One Killed After High-Speed Car Accident in Fresno
One person was killed after a car accident caused by high speed in Fresno, CA, on the afternoon of April 23, 2020. The crash occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. in the area of Olive Avenue and Cedar Avenue. The Fresno Police Department (FPD) said a red Ford Mustang was reportedly speeding down Olive Avenue and veered into the oncoming traffic lanes. The Ford ended up colliding with an oncoming pickup truck. The impact of the collision caused the pickup to land on the sidewalk of a nearby home. After the crash, the driver of the Ford allegedly exited his vehicle and took off on foot. Police were able to locate him and arrest him on charges of felony DUI, homicide, and other offenses. For the pickup driver, he passed away at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. Officials have identified the decedent as 48-year-old Guy Shearer. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of Mr. Shearer and his family to help cover his funeral expenses.
Loss of a Family Member
Few things are as painful as losing a loved one too early. This is especially true if their death was the result of someone else’s negligence. An experienced Fresno wrongful death lawyer can help surviving family members deal with the aftermath of a fatal accident and seek justice and fair compensation on their behalf.
Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim for a High-Speed Car Accident
A wrongful death claim can be brought when a loved one passes away, and someone else is at fault for the death. Bodily injury liability insurance generally covers wrongful death when it arises from a negligent or careless act in a car accident as opposed to intentional conduct. This may be through the form of excessive speeding, reckless driving, running red lights or stop signs, and drunk driving.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
The personal representative for a wrongful death claim is generally whoever meets the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. That is usually a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child of the deceased. In the case of a decedent with no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, then a wrongful death claim may be brought by the putative spouse, parents, or stepchildren. For more information on who is eligible to file for wrongful death, watch the video below.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death?
The statute of limitations in a wrongful death case is the amount of time a surviving family member has to file a lawsuit. In California, the filing deadline is two years from the date of a loved one’s wrongful death. If the deadline is missed, the court will most likely dismiss the case, and the family will lose the right to seek compensation.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Car Accident?
Insurance companies generally must act in good faith when it comes to handling a wrongful death claim for a car accident. However, that is not always the case. Insurance companies are in the business of placing their profitability ahead of their obligation to cover the people injured and killed from their insured’s negligence. At AutoAccident.com, we hold insurers to that obligation to ensure survivors receive the justice and compensation they need and deserve for their loved one’s unexpected death.
Car Accident Lawyers in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno car accident lawyer. When a loved one passes away due to the negligent acts of another, surviving family members may be entitled to bring a wrongful death claim against the person responsible for the loss. If you and your family have lost a loved one in a fatal Fresno car accident and would like to discuss your case with a lawyer, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
If you would like to know more about our law office and what others have to say about working with us, go to:
I am proud to be listed as a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates. The first group is comprised of the top one percent of attorneys nationwide. The other organization is comprised of trial attorneys who have recovered $1 million or more for a client through a case settlement or verdict.
Visit our Verdicts and Settlements page to see a list of the personal injury and wrongful death cases we have previously handled and their outcomes.
Image Credit: By “GoranH” via Pixabay
:ds llo [cs 780]