Woman Killed After Car Crash in Stockton
A 51-year-old woman was killed after a car crash in the Stockton area on the night of Saturday, July 11, 2020. The single-vehicle accident occurred shortly before midnight on Manthey Road and Carolyn Weston Boulevard. The Stockton Police Department (Stockton PD) said the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene shortly after the arrival of officers. The San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office has not yet identified the driver as they are working to notify their next-of-kin. No other details regarding the incident have yet been released.
Loss of a Loved One to Wrongful Death
The loss of a close relative can be extremely challenging to cope with, especially if it was unexpected or if there is a sense that the death could have been prevented. If you have lost someone you love in a fatal car accident, you and your family may be dealing with grief and trying to seek answers to your questions. While nothing can ever heal the loss or undo the pain that it has caused, surviving family members may have a legal right to seek financial compensation and justice from those responsible. This is a viable option in cases where negligence contributed to or caused the death of a loved one. Consider speaking to an experienced Stockton wrongful death attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options for recovery under California law.
Other Parties Responsible for a Single-Car Crash in Stockton
There may be times when a single-vehicle accident is caused by factors outside of a driver’s control. These include defective vehicles and roadways in poor conditions. Automakers are required to design and manufacture cars that are up to federal safety guidelines. However, that is not always the case. There are times when a car is sold on the market with a safety defect that is not always found by experienced mechanics only until after a collision has occurred. When a solo car crash is believed to be the result of a defective vehicle part or equipment, an auto products liability claim may be filed against the manufacturer for damages incurred. For these cases to be successful, the vehicle in question must be preserved until it has been inspected by an injury attorney for manufacturing defects.
There are other times when a car accident is caused by a road in poor condition. This includes cracks in the roadway, sinkholes, broken concrete, exposed rebar, uneven road surfaces, and potholes. When a driver comes across any of these road defects and is unable to take evasive action in time, the results can prove catastrophic or even fatal. In such circumstances, a claim may be filed against the government entity responsible for the maintenance of the road. Keep in mind that these cases must be filed within six months or 180 days from the date of loss, under California Government Code 911.2.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Case in California?
Wrongful death claims in California are subject to strict filing criteria and deadlines. These cases must be filed with the court within the two-year statute of limitations if a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company. While it may be challenging to consider taking legal action after the loss of a family member, it is essential to retain legal representation as soon as possible. All the evidence necessary for supporting a wrongful death claim must be collected and preserved. Eyewitnesses should also be contacted and interviewed immediately after a fatal incident. As time goes by, evidence may be destroyed or lost, memories of the crash may fade, and eyewitnesses may be challenging to locate. It is best to leave all aspects of a wrongful death case to an experienced attorney so you and your family can focus on grieving and recovering from your loss. For details on what to look for in a reputable lawyer, watch the video below.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help Your Family
Our Stockton wrongful death lawyers are available anytime to answer your questions and how California law relates to your loss. We can also explain the process of starting and following through with a wrongful death case. We will listen to your story and give you the time you need to discuss your immediate concerns. If you decide to hire us to represent you and your family’s best interests, we will work diligently to obtain justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. The unexpected death of a close relative is devastating, both emotionally and financially. Surviving family members may be left struggling to make ends meet after the loss of a loved one who was the primary provider of the household. California law recognizes this and provides survivors with the means to hold negligent parties financially accountable for their actions through a wrongful death claim. To learn whether you and your family have the grounds for a wrongful death case, call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
Since 1982, our personal injury law firm has represented those injured in motor vehicle accidents, and families of decedents obtain the justice and financial compensation to which they are entitled.
If you would like to learn more about our personal injury law firm, our past case results, and what others have said about working with us, go to the following links:
I am proud to be listed as a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
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