One Killed After Fatal Car Accident in Madera
One driver was killed, and another was arrested after a fatal car accident at Tozer Street and Knox Road in Madera on the morning of Saturday, August 22, 2020. The deadly incident occurred around 6:50 a.m. and involved two vehicles. Officers from the Madera Police Department (Madera PD) were sent to the scene of the crash where they found one of the drivers pinned inside their car. Emergency personnel performed life-saving measures on that driver. Sadly, they were pronounced deceased at the scene. The Madera County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as 27-year-old Rafael Castaneda of Madera.
The driver of the other vehicle involved in the traffic collision, a 21-year-old Madera man, was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail. Madera PD said he was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and other charges. An investigation into the fatal motor vehicle collision is ongoing to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident.
What Types of Damages Can Be Claimed in a Wrongful Death Case?
Did you lose someone you love in a fatal car accident? You and your family may be grieving over the effects of the loss. Perhaps you may have considered whether you should bring a wrongful death claim against the driver responsible for your loved one’s unexpected passing. A wrongful death case can become a challenging legal matter since claimants are required to prove a party was negligent, and their actions resulted in the loss of a loved one. When you decide to bring a wrongful death action, you may wonder what types of losses you may be able to claim in the wake of your loved one’s death.
There are three types of wrongful death damages. These include economic, non-economic, and punitive:
- Economic Damages: In a wrongful death case, economic damages are aimed at compensating surviving family members for financial losses they have suffered as a result of a loved one’s sudden passing. Some of the types of economic damages that can be recovered after a fatal motor vehicle crash include medical bills for end of life treatment, funeral expenses, the value of household services provided by the decedent, and loss of future financial support (e.g., lost future earnings, employment benefits like health insurance, inheritance, pension, and more).
- Non-Economic Damages: Survivors may be compensated for the intangible harms they have suffered through the form of non-economic damages. These usually include loss of a loved one’s affection, companionship, and protection. Non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim are generally subjective in nature and differ in value from case to case.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, a Madera wrongful death attorney may seek punitive damages from the at-fault party. Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent driver for their egregious conduct and to deter future actions by them and others. They also serve the purpose of bringing a sense of wholeness to surviving family members knowing that the at-fault party has been held financially accountable for their wrongdoing. Punitive damages are generally awarded at the discretion of the court.
Learn more about the wrongful death claims process by watching this video.
How a Madera Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help After a Fatal Car Accident
Making a choice to bring a wrongful death case can be challenging, especially when you and your family are grieving and recovering from the loss of your loved one. However, it is critical to seek the justice and financial compensation you all may be entitled to. Your family deserves to have the person who caused your loved one’s death to pay for the harms they have caused upon you all. An experienced Madera wrongful death lawyer from AutoAccident.com can help you and your family through this difficult time by handling all aspects of your case. Contact us for more information about how we can help your family today.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Madera
I’m Ed Smith, a Madera wrongful death lawyer. Did you lose someone you love in a fatal accident caused by the negligence of someone else? You and your family may be wondering how you all can move forward during this challenging time while dealing with financial and emotional hardship. A wrongful death claim can help bring peace to you and your family in your time of loss by providing justice and fair compensation you all deserve. When you are ready to discuss the details of your loss, call me at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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