Fatal Traffic Collision on Gates Road
The California Highway Patrol reported a fatal traffic collision on Gates Road on the evening of Tuesday, June 14, 2022. The incident happened in the area of Gates Road and Highway 132 and involved two vehicles.
Details on the Fatal Traffic Collision on Gates Road
A preliminary report indicated that one vehicle was headed westbound on Highway 132, and the other was traveling southbound on Gates Road. One of the vehicles entered the intersection, where it was allegedly struck by the other car. The impact of the collision propelled one vehicle southwest, where it veered off the roadway and crashed into a canal running parallel to Paradise Road and Gates Road.
The car was said to have become submerged in the canal. While awaiting the arrival of first responders, a passerby removed the driver from the vehicle. The driver, 78-year-old Helen Byers of Modesto, was taken to an area hospital. Sadly, she succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival. The driver of the other car sustained injuries described as minor. Additional information on the crash has not yet been released by CHP traffic officers.
How Can a Wrongful Death Case Help Surviving Family Members?
When a close relative has suffered fatal injuries resulting from a car accident, their family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. This is a civil case that is intended to make surviving family members whole again. This is generally accomplished through the recovery of two types of damages: non-economic and economic. While no amount of money can undo the pain and devastation of losing a loved one, it can help ease the financial hardship that survivors are facing, in addition to holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions. The damages available in this type of claim will depend on the facts and circumstances of the case. In California, the damages that may be available include mental anguish, funeral costs, lost earnings, loss of companionship and love, and more.
Surviving family members cannot always depend on the insurance company to do what is right for them and their wrongful death claim. That is because insurers are known for resorting to defense tactics to get out of paying fair compensation to claimants. Among the most common is offering a quick settlement. Survivors should know that the first settlement offer is usually lower than what their losses are truly worth. If you have lost someone you love in a car accident, and the insurance company has reached out to your family to make a settlement offer, discuss your case with an experienced Modesto wrongful death lawyer immediately. An attorney can help your family navigate the process to help you all seek justice and fair compensation for your loss. Watch this video for suggestions on how to select the right accident lawyer for your case.
Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. The loss of a close relative is a profound and devastating event, particularly if it occurred because of someone else’s negligent actions. The injury attorneys at our law firm have decades of experience handling wrongful death matters and are here to help your family. Give us a call to get started and receive compassionate, free, and friendly advice on your case at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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Our legal team is here to help and serve families in Stanislaus County and throughout California. Go to our Verdicts and Settlements page to view some of the results we have obtained on behalf of clients we have previously represented.
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