Modesto Man Killed in Alameda County Collision
A Modesto man was killed, and another was injured in a head-on collision along Highway 84 near Sunol in Alameda County on the morning of November 7, 2019. The crash occurred on Pleasanton Sunol Road in the vicinity of Koopman Road and Interstate 680 around 5:15 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). One of the parties involved in the car accident was transported to a hospital in Castro Valley for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Sadly, a second person was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials have identified the decedent as 29-year-old Jorge Esparza of Modesto. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of Mr. Esparza’s family to help cover his funeral expenses.
What to Do When a Loved One is Killed in an Alameda County Collision
Losing someone you love in a car wreck is devastating. This is especially true when they were taken from us due to the carelessness of another. This may compound the grief the family is experiencing with emotions of disbelief and anger. Symptoms associated with such tragic events are often emotional. The grieving person may show physical symptoms such as lack of sleep, anxiety, and exhaustion. In times like these, it is essential to ensure your basic needs are fulfilled during the grieving process.
How Does a Wrongful Death Case Work in California?
When the negligent or careless acts of someone else leads to the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be able to seek recourse and justice through a wrongful death claim. These types of cases are intended to help compensate grieving families for the financial and intangible hardships they have faced following their loved one’s death, such as:
- Costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial
- Expenses for medical treatment received by the deceased before he or she passed away (this is recoverable through a survival action)
- Loss of a loved one’s affection, society, companionship, and moral support
- Lost financial contributions, including lost wages and benefits that would have been earned by the decedent to provide to the family
- Mental anguish and grief experienced by surviving family members
For an overview of wrongful death cases, watch the below video.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Specific family members are generally entitled to wrongful death damages, including surviving spouses, domestic partners, and children. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Others may also be eligible to file for wrongful death under this section, such as putative spouses, stepchildren, and parents. To determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements for this type of case, consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Modesto.
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Family
The loss of a loved one is devastating, particularly when the death was unexpected, such as in an auto accident. In challenging times like these, you and your family need an experienced Modesto wrongful death lawyer who can help take the legal burden off your shoulders. An attorney can help prepare a strong case for fair compensation to ensure negligent parties are held accountable in the memory of your loved one.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. A fatal head-on collision is a tragedy that no family deserves to face. When a family member is killed due to the negligence of someone else, no amount of money can fill the void left behind. However, monetary damages may be able to help the family cover expenses involved with losing someone they love. If this has happened to you and your family, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I am here to provide you and your family with the compassionate, free, and friendly advice you all need during this difficult time.
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I am proud to be a member of several legal organizations, including the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates. The first group is for attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of legal excellence. The other group is for lawyers who have obtained over $1 million for a past client.
I have helped residents of Northern California, including Modesto, with their personal injury and wrongful death claims since 1982. To see how our law office has helped other families with their cases, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
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