Motorcyclist Killed in Southern Fresno County Crash
A motorcyclist was killed in a southern Fresno County crash on the morning of August 13, 2019. The motorcycle accident occurred shortly after 6:10 a.m. at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Manning Avenue. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said a man was riding his motorcycle eastbound when a Jeep SUV made a turn in front of him. Officials reported that the biker did not have enough time to react and collided with the Jeep, which propelled him off his motorcycle. Those who witnessed the collision tried to help the injured man. Sadly, he was not able to overcome his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The decedent has been identified by officials as 54-year-old Mark Bristol of Parlier. I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Mr. Bristol in their time of loss.
Loved One Forever Remembered
Mark Bristol was a beloved member of his family and chief warrant officer at Parlier High School. As an NJROTC teacher, he left an everlasting impact on the school from the love and pride he had for his students. Those who knew and loved Mr. Bristol at the school have been deeply impacted by his passing. The Parlier Unified School District announced that they will be offering psychologists, administrators, and counselors to meet with staff and students as needed.
What Can Be Recovered for a Fatal Southern Fresno County Crash?
When a person passes away due to the negligent acts of someone else, a wrongful death case may be brought by surviving family members for damages incurred. These include:
- Costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial
- Emotional trauma caused by the wrongful death car accident
- Expenses for a loved one’s medical care received before his or her passing. These are recoverable through a survival action.
- Loss of inheritance, gifts, and other valuable gratuities
- Loss of parental guidance and training
- Lost benefits such as medical coverage or pension plans
- Lost expected future earnings for the family
- Punitive damages may be brought against negligent drivers for their egregious misconduct. These are intended to deter similar behavior in the future.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, a person may file for wrongful death if they are related to the deceased as a child, spouse, or domestic partner. If these family members are no longer living, the right may pass to those who were financially dependent on the decedent. This includes putative spouses, parents, and stepchildren. For more information on which parties are eligible to file a wrongful death claim, watch the below video.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
California law mandates when wrongful death cases should be filed. This is referred to as the statute of limitations, which is two years for wrongful death. That time limit may differ under specific circumstances. In cases involving government negligence for a road defect, a claim must be filed with the appropriate government agency within six months from the time of a loved one’s death. After the deadline has passed, a case may no longer be filed, and all legal rights to wrongful death damages may be lost. Families affected by such situations need the time to recover from their loss instead of dealing with legal paperwork and time limits. This is why it is essential to have an experienced attorney at your side. A lawyer can ensure all applicable criteria and deadlines are met for your loved one’s wrongful death case.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death attorney. Few things are more devastating than the unexpected and sudden loss of a family member due to a motorcycle accident. Although no amount of money can ever change what happened, compensation from a wrongful death claim may help provide relief to families for their economic and noneconomic losses. If you have lost someone you love in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, I am genuinely sorry for your loss. You are welcome to reach out to me anytime to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Call me at (559) 377-7676 in the Fresno area or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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To see how we have helped resolve cases for our former clients, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Picture Attribution: By “SplitShire” via Pixabay
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