Fatality Reported in Stanislaus County Head-On Collision
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. A head-on collision on August 14 claimed the life of a Newman man and caused major injuries to a 69-year-old woman. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a man was driving his 2008 Ford Expedition with his female passenger northbound along Highway 33 in the vicinity of Sanches Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. For unknown reasons, the Ford veered into the oncoming traffic lane in the direct path of a Peterbilt truck. The 62-year-old trucker was unable to stop in time which resulted in a severe head-on collision. Emergency responders transported the female occupant of the Ford to the Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of serious injuries. Unfortunately, medical personnel were unable to revive the Ford driver as he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Officials have identified the victim as 71-year-old Richard Jimenez of Newman.
We would like to extend our sympathy to the friends and family of Mr. Jimenez in their time of great sorrow and loss.
Accident Investigation
The cause of the head-on collision is under investigation by CHP. Authorities reported neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to have played as factors in the accident. Weather and roadway conditions in the area were described as clear, hot and dry.
Passenger Injury Claims
When a passenger is involved in an auto accident and suffers injuries as a result, that passenger may have grounds to bring a claim against multiple parties to recover compensation. A claim may be filed against the driver of the vehicle the passenger was riding in since all motorists owe a duty of care to other occupants in their car. Claims against drivers and registered owners of other vehicles involved in a collision may also be considered for compensating passengers for damages incurred. In the case of an accident involving an uninsured or under-insured driver, a passenger may be able to seek recourse on their own automobile insurance policy so long as they carry Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist Coverage. Contact an experienced attorney for more details.
Wrongful Death Claims
Motor vehicle accidents contribute to a high percentage of wrongful deaths annually in California. While most of these wrongful death car accidents are avoidable, there are a wide variety of factors to consider in cases of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities. Since surviving family members have the right to collect compensation for losses resulting from a wrongful death under state law, they may recover for damages such as:
- Expenses of a funeral and burial for a loved one
- Loss of attention, community, love, guidance and moral support
- Wages the deceased would have earned in his or her job if he or she had lived
- Loss of inheritance
- Household services the decedent provided to his or her household such as yard work and childcare
- Benefits lost such as healthcare and pension offered through a decedent’s job
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish caused by the death
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help
In cases of car accidents resulting in traumatic injury or death, it is essential to retain an experienced car accident attorney in Modesto promptly to protect your best interests. Oftentimes, negligent parties or entities attempt to escape liability by minimizing or covering up key evidence following an accident. For this reason, having an attorney by your side early on in your case can make the difference in preventing this from happening and securing your right to just compensation.
Modesto Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. Auto accidents can create devastating consequences for those involved. If you have lost someone you love in a motor vehicle accident due to the fault of a negligent motorist, my heart goes out to you and your family. Please feel free to give me a call anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free and friendly advice.
Read my client feedback on:
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, a forum of trial lawyers who have won a settlement or verdict in excess of $1 million for a client.
To review how I resolved cases in the past, go to my Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
:ds [cs 732] cv