Two Killed in Crash on Walnut Boulevard
On July 10, 2023, officials in Contra Costa County reported that two parties were killed in a crash at Walnut Boulevard and Vasco Road in Byron. The California Highway Patrol described the incident as a head-on collision involving three vehicles. The car wreck reportedly involved an Acura Integra, a Nissan Altima, and a Honda Fit.
Details on the Crash on Walnut Boulevard That Killed Two Parties
According to a preliminary release by the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred on Vasco Road just south of Walnut Boulevard. Officials indicated that the Nissan allegedly rear-ended the Honda. The impact of the rear-end collision reportedly caused the Honda to enter the oncoming traffic lane and was involved in a head-on collision with the Acura.
The involved drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles, CHP traffic officers reported. Sadly, the Acura driver and the Nissan driver were declared deceased at the crash site. The Honda driver was treated for injuries described as minor at an area hospital. An investigation into the three-vehicle crash on Vasco Road and Walnut Boulevard in Byron is ongoing. No further details were immediately available.
What to Expect From a Wrongful Death Car Accident Case
California law is specific on when surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim against an at-fault party or entity. A wrongful death action may be filed against an individual or entity whose negligence caused a loss of life. In other words, holding a party accountable for the loss of a loved one requires proving that their negligence caused the fatal incident. Claimants must establish through clear and compelling evidence that the other side owed a duty of care, breached that duty, the breach was the proximate cause of the fatal accident, and survivors experienced damages due to the loss of life.
Under CCP 377.60, only a decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, or children have priority for bringing a civil case for wrongful death. This means that other relatives cannot file for wrongful death unless the aforementioned family members do not exist. When that is the case, eligible survivors may include the decedent’s parents, stepchildren, putative spouse, and other relatives that financially depended on them for support. There is also a strict time limit on filing these cases in California. Most are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This is outlined in CCP 335.1.
Damages in a wrongful death case may include financial losses resulting from the loss of a family member. Economic damages may include loss of valuable services performed by the decedent in the family household, loss of financial support, medical bills for treatment associated with the deceased’s final injuries (recoverable via survival action), funeral service expenses, and other financial losses. Damages may also include losses that are intangible in nature. Given that a loss of life is challenging to cope with, survivors may seek reimbursement for loss of companionship, mental anguish, and more.
Importance of Evidence in a Wrongful Death Claim
Evidence is necessary to establish causation and damages in a claim for wrongful death arising from a fatal motor vehicle collision. Without evidence, it may be challenging to prove that another party was responsible for the deadly incident and the accompanying losses. Moreover, collecting and preserving evidence in fatal accident cases may be particularly challenging. Not only may evidence be difficult to come by, but survivors are coping with loss and grief. This is where the assistance of an experienced California wrongful death lawyer comes in.
The right attorney will have the resources, skills, and knowledge to conduct an in-depth investigation and gather evidence while surviving family members focus on healing from their loss. Remember that evidence may be altered or lost over time, so it is best to retain legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that does not occur in your case. Here at AutoAccident.com, we work diligently to build strong cases and obtain full compensation for those we represent. We invite you to learn more about our legal team and our services through a free consultation or watch the video below.
Car Accident Lawyer in California
As an injured party or surviving family member, you deserve justice and full compensation for your losses if someone else’s negligence caused you harm through a motor vehicle collision. Our California car accident lawyers can help you during this challenging time by providing the emotional support and guidance you need. For free, friendly advice regarding your potential case, please dial (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. One of our skilled and experienced injury lawyers is available to take your call, review your case, and advise you on what to expect moving forward.
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