Two Killed in Suspected DUI Car Crash Near Keyes
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that two drivers were killed after a suspected DUI car crash near the Keyes area on the evening of Friday, September 25, 2020. The motor vehicle accident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Crows Landing Road and East Barnhart Road, just west of Keyes. A 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was headed northbound on Crows Landing Road. A 2010 Lexus IS250 sedan and a 2008 Suzuki Vitara were both approaching from the southbound direction.
For unknown reasons, the driver of the Chevrolet veered to the right, lost control, and entered the oncoming traffic lane into the direct path of the Lexus. The Chevrolet and the Lexus collided head-on. The Chevrolet came to a rest in the southbound lane, where the left side of the pickup was struck by the front end of the Suzuki. The impact from the head-on collision propelled the Lexus off the roadway and caused it to catch fire. The driver of the Chevrolet was transported to the hospital but, sadly, succumbed to his injuries. The Lexus driver was also killed in the car accident. The driver of the Suzuki was uninjured in the crash. The CHP said drugs or alcohol are suspected to be a factor in the fatal collision. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has identified one of the two drivers killed in the crash as 25-year-old Eduardo Quezada of Modesto. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of the family of Mr. Eduardo Quezado to help cover funeral expenses.
Loss of a Close Relative to Wrongful Death
When an individual suffers fatal injuries in a motor vehicle collision at the hands of someone else, their passing may be considered wrongful death under the law. Such losses are often the result of driver error through the form of reckless or negligent behavior. In all wrongful death cases, the loss could have been prevented had the negligent driver made better decisions. An experienced Keyes wrongful death attorney can help handle all aspects of a wrongful death claim, including negotiations with difficult insurance companies for damages incurred, so a family can focus on recovering and grieving their loss.
Types of Wrongful Death Damages a Family May Seek for a Suspected DUI Fatal Car Crash
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim brought on behalf of surviving family members. The case will only address the monetary damages caused to survivors. Several factors must be considered when evaluating the value of a wrongful death claim. These include economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Emotional suffering and mental anguish from the wrongful death car accident
- The end of life medical bills and final resting expenses of the decedent
- The loss of guidance, companionship, care, and protection resulting from the wrongful death of a loved one
- The value of the financial support the deceased had provided to the family
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
Laws are set in place that dictate which surviving family member has priority when filing a wrongful death lawsuit in court. In California, the spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased are first in line. If such parties are non-existent, other relatives the decedent was partially or wholly supporting may also recover wrongful death damages. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, those relatives include the stepchildren, putative spouse, parents, or children of the putative spouse. To learn more about who can bring a wrongful death case, watch the video below.
How Long Do You Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death cases are subject to a statute of limitations, a time limit a surviving family member has to file a lawsuit. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a survivor has two years from the date of a loved one’s wrongful death to file suit. This deadline must be followed if a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company. In situations where a lawsuit is not filed, and the case is not settled within the two-year statute of limitations, the case may be dismissed by the court, and the close relative may have lost the right to seek financial compensation.
Personal Injury Attorney in Keyes
I’m Ed Smith, a Keyes personal injury attorney. A wrongful death car accident is a life-changing event that can create an immense financial and emotional strain on surviving family members. Our legal team understands that families are immediately concerned with outstanding medical expenses, funeral costs, and other losses. Our lawyers provide each family with the compassion and expertise they need and will explore all options for recovery. If you would like to work with our law firm, give us a call today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to discuss your wrongful death case and provide compassionate, free, and friendly advice on moving forward in your time of loss.
To learn more about our law firm and how we have helped clients in the past with their cases, visit the links below:
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