Man Killed in Lockeford Hit and Run Accident
A man was killed in a Lockeford hit and run accident on the morning of May 29, 2019. The pedestrian accident occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. along Highway 88 in the vicinity of Walnut Street. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) were called to the scene and found a man who appeared to have suffered injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. He was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Officials have identified the decedent as a 60-year-old Lockeford man. His name has been withheld until his family members have been notified. I would like to send my healing thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of the decedent in their time of loss.
Investigation of the Lockeford Hit and Run Accident
The cause of the pedestrian accident is unknown due to an ongoing investigation by CHP. However, investigators have said that the driver involved in the incident fled the scene and has not yet been apprehended.
How to Recover From a Lockeford Hit and Run Accident
Seeking compensation after any pedestrian accident can be complicated, but the issues can intensify when the motorist drives away from the crash scene. When this happens, a pedestrian or family of the deceased can turn to their own car insurance policy for coverage so long as they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This is designed to cover damages incurred in an accident with an at-fault driver who has little or no insurance. This coverage may also pay for injuries and losses resulting from a hit and run. However, insurance companies often use tactics to exploit a bereaved family’s financial hardship. Insurance adjusters may offer a quick, low settlement to avoid a lawsuit. A Lockeford personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death cases knows how to overcome these tactics to obtain a fair recovery on a family’s behalf.
Who Can File a California Wrongful Death Claim?
In California, specific parties can file a wrongful death claim if the negligent or careless act of one individual caused the death of another. The surviving children, spouse, or domestic partner of the decedent are eligible to file for wrongful death in California. Conversely, there is a set amount of time for bringing a wrongful death case. This is known as the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of loss. If the deadline is not met, the case may be dismissed by the court, and the family may lose their right to seek compensation.
Damages a Lockeford Wrongful Death Attorney Can Pursue
There are a wide array of damages that may be claimed in a wrongful death case. These include:
- Economic Damages: A wrongful death can come with many unexpected expenses. These include final medical bills, costs for a funeral and burial, a compromised inheritance, lost future income for the family, lost pensions and benefits, and the value of services provided by the decedent.
- Noneconomic Damages: The most significant harms from a loved one’s wrongful death are not financial. Instead, noneconomic damages describe the nonfinancial, intangible assets lost due to the unexpected death. These may consider the loss of consortium for the surviving domestic partner or spouse and the loss of love, guidance, training, and companionship.
- Punitive Damages: While punitive damages are not available in most wrongful death cases, they are awarded only when the negligent party acted with oppression, fraud, or malice.
For more information on these types of cases, watch the following video.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Calculating the value of damages to seek in a wrongful death claim can be challenging. In some cases, they may require expert testimony to properly determine the amount of compensation needed to move forward from the loss. If you and your family are planning on filing a claim for wrongful death, your Lockeford wrongful death lawyer will know the most effective way to achieve the maximum recovery for you and your loved ones.
Lockeford Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Lockeford personal injury lawyer. Hit and run accidents occur every day, and some can leave those involved with catastrophic injuries. In other cases, they can cost people their lives. If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident due to the fault of another, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
Learn more about our law office by visiting the following sites:
Among the legal organizations I belong to are the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates. The first group permits membership to attorneys with high standards in legal representation. The other forum invites only trial attorneys who have obtained over $1 million for a client.
Look over a selection of our past case results listed on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo Credit: By “Juan Pablo Arenas” via Pexels
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