Rollover Crash Fatality in Merced County
Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in a rollover crash that resulted in one fatality in Merced County, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, in the area of Sultana Drive and Westside Boulevard, just south of Livingston.
Details on the Rollover Crash Fatality Reported in Merced County
A preliminary report by CHP traffic officers revealed that a 1997 Ford Explorer was headed westbound on Westside Boulevard around 4:00 a.m. Authorities believe that the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed in the moments leading up to the vehicle veering off the roadway and overturning multiple times. The Ford SUV allegedly came to a rest in a nearby orchard after striking multiple almond trees.
The impact of the rollover accident reportedly ejected the driver and passenger from the SUV. The driver was flown to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of serious injuries. He was last reported to be in critical condition at the hospital. Sadly, the passenger was declared deceased at the scene. Their identity has been withheld by officials due to pending notification of family members.
According to authorities, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is suspected to be a contributing factor to the fatal car accident. The incident remains under investigation, and no other details have yet been released by officials.
How a Wrongful Death Claim May Help Surviving Family Members
The loss of a close relative is heartbreaking and devastating. When the loss was the result of someone else’s negligence, the pain and grief may be compounded by frustration and anger. A wrongful death claim may arise for a wide array of circumstances, such as a sudden motor vehicle collision or another type of accident. While bringing this type of case forward may not be the first thought on the minds of surviving family members, it is essential to consider, given that it may provide families with what they need during this difficult time.
Compensation from a wrongful death action serves the purpose of alleviating the financial hardship in which has been placed on a family after the unexpected loss of a loved one. This may be used for financial losses from end-of-life medical expenses to funeral costs and lost future financial support to loss of services provided to family members. Aside from economic damages, survivors may also seek non-economic damages for the loss of care, companionship, and love. Punitive damages may also be sought from the at-fault party for egregious conduct like DUI. By doing so, may help in preventing similar situations from occurring in the future to other families in the community.
California law places limitations on who may benefit from a wrongful death lawsuit and who has priority to bringing one forward. This is generally the decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, or children, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If the decedent does not have surviving children, a domestic partner, or a spouse, other relatives may be eligible to take legal action. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the claim, a surviving putative spouse, parents, stepchildren, and putative spouse’s children may be able to bring a claim on behalf of their loved one. Because an independent investigation of a fatal car accident may require ample time, it is in the best interest of surviving family members to discuss their case with an experienced Merced wrongful death attorney immediately. An experienced accident attorney may work to determine whether other parties were liable for the crash and losses incurred, such as an exacerbation of injuries from insufficient roof crush resistance (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216) in a rollover accident. Watch this video to learn what to look for in the best attorney to represent you.
How Our Legal Team Can Help Your Family
At AutoAccident.com, our team of accident attorneys has been there to provide assistance to surviving family members in Merced County and across California when dealing with one of the most trying times of their lives. We understand that no amount of compensation may ever undo the pain of losing a close relative or bring them back, but we believe in the power of holding negligent parties and their insurers accountable for their actions. Bringing a civil case may help survivors seek the answers they need and hold responsible parties liable for their wrongdoing. When you are ready to discuss your case, please contact us, and we will be here to support and guide your family through this difficult time.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death attorney. The loss of a loved one is devastating and heartbreaking for the family left behind to pick up the pieces. If you have lost a family member in a car accident caused by a negligent driver or entity, our law firm can help your family through this trying time. We are available anytime to answer any questions you may have about the process and provide compassionate, free, and friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation. Contact us today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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Since 1982, our law firm has been dedicated to upholding the rights of surviving family members and holding at-fault parties accountable for the harm their actions have caused. As part of the wrongful death claims process, our attorneys will work diligently to obtain the fair compensation a family needs to provide for a more secure future. To see our list of past case results, please visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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