Pedestrian Killed in Fresno Hit and Run Accident
A pedestrian was killed after a hit and run accident in central Fresno on the night of May 6, 2020. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at East Olive Avenue and Fisher Street. A woman in her fifties was crossing Olive Avenue when she was struck by an eastbound sedan, according to the Fresno Police Department (Fresno PD). The driver of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene before Fresno PD officers arrived. The woman was transported to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Officials have not yet released her identity until her family has been notified of her passing.
Loss of a Loved One
No family is ever prepared for the sudden loss of a close relative after a pedestrian accident. Unfortunately, such losses may be more challenging to deal with when it was caused by the negligence of someone else. This could leave surviving family members with many unanswered questions, especially if the driver fled the scene and has not yet been identified. In situations like these, a family may discuss their legal options with an experienced Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise a grieving family of their best options for justice and recovery, including filing a wrongful death claim once a suspect has been identified through evidence like video surveillance and witness testimony. This can ensure that survivors can cope with the emotional and financial hardships of their loss.
What Type of Damages Can a Family Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
While no amount of money can bring a lost loved one back, a family has the right to seek financial compensation for their loss through a wrongful death claim. No family can be made whole when a close relative has been wrongfully taken away. However, taking legal action can ensure that the at-fault party is held financially accountable for their wrongdoing. Under specific circumstances where the suspect driver is not found, the family of the decedent may file an uninsured motorist claim under their insurance policy to cover losses related to their loved one’s fatal hit and run accident. In California, surviving family members may be eligible for economic and noneconomic damages that cover the following areas of loss:
- Expenses for a loved one’s end of life medical care, funeral, and burial
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma related to a loved one’s wrongful death
- Lost wages, benefits, and inheritance
- Loss of a family member’s care, companionship, and protection
For more information about wrongful death cases, watch the video below.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, surviving spouses, domestic partners, or children are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Other relatives may be eligible to file for wrongful death, depending on the circumstances of the case. Our Fresno pedestrian accident lawyers have successfully represented many families like yours in wrongful death claims. We understand that it is complex to seek legal action during a challenging time like this, so we will assist you in the best way possible by discussing what steps we need to follow to prove your wrongful death suit.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Fatal Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident
It is essential to understand that when a driver fails to remain at the scene of a pedestrian accident and causes fatal injuries to your loved one, it does not necessarily mean that you and your family have no recourse. With the right legal team assisting you, all potential avenues of justice and financial compensation can be explored. At AutoAccident.com, we provide families with the best course of action following a loved one’s wrongful death, investigate wrongful death claims to seek fair compensation, and represent survivors in their best interests in and out of the courtroom.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer. Hit and runs can be stressful for all parties involved. When the accident turns fatal, the family of the decedent may seek assistance from an experienced injury lawyer to hold negligent parties accountable for their careless conduct. If you have lost a loved one after a hit and run accident and need a pedestrian accident lawyer in Fresno, you can call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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At the Law Offices of Edward A. Smith, we have represented clients who have been injured and families who have lost loved ones in all types of accidents, including hit and runs. To see the results obtained by our personal injury law firm, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: By “Dominic_Winkel” via Pixabay
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