Fatality Reported in Two-Vehicle Crash on SR-33 and Koster Road

Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident on Highway 33

On Sunday, April 9, 2023, the California Highway Patrol reported a fatal two-vehicle accident on Highway 33. The collision took place around 4:40 a.m. on SR-33 at Koster Road near Vernalis in San Joaquin County, authorities said.

Details on the Fatal Two-Vehicle Accident on Highway 33

CHP traffic officers responded to a call of a two-vehicle accident on Highway 33 in San Joaquin County. The incident was described as a head-on collision. Investigators indicated that it is believed that the car wreck occurred due to alcohol involvement.

Sadly, two passengers in one of the vehicles were killed in the crash. Their identities have been withheld due to pending family notification, but officials indicated that they were Modesto residents. Both motorists sustained serious injuries and are facing DUI charges in connection with the crash.

Authorities at the crash site investigated the crash and closed State Route 132 in both directions from Koster Rd. to State Route 33. The roadway was opened a few hours later. Additional information on the car wreck was unavailable.

Can You Seek Compensation for a Wrongful Death Car Accident?

For surviving family members, the loss of a loved one due to a motor vehicle collision is especially devastating because it could have been prevented had the other side exercised the duty of care they owed to the deceased. Along with the pain and grief survivors are dealing with, they may also find themselves subjected to unexpected financial hardship from the death of a close relative. According to California law, wrongful death is defined as a fatality caused by another party’s carelessness or negligence. When this occurs, survivors may have grounds for a wrongful death action.

A wrongful death action is a civil matter meaning that a claim for damages is generally filed against the at-fault party and their insurance company for the resulting losses. Compensation comes in two types, non-economic and economic damages. A skilled California wrongful death attorney can help survivors seek full reimbursement for their losses. This includes loss of the decedent’s earning capacity and benefits, funeral service costs, costs for end-of-life treatment, mental anguish endured by survivors, loss of companionship, and other wrongful death-related damages. Conversely, punitive damages may be sought in matters involving egregious conduct, like DUI.

In the state of California, there is a strict deadline for wrongful death matters. This period is known as the statute of limitations. Per CCP 335.1, the decedent’s family has a maximum of two years from the date of the fatal car wreck to file a wrongful death suit in civil court. However, specific exceptions may apply. Therefore, it is essential that surviving family members retain legal counsel to ensure that all criteria and deadlines for filing a wrongful death case are met. Learn how our legal team at AutoAccident.com can help your family by watching this video.

Personal Injury Lawyer in Stockton

Since 1982, our legal team at AutoAccident.com has successfully handled many accident cases, including those that involve wrongful death, on behalf of clients. We have worked hard to protect the rights of our clients in San Joaquin County and throughout California. Our injury lawyers will stop at nothing to secure full compensation for clients through case settlements and verdicts. When you turn to us for assistance, we will work to ensure that you receive a sense of closure and justice in knowing that the other side has been held accountable for your losses.

Contact our law office to set up a meeting for free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our Stockton personal injury lawyers are available anytime to listen to your story, review the facts of your case, and help you understand your rights and options for financial recovery moving forward. Before giving us a call, we encourage you to check out our reviews and ratings by former clients on our Google, Yelp, and Avvo pages. We are proud California sector members of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Forum.

Photograph Credit: “BrettSayles” Pexels

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