Ione Woman Killed in Amador County Crash
An Ione woman was killed in an Amador County crash on the afternoon of June 11, 2019. The car accident occurred along Highway 49 near Plymouth just north of the Amador County line. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said a Honda had slowed to turn left into a turnout when a Ford traveling behind it veered into the oncoming traffic lane. The Ford then collided head-on with a Toyota that was driven by a 59-year-old woman from Ione. The Ford driver, a 47-year-old resident of Fiddletown, sustained minor injuries in the collision. Sadly, the driver of the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the decedent has not yet been released by officials due to pending notification of family members. We would like to extend our sympathy and prayers to the family of the woman who died in this tragic accident.
What Are the Common Causes of an Amador County Crash?
There is no doubt that traffic collisions can be stressful, especially when catastrophic injury or death are involved. They can be caused by a wide array of reasons such as:
- Fatigued Driving: Motorists who are drowsy often lose focus and fall asleep at the wheel. If this happens, chances are they may veer into the oncoming traffic lane and cause a head-on collision.
- Road Defects: Insufficient roadway maintenance or poor road design may contribute to an auto accident. This can include insufficient warning signage, potholes, and lack of guardrails. When a road defect causes a car accident, a claim may be filed against the government entity responsible for maintaining the road for damages incurred.
- Speeding: A driver is required to follow posted speed limits. However, many motorists drive too fast during inclement weather or traffic conditions or above the posted speed limit. This can compromise the safety of others on the road since speeding drivers may not be able to stop in time for an emergency.
- Unsafe Passing: A driver who drifts, changes, or weaves in and out of lanes can cause a severe or even fatal car wreck. A motorist who is overtaking another vehicle unsafely can sideswipe another car or force another driver off the road to avoid a crash. Unsuspecting drivers can be involved in one of these crashes through no fault of their own.
What Are Wrongful Death Damages?
In California, wrongful death is defined as one that occurs due to the carelessness, neglect, or wrongful act of another party or entity. A wrongful death action can result from a wide array of negligent acts, from driving under the influence to reckless driving. To provide surviving family members relief from the financial burdens that a wrongful death car accident can create, California law allows the family to recover for losses incurred. Among the economic and noneconomic damages survivors can pursue through a wrongful death claim are:
- Costs of emergency services and medical care provided to the decedent are recoverable through a survival action
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of anticipated benefits and future income
- Loss of support and household services that the deceased would have provided to the family
- Lost inheritance, including the amount of money the decedent would have saved and left survivors, had the wrongful death auto accident not occurred
- Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving egregious conduct such as driving while intoxicated
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
Specific family members under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 are eligible to file a wrongful death action. These include the decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, or children. When there is no individual in the decedent’s line of descent, those who would be entitled to the property through intestate succession may be able to pursue a claim. For more information on who can bring a claim for wrongful death, watch the below video.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death claim is subject to the statute of limitations. This defines how long a family can wait before bringing a claim. In California, there is a two-year window to file for wrongful death from the date of the person’s death.
Is Getting a Lawyer Worth It?
The loss of a loved one can leave a family in pain, no matter how or when it happens. But when that loss is caused by the negligence of another, the family has to live with knowing that the death could have been prevented. This brings a different type of pain and grief that only the survivors of the deceased will understand. In these situations, an experienced Ione wrongful death attorney can help guide a family through the healing process after a wrongful death car accident by demanding fair compensation and accountability for their loved one’s death. While no amount of money can undo the emotional scars left by a wrongful death, settlements from a wrongful death lawsuit can help a family recover emotionally and financially from their loss.
Ione Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Ione car accident lawyer. The wrongful death of a loved one is particularly devastating for families since it could have been prevented if the negligent party had been exercising due care. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident caused by the fault of someone else, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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Photo Source: By “Kat Jayne” via Pexels
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