One Killed After Motorcycle Crash in Fresno County
One person was killed after a motorcycle crash in Fresno County on the night of Monday, July 13, 2020. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a man was riding his 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 eastbound on Herndon Avenue, approaching the intersection of Thompson Avenue shortly after 6:00 p.m. He was traveling behind a 2015 Toyota Sienna. The CHP said both drivers reportedly entered the westbound lane on Thompson Avenue at the same time when the motorcycle accident occurred, and the motorcycle rider was ejected. Sadly, the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as 74-year-old Chris Green of Clovis.
Loss of a Loved One to Wrongful Death
There is nothing as painful as losing a close relative because of the negligence of another. Words cannot describe the pain and devastation surviving family members experience when something like this occurs. What a family should know is that it is just not right, and the person who caused a loved one’s death should be held responsible for their negligent actions through a wrongful death claim. An experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney can provide the emotional and legal support a family needs and the advocacy their loved one deserves.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim on Behalf of a Loved One Killed in a Fresno County Motorcycle Crash?
Only specific relatives can bring a wrongful death claim. In California, the laws for who can file wrongful death lawsuits are outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Those who have priority to seek financial compensation through a wrongful death case include the spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased person. If such relatives are nonexistent, a parent, putative spouse, stepchild, or child of the putative who survived the decedent may also be eligible to file for wrongful death. To learn more about the wrongful death claims process and eligibility requirements, watch the video below.
Types of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Case
California law recognizes that the wrongful death of a close relative causes those left behind to suffer anguish and grief. That is why surviving family members who qualify to bring a wrongful death case are allowed under the law to seek financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages caused by their loved one’s unexpected passing. These include:
- Costs of medical treatment related to the loved one’s final injury from the motorcycle crash (this may be recovered by bringing a survival action)
- Expenses related to the decedent’s funeral and burial services
- Lost wages, future financial support, benefits, and household services the family member would have provided to the family had they have not been killed in the fatal motorcycle collision.
- Care, companionship, and protection that would have been received from the loved one if not for the wrongful death motorcycle accident.
- Punitive damages may be sought from the driver responsible for the motorcycle crash if they acted egregiously (e.g., excessive speeding or drunk driving)
When a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Must Be Filed in California
California only allows a specific amount of time for surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim. In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations applicable to these cases. If a settlement is not reached with the at-fault party’s insurance company and a lawsuit is not filed within two years of a loved one’s wrongful death, the case may be dismissed by the court. In turn, survivors may lose the legal right to recover wrongful death damages. That is why it is essential to work with an attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death motorcycle accident cases. A lawyer who has years of experience handling fatal motorcycle crash claims will work diligently to ensure all filing criteria and deadlines are met, so a family’s legal rights and best interests are protected during this difficult time.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Fresno County
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno motorcycle accident attorney. The loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident is devastating. No amount of money can replace your loss. However, the person who has carelessly taken the life of your close relative should be held financially accountable for their wrongdoing. To learn how to obtain justice and compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death, call our law firm at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to discuss your situation and provide our compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice on how to move forward.
See what our former clients have had to say about working with our law office and our list of past case results on the following pages:
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