtain justice and holding liable parties accountable. Our legal team will take the time to learn about your family, how much your loved one meant to you all, conduct an independent investigation of the fatal incident, and work diligently to protect your right to fair compensation. We will provide your case with the utmost compassion and experience it deserves to reach a favorable outcome. Contact our Stockton wrongful death lawyers today for more information on how our family can help your family.
Personal Injury Attorney in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury attorney. The loss of a close relative is a traumatic, heartbreaking experience. When it was the result of someone else’s recklessness or negligence, the situation may be compounded by feelings of frustration and anger. Our law firm is here to provide assistance to you and your family during this difficult time. We will handle all aspects of your case to reach a successful resolution so you can focus on being with your family. Learn more about how we can help by calling (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our accident attorneys are available anytime to meet with you and your family, review the details of your case, and provide free, friendly advice on how to move forward.
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Our law firm handles personal injury and wrongful death cases in San Joaquin County and across California. With decades of combined legal experience, we have a history of obtaining favorable case outcomes on behalf of our clients. While no amount of money may ever undo the pain of an accident-related injury or losing a loved one, a civil case may help you find peace of mind and justice. See our past case results featured on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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