Nine Killed in Fatal Head-on Collision in Coalinga
Seven children were among nine parties killed in a fatal head-on collision on a rural highway near the Coalinga area in Fresno County on the night of Friday, January 1, 2021. The motor vehicle collision occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Highway 33 south of Sutter Avenue between the Avenal and Coalinga areas, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported. Seven children, believed to be ages 6 to 15, were all riding with one adult driver in a 2007 Ford F-150 pickup truck traveling northbound on State Route 33. At the same time, a 2013 Dodge Journey driven by 28-year-old Daniel Luna of Avenal was headed southbound on SR-33.
One of the vehicles reportedly veered onto the dirt shoulder of the roadway, then back across the highway and into the oncoming traffic lane. This resulted in a fatal head-on collision, CHP traffic officials said. The Dodge came to a rest in both southbound and northbound traffic lanes while the Ford came to a rest along the shoulder, caught fire, and fully engulfed in flames.
Sadly, Mr. Luna was pronounced deceased at the scene of the Fresno car accident. Investigators said he was the sole occupant of the Dodge. The adult driver of the Ford and the seven juvenile passengers inside also succumbed to their injuries at the collision site. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of the Ayala, Pulido, and Verdin families to help cover final resting expenses on behalf of their loved ones.
Loss of a Loved One in a Wrongful Death Car Accident
Motor vehicle collisions occur every day in Fresno County and across California, resulting in serious injuries for those involved. Sadly, involved parties may also succumb to their injuries because of a catastrophic car accident.
At our law firm, we understand that losing a loved one can be devastating and heartbreaking for the family they leave behind. What makes dealing with a loved one’s accidental death even more challenging is learning that they died because of someone else’s negligence. In California, when an individual is killed in a car accident because of careless or negligent actions, a wrongful death claim may be brought against the at-fault party and their insurance company to recover compensation for resulting damages.
What Types of Wrongful Death Compensation is Available to Survivors?
In California, wrongful death compensation is awarded to the immediate family of the decedent. This includes the spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. If there is no surviving domestic partner, spouse, or child, the decedent’s stepchildren, parents, putative spouse, or the putative spouse’s children may recover wrongful death compensation. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. The following compensatory damages may be available for surviving family members through a wrongful death claim filed against the insurance company representing the at-fault party:
- Accident-related medical expenses incurred before the death of the decedent (this type of wrongful death damage is recoverable through a wrongful death action)
- Expenses for the funeral and burial services of the deceased
- Loss of the loved one’s household contributions for surviving family members.
- Lost support, guidance, moral support, companionship, care, and love
- The benefits and income the deceased would reasonably have earned over the course of their remaining lifespan and career.
- Punitive damages may be recovered if the at-fault party engaged in egregious conduct that killed a loved one in a fatal head-on collision in Coalinga (e.g., excessive speeding or impaired driving)
Each state has specific guidelines for wrongful death cases and how fair compensation is determined. In California, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years after the loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident. Additional information on the wrongful death claims process may be accessed by watching the video below.
Is it Worth Hiring an Attorney for a Fatal Head-On Collision in Coalinga?
After the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death car accident, the insurance company representing the individual responsible for the crash may immediately contact surviving family members. Insurance claims adjusters may offer survivors a quick lowball settlement in hopes of the family accepting it and not being able to seek further wrongful death damages in the future. Such settlement offers may not fully consider how much a loved one meant to the family and how their death has impacted those left behind. In these situations, it is essential to work with an experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney who can protect a family’s best interests and legal rights in their time of grief and loss.
At our law firm, we understand the sudden loss of a close relative may have an immense impact on surviving family members both financially and emotionally. While no amount of money can ever undo the pain of losing a loved one or bring them back, having financial resources to cover resulting losses can help alleviate some of the financial burden survivors are facing while coping with grief. Our skilled and compassionate wrongful death attorneys in Fresno can work with you and your family throughout the claims process ensuring you all understand what is going on with your case. Our legal team will be at your side from start to finish of your claim by working diligently to obtain the best outcome possible for your wrongful death case. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you and your family through this difficult time by scheduling a free consultation today.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death attorney. The loss of a loved one is a tragic experience, particularly if the death was a result of another individual’s recklessness or negligence. If you have lost a member of your family in a fatal motor vehicle accident that could have been prevented, you may seek compensatory damages for the losses you have suffered through a wrongful death claim. To learn more about bringing this type of case and seeking financial compensation with an experienced car accident lawyer, contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400. Our legal team is available to speak with you and your family anytime and provide free, friendly case advice on your potential options for recovery moving forward.
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Our law firm has obtained justice and fair compensation on behalf of surviving family members affected by wrongful death since 1982. To see how we have helped families move forward after the wrongful death of a loved one by recovering the compensation they need and deserve, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photograph Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-red-rose-candlelight-rose-2288531/
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