Pedestrian Fatality on Santa Fe Drive
In Merced County, officials recently reported a fatality following a hit-and-run pedestrian accident on Santa Fe Drive in the vicinity of California Street. The incident occurred on Monday, January 9, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m. in Winton, officials said.
Details on the Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Fatality on Santa Fe Drive
The California Highway Patrol indicated in a preliminary report that a man was walking along the south side of Santa Fe Drive when he was allegedly struck by an eastbound vehicle. The impact of the collision reportedly propelled the man onto the south shoulder of the roadway. CHP traffic officials have not yet determined the rate of speed the car was traveling at the time of the incident. The vehicle involved in the pedestrian accident on Santa Fe Drive allegedly left the site following the incident.
Sadly, the pedestrian, Michael Tamez, 30, of Atwater, succumbed to his injuries. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of Michael Tamez to assist with final resting arrangements. Authorities have not yet identified the suspect party and are asking the public to reach out to Officer Lomeli at (209) 356-6600 if they witnessed the crash or have information about it.
Useful Things for Family Members to Know About Wrongful Death Cases
The sudden loss of a close relative may have a considerable impact on the dynamics of the family they leave behind. Survivors may be dealing with sorrow, stress, and grief. Only specific relatives have grounds for wrongful death claims. According to CCP 377.60, you have priority to file a wrongful death case if you are the decedent’s child, spouse, or domestic partner. In cases where the deceased is not survived by these family members, others may be eligible for filing. An experienced Merced wrongful death attorney can review your case and determine your eligibility for a claim.
California has guidelines and rules in place to govern deadlines on wrongful death cases. In most situations, a lawsuit for wrongful death must be filed in civil court if a settlement is not reached with the defendant within two years. This is by CCP 335.1. However, it may be subject to change if the defendant is a public entity. In that case, the statute of limitations is six months. Not protecting the statute may ultimately result in the case being dismissed by the court and the loss of the right to seek compensation.
While no amount of money may ever make things right again for survivors, it may assist with financial hardship and provide a sense of closure in that the other side has been held accountable for their actions. Damages surviving family members may be entitled to receive may include loss of companionship, funeral costs, medical bills (via survival action), loss of financial support, mental anguish, and other wrongful death-related losses. In the case of a hit-and-run, survivors may turn to their uninsured motorist coverage for protection, even if the suspect party is not found. Learn how our accident lawyers can help you and your family with your case through a free consultation, or watch this video to learn about us.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. The loss of a loved one in a motor vehicle collision may unfortunately occur at any time. When it does, the services of an experienced attorney may be useful. Unlike the other side, your family can depend on your lawyer to do what is right for you and your case by working to secure the sense of closure and compensation your family deserves.
Our legal team will work to obtain the justice and financial recovery your family needs to move forward from the financial and emotional hardship that accompanied your loss. You can learn more about the services our attorneys offer and how we can help during a free case evaluation. Call now to get started with free, friendly advice on your potential case at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
For more information about our law firm and how we have helped past clients with their cases, visit our Settlements/Verdicts page, Google, Avvo, and Yelp. At our law firm, our injury lawyers strive to provide outstanding service to clients and successful case resolutions. These qualities have earned us membership in the Top 1 Percent, Million Dollar Forum, and other legal groups.
Photograph Source: “Rodnae” on Pexels
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