Fatal Motorcycle Crash Reported in Merced County
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported a fatal motorcycle crash in Merced County around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The incident occurred on Merced Avenue and West Bradbury Road in an unincorporated area of Merced County, just northwest of Delhi. The collision allegedly involved a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle and a Ford Escape SUV. Officials at the scene found the motorcyclist, a 38-year-old man from Waterford, lying in the roadway. Modesto and Merced area officers both started life-saving measures on the injured motorcycle rider while waiting for fire personnel and Riggs Ambulance Service. When emergency crews arrived, they assisted in CPR. Sadly, their efforts were unsuccessful as the motorcyclist passed away at the scene.
Investigation of the Merced County Motorcycle Crash
A preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the driver of the Ford, a 51-year-old Modesto man, was headed eastbound on Bradbury Road. At the same time, the motorcyclist was riding westbound on Bradbury Road. The Ford driver reportedly made a left-hand turn in front of the motorcycle rider and caused the motorcyclist to collide with the Ford. According to the CHP, the driver of the Ford was cooperative with officials, and neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be a factor in the fatal motorcycle collision.
Loss of a Loved One to Wrongful Death
The loss of a loved one is devastating for those left behind. When that loss is caused by the negligence of another person or entity, nothing can undo the pain you have experienced. While no amount of money can ever replace your lost loved one, you and your family should not have to suffer financial hardship in your time of loss and grief. In these situations, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party for recovery of economic and non-economic damages. Wrongful death cases can be challenging to handle on your own and are best left to an experienced Merced wrongful death attorney.
What are Wrongful Death Damages and How Can They Help My Family?
Damages in a wrongful death claim are intended to shift the loss a family has experienced as a result of another party’s negligence. Because of this, an award for economic damages will take into account the claimant’s relationship with the decedent when they passed away. If the deceased person was a primary provider of the family, wrongful death damages may take this financial loss into consideration. Noneconomic damages are intangible losses that are not as easy to quantify. They include damages for mental anguish and loss of a loved one’s care, protection, and guidance.
How Are Economic Damages Calculated in a Wrongful Death Case?
Calculating financial losses after a loved one’s wrongful death may seem relatively straightforward. While direct costs such as the end of life medical costs and funeral expenses are evident, potential losses in the future are challenging to quantify. It is common in wrongful death claims for a lawyer to retain an expert like an economist. An analysis by an economist will consider the following factors for financial compensation of future economic damages:
- The age and health of a loved one at the time of the wrongful death motorcycle accident
- An estimate of a close relative’s life expectancy
- What a loved one’s finances would have been like if not for the fatal incident, including future financial earnings, pension, and benefits that would have been provided to the family.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Motorcycle Crash in Merced County?
In California, specific relatives have two years from the date of a wrongful death motorcycle crash to file a lawsuit if a settlement is not reached with the other driver’s insurance company. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Those who have priority when bringing these types of cases include spouses, domestic partners, and children. If the deceased person was not survived by such relatives, other survivors may be eligible for wrongful death benefits. These include the deceased person’s putative spouse, parents, stepchildren or the putative spouse’s children. There are exceptions to filing criteria and deadlines for a wrongful death claim, so it is essential to review your case with a lawyer before proceeding. For more details on how to find a reputable attorney to handle your case, watch the video below.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
When your family has lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to work with a wrongful death attorney in Merced, who is familiar with California’s wrongful death laws. A lawyer who is experienced in handling claims like yours can handle all aspects of your case so you and your family can focus on grieving and recovering from your loss. At AutoAccident.com, we have more than three decades of experience and are ready to protect your family’s legal rights and best interests during this difficult time.
Wrongful Death Lawyers in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death lawyer. The loss of a loved one is undoubtedly an overwhelming experience, and you may be unsure of where or how to start seeking justice. If you are thinking about filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of your lost family member, discuss your legal options for justice and recovery with an experienced attorney today. Call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice on how to handle your situation and move forward from your loss.
Learn more about our personal injury and wrongful death law firm by seeing our past case results and client reviews at the following links:
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Image Credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/biker-motorcycle-ride-vehicle-407123/
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