Pedestrian Fatality on West 15th Street
The Merced Police Department reported a fatality in a vehicle versus pedestrian accident that occurred on West 15th Street and M Street on the morning of November 3, 2023. The crash occurred shortly after 9:15 a.m., officials said.
Details on the Pedestrian Fatality on West 15th Street in Merced
Officers from the Merced Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian accident. A preliminary release indicated that a pedestrian, a Merced man, age 64, was found lying in the middle of the roadway suffering from head trauma. The injured pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Sadly, he succumbed to injuries during hospitalization.
The driver of the Ford F-150 involved in the fatal pedestrian accident, a Merced man, stayed at the crash site and cooperated with investigators. The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Merced Police Department.
What Issues Are Common in Wrongful Death Cases?
The wrongful death claims process may not always be straightforward as there may be issues that arise in the case. Some of the concerns that commonly arise in wrongful death claims include:
- Multiple Defendants: In a fatal pedestrian accident case, there may be several parties who may be considered liable aside from the driver. This may include an automaker for faulty vehicle parts and software (e.g., unreasonably unsafe vehicle self-driving capabilities, etc.). A government entity may also be named a defendant in a wrongful death case for a pedestrian accident if a roadway defect caused or contributed to the incident. These matters are subject to a six-month time limit instead of the general two-year statute of limitations, per California Government Code Section 911.2.
- Significant Medical Expenses: A common concern in fatal pedestrian accident cases is if the decedent was hospitalized for a period before their passing and incurred high medical bills for end-of-life care. An experienced California wrongful death attorney can help surviving family members address this loss through a survival action. Surviving family members should not bear the responsibility of covering end-of-life expenses if someone else is to blame for the fatal incident.
- Calculation of Damages Incurred: In many cases of wrongful death, establishing the reasonable and necessary value of economic and non-economic damages is essential. An experienced wrongful death attorney will have the knowledge and resources to calculate the value of losses and work with expert witnesses to maximize the compensation that surviving family members may receive.
- Disputed Liability: As with any other type of motor vehicle crash case, liability is often disputed in pedestrian accident cases. Without the deceased individual to provide their account of the incident, it is up to the family to select the right attorney to be their loved one’s voice and tell their story. A skilled wrongful death lawyer will independently investigate the incident, determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal incident, and build a strong case for maximum financial recovery.
When you and your family are ready to consider your options, our legal team at AutoAccident.com is available for a free consultation to discuss your potential case.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death?
In California, when an individual suffers fatal injuries because of a pedestrian accident or another type of incident caused by negligence, this may be deemed wrongful death. Those with priority to file a case in the state of California against an individual or entity for a loved one’s wrongful death include the surviving spouse, registered domestic partner, or children of the decedent. Under limited circumstances, other family members may be eligible for filing if the aforementioned relatives do not exist. California allows other relatives to file if it is shown that they were financially dependent on the deceased party.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Merced
The best time to contact a Merced wrongful death lawyer to discuss your potential case is sooner rather than later. There are strict filing deadlines and criteria involved in these matters. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to take legal action if the statute of limitations expires. Furthermore, key evidence may be lost or destroyed as time progresses. You need the right attorney on your family’s side to investigate, collect evidence in support of your claim, and build a strong case for compensation. Contact our legal team at AutoAccident.com to learn more and receive free, friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
Image Attribution: Pexels User “Rodnae”
:ds llo [cs 758]