Woman Arrested for Deadly DUI Crash in Ceres
The Ceres Police Department (Ceres PD) arrested a woman from Fair Oaks on suspicion of felony driving under the influence (DUI) and homicide for a fatal crash that took place on the night of Saturday, December 11, 2021. The incident occurred at Crows Landing Road and West Whitmore Avenue around 8:00 p.m.
Details on the Fatal DUI Crash in Ceres and the Fair Oaks Woman That Was Arrested
A news release by Ceres PD revealed that a preliminary investigation of the car accident indicated that a 2019 Ford F-350 pickup truck was traveling southbound on Crows Landing Road. At the same time, a 2008 Nissan Altima was headed eastbound on W Whitmore Avenue. The Ford driver, a 28-year-old Fair Oaks woman, allegedly failed to stop at the red light at the intersection and crashed into the Nissan.
Sadly, the two occupants of the Nissan, two 19-year-old men from Turlock, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Separate GoFundMe pages have been established for the loved ones of the two Turlock men who were killed in the crash, one for the Reinoso family and the other for the Gomez family, to help cover final resting expenses.
The Ford driver has been charged and arrested in connection to the DUI crash. Officials reported that she has been held without bail at the Public Safety Center. Authorities indicated that the investigation of the fatal car accident is in its early stages and that anyone with details on the incident is encouraged to contact Ceres PD.
Understanding California Laws on Wrongful Death Claims
When a close relative has lost their life in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, survivors may be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim. In a fatal motor vehicle accident case, these are generally filed against the at-fault party and their insurance company. Such civil cases seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as loss of companionship, medical expenses if the decedent lived for a short time before passing away, funeral service costs, loss of future financial support, and more. Aside from these, punitive damages may be sought in the case of a drunk driver who caused a fatal crash. Punitive damages are solely intended to punish the negligent party for their behavior and are awarded at the court’s discretion.
There is an order of priority for bringing a wrongful death case in California. The surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children may file a lawsuit, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Other relatives may be eligible for filing if the decedent is not survived by such parties. This may include the putative spouse, stepchildren, or parents of the deceased. As such, there is also a filing deadline that applies to these civil cases. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a two-year statute of limitations must be followed in wrongful death claims. If the case is not filed in civil court within the specified deadline, the case may be dismissed by the court, and this may result in the family’s loss of the right to seek compensatory damages. For more information on the claims process, watch this video.
About Our Law Firm
No amount of money will undo the pain of losing a family member or replace them. Still, it may help surviving family members bring the at-fault party to justice, all while staying afloat during a difficult time. Our law firm has over three decades of experience handling wrongful death cases, and we can help your family with yours, too. Let us apply our knowledge, skills, and resources for you and your claim. We aim to make the process easy for you and your family so you can focus on recovering from your loss. At the same time, we protect your rights and interests from complex insurance companies and defense counsel looking to take advantage of your vulnerable situation. Give us a call today to learn more about our services and receive free, friendly case advice from one of our wrongful death lawyers in Ceres.
Personal Injury Attorney in Ceres
I’m Ed Smith, a Ceres personal injury attorney. An auto accident may occur in the blink of an eye, but the effects of the incident may last for a lifetime. This is especially true in the case of the loss of a loved one. A wrongful death claim is a legal means for surviving family members to seek justice and financial compensation for their losses. Dealing with this civil case may be challenging for those left behind to pick up the pieces. However, it is crucial in these situations to have the right accident attorney who understands the effect a fatal car accident may have on survivors and has the experience necessary to deal with difficult insurance companies and defense counsel. Our law firm has over three decades of experience handling all types of accident cases, and we can help your family with yours, too. Call us today for compassionate, free, and friendly advice on your case at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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Our law firm has helped families with their wrongful death cases arising from all types of accidents since 1982. We are here for you and your loved ones when you need assistance seeking justice and fair compensation from the negligent party that caused harm to you all. See some of the case outcomes we have secured on behalf of past clients by visiting our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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