Merced County Accident Fatality

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October 12, 2018
Edward Smith

Merced County Accident Fatality

Merced County Accident Fatality

Merced County Accident Fatality — Recently, a motor vehicle accident in Merced County claimed the life of a Winton man. The accident occurred at approximately 5:42 in the morning at the intersection of Mercedes Avenue and Shaffer Road, just north of Winton. A 1989 Toyota pickup truck driven by a 30-year-old man was traveling southbound along Shaffer Road. The man’s truck was approaching the intersection, which had no stop sign according to authorities. At the same time, a 41-year-old Winton woman driving a 2014 Toyota Corolla was traveling eastbound along Mercedes Avenue and approached a stop sign at the intersection. For unknown reasons, the Toyota Corolla driver turned right onto Shaffer Road in the direct path of the Toyota truck. The motorist of the Toyota truck was unable to stop in time to avoid an accident and collided with the right front side of the Toyota Corolla. The impact of the collision caused the truck to overturn and ejected one passenger from the vehicle. Sadly, the passenger suffered fatal injuries at the scene. Officials have identified the victim as 24-year-old Jesus Lopez of Winton. A GoFundMe account has been established to help raise funds for his funeral and burial expenses.

My condolences are extended to the loved ones of Mr. Lopez in their time of deep loss and sorrow.

Wrongful Death in a Merced County Accident Fatality

When a life is lost in an accident caused by motorist negligence, the family of the deceased may bring a wrongful death claim against the driver responsible for the collision. In these types of cases, survivors seek recovery for losses on behalf of the victim and themselves. To find out more about wrongful death claims, watch the following YouTube video.

What May Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Families are often left with psychological impacts, emotional burdens, and financial damages following a loved one’s wrongful death. While there is no amount of money that can equal the value of a lost loved one, monetary compensation can help a family move forward without financial worry. Following are some of the recoverable damages in a claim for wrongful death:

  • Expenses for a loved one’s end-of-life medical care, funeral, and burial
  • Financial support a decedent would have contributed to the family had the accident not occurred
  • Future anticipated earnings of the deceased
  • Lost benefits or gifts of a victim such as health insurance and pension
  • Loss of the decedent’s care, comfort, companionship, affection, assistance, protection, and love
  • The reasonable value of services provided for the household such as childcare, lawn maintenance and more

Time Limit for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

There is a strict limit to the amount of time within which a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed in California. This is known as the statute of limitations. Generally, cases of wrongful death must be filed within two years from the time of a loved one’s passing. However, if the death was caused by government negligence such as a road defect, the time limit is lowered to 180 days or six months. If you have questions regarding a wrongful death claim, it is best to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney in Merced to discuss your options.

More Posts by Merced Car Accident Lawyer ~ Ed Smith:

Merced Car Accident & Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. A motor vehicle accident can result in traumatic injuries or even cost the life of your loved one. If you or a family member was injured or killed in an auto accident caused by the negligence of another party, you may call me anytime for compassionate, free and friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.

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I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates as a member of California. This forum is open to top trial attorneys who have won a verdict or settlement worth $1 million and over for a client.

To see how I handled prior cases for my clients, go to my Verdicts and Settlements page.

Merced County Accident Fatality: AutoAccident.com

Image Source: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay

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