Merced Man Killed in Car Accident on SR-132
A Merced man was killed in a recent car accident on SR-132 just east of the San Joaquin River. The traffic collision occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m. on State Route 132 in the vicinity of Texas Road, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported.
Details on the SR-132 Car Accident That Killed a Merced Man
A preliminary report by CHP traffic officers revealed that the incident was a single-vehicle accident that involved a 2001 Ford Expedition SUV. A passing motorist noticed the SUV in an embankment around 8:00 a.m. that same morning and reported the car accident to officials.
First responders located the SUV that appeared to have veered off the road, hit an oak tree, and crashed down the embankment. Sadly, the Ford driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, was declared deceased at the scene. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the man as Mario Nuno, 38, of Merced. Authorities are still attempting to determine what caused the fatal car accident. Additional information on the incident was not immediately released due to ongoing investigation.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim and How Can it Help Our Family?
There is nothing more heartbreaking and devastating than losing a close relative. When the loss was the result of negligent conduct, California law allows surviving family members a way to hold the other party liable for their actions through a wrongful death claim. Specific family members are permitted to bring such a case forward, including the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. In the event that such parties are non-existent, other relatives who depended on the decedent for financial support may be eligible for compensation.
There are two types of compensatory damages that surviving family members of the decedent may be entitled to receive through a wrongful death claim. The first is economic damages that consider the financial losses that have occurred because of the unexpected loss. This may include medical expenses in connection to the final injury the deceased suffered in the car accident, lost future financial support, funeral service costs, loss of household services, and more. The second is non-economic damages that are primarily concerned with the intangible losses that survivors have endured from the wrongful death car accident. This may include mental anguish and loss of care, companionship, and support.
To recover compensation in a wrongful death action, negligence must be established through compelling evidence. In the case of a fatal single-vehicle accident, it is often assumed that the incident was the result of driver error. However, that is not always the case, as other parties may have played a role in the traffic collision. This may include an automaker for a potential defect in the vehicle and a government entity for the failure to design and maintain a safe public road. For this reason, it is best to retain legal counsel who can conduct an independent investigation of the incident to properly determine fault. For information on how to find the right lawyer for your case, watch this video.
About Our Legal Team
The sudden loss of a close relative is a tragic experience for any family to undergo. At our law firm, we understand that this time may be overwhelming, and that is why we are committed to providing those we represent with the utmost compassion and care they need. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by another party or entity, our Modesto wrongful death lawyers have the experience, skills, and resources necessary to guide your family through the claims process and obtain the justice you all deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Personal Injury Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury attorney. When a loved one loses their life in an auto accident that was caused by the negligence of another party or entity, it may be a devastating and trying time. It may be just as challenging to make decisions or know how to move forward. If you have questions on your case and would like to know more about what the claims process involves, contact our law firm today for answers at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our experienced and compassionate lawyers are available anytime to help you understand California law on wrongful death claims and offer free, friendly case advice.
Go to these links to see some of the comments and reviews our past clients have left about our legal team:
Our injury attorneys are proudly featured as members of the following groups in recognition of our work for our clients:
Since 1982, our law firm has helped families who are grieving over the unexpected loss of a close relative obtain justice and financial recovery. As accident attorneys with decades of combined legal experience, we understand that no amount of compensation may undo the pain of losing a loved one. However, it may provide a means to relieve some of the financial hardship the sudden loss may have had on a family. To see how we have helped other families with their cases, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Credit: Pixabay User “StockSnap”
:ds llo [cs 910]