Fresno Woman Killed in Palo Alto Rollover Accident
A Fresno woman was killed after a rollover accident in Palo Alto, CA, on April 20, 2020. The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 near Embarcadero Road, officials with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said. A woman was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV on the highway when she attempted to avoid a Ford Mustang and a Toyota Prius that had just crashed. The impact caused the Chevrolet to overturn, and the woman was reportedly ejected from the vehicle. The 14-year-old daughter of the woman driving the Chevrolet suffered minor injuries in the crash. Sadly, her mother passed away at the scene. The Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as 46-year-old Maria Lozano of Fresno.
Rollover Accidents and Roof Crush Resistance
Injured people and families of decedents who are seeking damages through a legal claim for a rollover accident may seek compensation from several parties. Negligent drivers may be held financially liable for the failure of exercising due care. In other cases, vehicle manufacturers may be responsible if a design defect contributed to the crash and exacerbated the resulting injuries. For instance, car roofs are expected to be manufactured in a way that they can withstand at least 1.5 times the unloaded weight of the vehicle, and door latches should be strong enough to stay intact to prevent occupants from being ejected. This is by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216. If a vehicle roof fails to meet these criteria, an auto product liability claim may be filed against the manufacturer to provide a means of financial recovery for those affected.
Evidence in a Rollover Accident Case
After a rollover accident, it is essential to collect as much evidence as possible. This may include pictures of the crash site, police reports, witness statements, and video surveillance. If camera footage of the crash is not available, it may be necessary to hire an expert to reconstruct the mechanics of the accident based on evidence gathered from the scene. The vehicle involved in the rollover should also be stored for experts to look at in case if insufficient roof crush resistance exacerbated any injuries or potentially caused unnecessary death. This way, your Fresno personal injury lawyer can help prove liability on the part of the other driver or auto manufacturer to collect fair compensation on your behalf.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
Demonstrating the extent of damage after a rollover accident to insurance companies is crucial since this type of crash may often result in catastrophic injury or death. In a wrongful death claim, the family of the decedent must prove that the fault of the other party or entity contributed to their loved one’s passing. Costs of a funeral and burial, end of life medical expenses, and lost future financial support may be claimed through a wrongful death case. Mental anguish and loss of a loved one’s care, guidance, and protection may also be recovered in a lawsuit. However, such noneconomic damages may be challenging to quantify without the assistance of an experienced Fresno car accident lawyer and an economist. To learn what to look for in a reputable lawyer, watch the video below.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Palo Alto Rollover Accident?
Few things are as devastating as the sudden loss of a close relative. When that death is the result of a fatal rollover accident, you may feel frustrated and angry as you grieve. At AutoAccident.com, we understand that you need answers. You may also need strong and compassionate representation from Fresno car accident lawyers who can listen to your story about your loved one’s life and search for answers related to their unexpected passing. With over three decades of experience in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases, we can help you and your family seek justice and fair compensation for the loss of your loved one.
Related Blog – Evidence in Rollover Collisions
Car Accident Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno car accident lawyer. The consequences of a rollover accident may be overwhelming, especially when serious injuries or death are involved. Fortunately, those who have been injured or lost a loved one may be eligible to recover compensation from the at-fault party for damages incurred. If you or a family member has been involved in a rollover collision where injuries were exacerbated by a defective vehicle roof, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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