Oakdale Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash
CHP traffic officers in Stanislaus County reported that a man from Oakdale was killed in a recent motorcycle crash near Woodward Reservoir. The incident took place on the evening of Monday, June 27, 2022, on 26 Mile Road, just south of Dunn Ranch Road.
Details on the Motorcycle Crash That Killed an Oakdale Man
According to the California Highway Patrol, a man was riding his motorcycle southbound on 26 Mile Road. For unknown reasons, the motorcyclist reportedly veered off the road and was ejected from the bike. He was transported via ambulance to an area hospital for treatment. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries during hospitalization.
The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the deceased as 41-year-old Oakdale resident, Benjamin Hazelwood. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of Ben Hazelwood and his family to help raise funds for a celebration of life. He is survived by his wife, three children, and friends who loved him dearly.
What is the Purpose of a Wrongful Death Claim and How Can it Help Our Family?
The sudden death of a close relative may be a devastating experience for a family, particularly when the incident could have been prevented. During such a trying time, taking legal action may be the last thing on the minds of surviving family members. However, bringing a wrongful death claim against a party or entity responsible for the loss of a loved one is essential to obtaining a sense of justice and closure. A motorcycle accident is often the result of driver error. This may include not yielding the right-of-way to bikers, failing to check blind spots for motorcyclists who may be lane-splitting, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol (DUI), speeding, and other negligent behavior.
When a careless driver causes a fatal motorcycle crash, a wrongful death claim may be brought against the at-fault party and their insurance company. Damages through these types of cases are intended to compensate surviving family members for the harm and losses they have experienced. Keep in mind that these cases are subject to a two-year deadline, per the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If the fatal motorcycle crash was the result of a road defect, like a pothole or other hazardous road condition, a notice of claim must be brought to the appropriate government agency within 180 days.
California dictates which surviving family member has priority in bringing a wrongful death action forward. This generally includes the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children. Close relatives who depended on the deceased for financial support, like parents, may also be eligible for filing, depending on the circumstances of the case. Determining who has the right to bring this type of case forward may be challenging, to say the least. That is why a family considering legal action should consult with an experienced Modesto wrongful death lawyer immediately. An attorney that is well-versed in these cases will work to protect your family’s rights and your future. Learn more about these cases by watching the video below.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. Losing someone you love in a motorcycle collision is devastating and painful, especially if it happened because of another party’s negligence. At our law firm, our accident lawyers are dedicated to obtaining maximum compensation and justice on behalf of our clients. Call now to get started with compassionate, free, and friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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