One Killed After Trucking Crash in Fresno County
One person was killed after a trucking crash near Kerman in Fresno County on the morning of Tuesday, September 22, 2020. The truck accident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. in the area of Highway 145 and Ashlan Avenue. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a tractor-trailer reportedly pulled in front of a pickup truck. The driver of the pickup was allegedly unable to react in time and collided with the big rig, causing fatal injuries upon impact. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the name of the decedent due to pending notification of close relatives.
Loss of a Close Relative
Losing someone you love in a big rig collision is a devastating experience. The unexpected death of a loved one can create significant financial and emotional hardship for you and your family. What is even more heartbreaking is when that loss was caused by the negligence of a truck driver or trucking firm. In such cases, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party for financial compensation of losses incurred.
What Types of Compensation is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
As with every wrongful death case, there is a statute of limitations that must be met. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date of the wrongful death truck accident for financial recovery. When discussing the types of wrongful death compensation for a fatal trucking accident, your Fresno truck accident attorney will consider the following:
- Economic damages include losses that can be calculated such as the end of life medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of future financial support (e.g., earnings, employment benefits, inheritance, and pension the decedent would have provided to the family if not for the wrongful death truck accident). An economist may be retained to prove the full and fair extent of lost future earnings to an insurance company, defense counsel, or jury.
- Non-economic damages include intangible losses that are much more challenging to quantify in a wrongful death case. This may include mental anguish, emotional trauma, loss of a loved one’s protection, care, and companionship, and more.
- Punitive damages may be available in cases where the truck driver or trucking company engaged in egregious conduct. For instance, this may include excessive speeding or DUI on the part of the trucker. Such damages are generally awarded at the discretion of the court for a wrongful death trucking accident.
Additional details on the wrongful death claims process are provided through the video below.
Is it Worth Hiring a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Fatal Trucking Crash Case?
California law on wrongful death cases involving large commercial trucks can be challenging to navigate on your own. This is not only because of the circumstances surrounding the loss but also that it requires proving negligence and liability can be challenging to show to difficult insurance companies and defense attorneys. The experienced Fresno trucking accident attorneys at AutoAccident.com can help you and your family through this challenging time. Our lawyers have decades of experience handling wrongful death truck accident cases and will help you all in your time of need. Contact us anytime to discuss your case and your potential options for recovery.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death attorney. When a loved one has passed away due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking firm, you and your family may be eligible for compensation through a wrongful death claim. Our team of attorneys from our law firm can review your case and provide free, friendly legal advice on the best options you and your family can take for justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to help you and your family through this difficult time.
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If you would like to get an idea of how our law firm can help you with your wrongful death claim, look at our list of past case results listed on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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