Truck Driver and Motorcyclist Killed by Fallen Tree Near Visalia

Two Killed By Fallen Tree in Goshen Area

According to the California Highway Patrol, two people were killed in a series of accidents involving a fallen tree in the Goshen area on January 10, 2023. The tree was described as a large eucalyptus that caused fatal injuries to a motorcycle rider and truck driver upon impact, officials said.

Details on the Fallen Tree Accident That Killed Two in the Goshen Area

At approximately 5:50 a.m., the tree reportedly fell down along the side of northbound State Route 99 just north of Betty Drive. The large eucalyptus tree allegedly fell on top of a 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck and a 2004 Honda motorcycle. The pickup driver, a man in his 30s, and the motorcyclist, a 58-year-old man from Cutler, were both killed upon impact, according to CHP traffic officers.

Investigators said heavy winds and rain pushed the large eucalyptus down. Eyewitnesses also claimed the tree was struck by lightning, investigators reported. The motorcycle skidded along the highway while the pickup became disabled upon impact. Two other motorists, a male and a female, tried to avoid the fallen eucalyptus but crashed into it. Neither driver reported injuries, officials said.

Clearing the tree and the scene of the fatal accident took approximately four hours. The northbound lanes of Highway 99 were shut down during that time, according to the California Highway Patrol. Additional information on the fallen tree that caused a series of crashes on SR-99 near Visalia was not immediately available.

Recoverable Losses in a Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death may occur in a wide array of situations, such as those that involve motor vehicle accidents and fallen trees. If you have lost a loved one in a traffic collision, the following is a list of the damages you may seek from a negligent party or entity in a wrongful death case:

  • Medical Treatment: Eligible surviving family members may seek reimbursement for costs of medical care that was administered before the close relative succumbed to their injuries. This is generally accomplished through a survival action. The expenses may be substantial such as those of life support for several months, or minimal, like an ambulance bill. This damage is supported by invoices and medical expenses.
  • Funeral Services: The costs of final resting services may be substantial. The family member who paid for funeral expenses may be reimbursed for them through a wrongful death claim.
  • Financial Support: If the deceased provided financial support for the household that was lost due to the incident, survivors may be entitled to that loss. This is generally supported by paycheck stubs, tax returns, and other employment records. Damages for loss of financial support are also dependent on factors such as the decedent’s age, education, health, occupation, and expected life capacity.
  • Loss of Companionship: It is heartbreaking to lose someone you enjoyed life with and cared about. When a close relative suffers fatal injuries, there is sadness, depression, fear, anger, and mental anguish. There is a void left by a loved one’s absence since there is a loss in the ability to spend time with them. Damages for loss of companionship are supported by family pictures, statements from close relatives, and other evidence that shows the relationship and how it was cherished.

Learn how our accident lawyers can help your family by setting up a free consultation, or watch the video below, which details our services.

Tree Accident Lawyer in California

I’m Ed Smith, a California tree accident lawyer. When a loved one has lost their life in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, surviving family members may have recourse through a wrongful death claim. Your family can always expect our legal team from AutoAccident.com to be there when you need us the most. Contact us at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400. Our injury attorneys offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice at any time.

Our law office has been open since 1982 and has provided superior service to clients. We attribute our history of successful verdicts and settlements to our commitment to achieving our client’s goals. See what our former clients have said about working with our injury attorneys on Google, Avvo, and Yelp. In recognition of our track record of success and client service, we have been invited to join the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.

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