Two Killed in Highway 12 Head-On Collision Near Lodi
Two people were killed in a head-on collision near Lodi on the morning of December 8, 2019. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. along Highway 12, just west of Interstate 5. According to the California Highway Patrol, a red Nissan Altima and a gray Nissan Sentra were involved in a head-on collision along the Delta highway near Guard Road. Sadly, the drivers of both vehicles were pronounced deceased at the scene by medical responders. Officials with the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office have identified the decedents as Ronald Baoanan Esperanza, a 50-year-old resident of Stockton and Eduardo Ramirez, a 25-year-old resident of Thornton. A GoFundMe page has been set up by the loved ones of Mr. Ramirez to help cover his funeral expenses.
What to Do After a Lodi Head-On Collision
When a loved one is lost in a car accident, it may be an emotionally and financially challenging time for the family he or she leaves behind. After life-changing events such as these, relatives often experience an intense period of grief that may include anger and frustration. In times like these, it is essential to spend time with friends and family to properly grieve. Sadly, the reality is that some families may not be able to focus on coming to terms with their loss due to financial issues caused by the unexpected death. If someone else is to blame for the loss, they may be held financially accountable for a loved one’s wrongful death.
Who Pays for Wrongful Death Damages After an Auto Accident?
A wrongful death claim may be filed by the family of a decedent when his or her death was caused by the negligence of someone else. In the case of a car wreck, a wrongful death case may be brought against a negligent driver for the loss of a family member. These types of cases consist of two types of damages, economic and noneconomic, which are generally covered by the at-fault party’s insurance company. This includes:
- Bills for medical care received by the decedent from the time of injury until death
- Emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost of future financial support for the family, including the expected future earnings of the decedent from his or her age of death to retirement
- Loss of benefits, such as medical insurance provided through a decedent’s employer and pension plan
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages may be considered in cases involving egregious misconduct, like driving while intoxicated (this type of damage is intended to discourage others from continuing similar behavior resulting in wrongful death)
If you and your family have questions regarding your wrongful death case, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney in Lodi. Most attorneys accept wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay any upfront fees until a successful recovery is obtained.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
California is specific about which relatives may recover in a wrongful death case. Generally, the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased are entitled to damages for a loved one’s wrongful death. Conversely, the putative spouse, parents, stepchildren, or children of the putative spouse who depended upon the deceased for financial support, may also be able to claim compensation. Determining your eligibility for a wrongful death case after the loss of a loved one may be a stressful, challenging endeavor. The below video includes a brief overview of who may recover damages in a wrongful death action.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Wrongful Death Claim After a Car Accident?
With every wrongful death claim, there is a specific amount of time for which it must be filed. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, which is two years from the time of a loved one’s wrongful death in California. Once the time passes, the court may dismiss the case, and the family may lose the right to hold negligent parties financially responsible for their loved one’s wrongful death. This is why it is essential to retain a lawyer after a wrongful death car accident. An attorney will ensure all criteria and deadlines are met to recover fair compensation on your family’s behalf.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Lodi
I’m Ed Smith, a Lodi wrongful death lawyer. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident in Lodi, or anywhere else in California, please call me at (209) 227-1931. I am here to provide free, friendly advice to you and your family, including your options on how to move forward from your loss.
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I am a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, which allows membership for only attorneys to join who provide their clients with high standards of legal excellence. I also belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, a forum which only awards membership to attorneys who have obtained over $1 million for a past client.
A list of cases our law office has handled may be found on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
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