Man Killed in Southeast Fresno Hit and Run Accident
A man was killed in a hit and run accident in southeast Fresno on the early morning of December 26, 2019. The pedestrian accident occurred shortly before 3:00 a.m. on East Church Avenue and Golden State Boulevard. A witness informed the Fresno Police Department that they had seen a Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound on Golden State Boulevard when it struck a man who was crossing the street. The witness said the driver of the Chevrolet slowed down after the collision but reportedly did not stop to render aid. Sadly, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He has been identified by officials as Jesse Lazalde, 25, of Fresno. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of Mr. Lazalde’s family to help cover his final resting expenses.
Investigation of the Southeast Fresno Hit and Run Accident
Officers with the Fresno Police Department searched the area for the suspect vehicle but were not able to locate it. Investigators have described the suspect vehicle as a 2012 or 2013 Chevrolet Silverado with a double cab that had an ATV or motorcycle in the bed of the truck. Anyone with information about the hit and run is encouraged to call the Fresno Police Department at (559) 621-7000.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Wrongful Death in a Southeast Fresno Hit and Run?
When a close relative is lost in a hit and run, the family of the deceased may wonder how they will be compensated for their loved one’s wrongful death. This is especially true if the driver responsible for the fatal incident is not located. In these situations, survivors should review their loved one’s insurance policy or their own to see if there is available coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This may help cover policyholders and members who have been injured or killed in an accident caused by a driver who has little to no insurance coverage. Conversely, it may also extend to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists who have suffered serious or fatal injuries in a hit and run. If a deceased cyclist or pedestrian did not have their own policy at the time of the accident but lived with someone who had this type of coverage, it may also help cover wrongful death damages so long as they were not excluded from the policy. This may include costs of a funeral and burial, end-of-life medical treatment, lost future financial support, benefits, and household services, and loss of companionship, love, and affection.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death?
In California, only the immediate family of the deceased may file for wrongful death, including the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children. If the decedent has no surviving children, domestic partner, or spouse, then his or her putative spouse, children of the putative spouse, parents, or stepchildren may be eligible to file for wrongful death. For a brief overview of wrongful death filing requirements, watch the below video. To determine your eligibility for a wrongful death action, contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Fresno.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim?
Claims for wrongful death following a hit and run accident are time-sensitive. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the accident. If the deadline is not met, the court may dismiss the case, and the family may lose the right to receive wrongful death damages.
What Are the Advantages of Having a Fresno Wrongful Death Attorney?
After the wrongful death of a loved one, it is essential to consult an experienced wrongful death attorney in Fresno. Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, meaning they will use any tactic to limit their payment of a wrongful death claim to a family as much as possible. An experienced attorney who has handled similar cases is familiar with the defense tactics insurance claims adjusters make and knows how to overcome them. While a wrongful death attorney may not be able to undo the harm that has been done, the attorney will work diligently to ensure surviving family members obtain fair compensation and justice in their case.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death lawyer. After the loss of a loved one in a hit and run accident, you may have a lot on your mind and feel lost on what to do next. In times like these, you and your family may benefit from the assistance of an experienced attorney. A lawyer is there to help you through this challenging time by valuing you and caring about what you are going through to ensure you focus on grieving instead of dealing with legal matters and unsympathetic insurance companies. If you have questions about a wrongful death claim, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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Our law office has worked with families throughout Northern California, including Fresno, with recovering the compensation and justice they need and deserve for their loved one’s wrongful death. To see how we helped other families in the past with their cases, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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