Sanger Man Killed in Fresno County Bicycle Accident
A Sanger man was killed in a Fresno County bicycle accident on the morning of August 13, 2019. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. at McKinley Avenue and Temperance Avenue, just outside Clovis and Fresno city limits. A 17-year-old student of Clovis East High School was driving a Toyota minivan with four classmates. For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered onto the right shoulder of McKinley Avenue and collided with a man who was riding his bike in the area. The impact of the collision propelled the man from the bicycle. First responders transported him to Community Regional Medical Center. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries during hospitalization. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has identified the cyclist as 56-year-old Jack Viriyavong of Sanger. I would like to send my healing thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Mr. Viriyavong in their time of grief and loss.
Losing a Loved One in a Fresno County Bicycle Accident
Losing someone you love is devastating. However, it is even more tragic when that loved one is taken away through someone else’s negligence. Coming to terms with the loss can be challenging, particularly when unsympathetic insurers are disputing liability for a loved one’s death. In such situations, an experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney can investigate the cause of the bicycle accident to properly determine fault. This way, grieving families can focus on recovering from their loved one’s death without being taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Does Insurance Cover Wrongful Death?
When a loved one is killed in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, survivors may have a few options for recovery. This includes filing a third-party claim with the responsible motorist’s insurer for damages incurred. In some cases, drivers may have little to no insurance to cover a wrongful death bicycle accident they have caused. Under these circumstances, a family may seek recourse through the deceased cyclist’s car insurance policy if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This type of insurance benefit covers losses that are not paid for by the at-fault driver. If the cyclist does not have auto insurance but lives with a relative who does, a claim may be brought against that relative’s policy. This is possible so long as the cyclist is not excluded from the insurance policy.
What Damages Are Available in a California Wrongful Death Claim?
Compensation in a wrongful death case is intended to compensate families for the economic and noneconomic harms they have suffered, such as:
- Compensation for loss of household services the loved one would have provided, such as caring for children and home maintenance
- Costs of medical care received by the decedent as a result of the wrongful death car accident
- Funeral and burial expenses may be recovered by the family member who paid for them through a survival action
- Loss of a family member’s companionship, love, care, and moral support
- Loss of guidance and training due to the loss of a parent
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering caused by the wrongful death of a loved one
- Supplement of financial support that the decedent would have provided to the family had he or she survived
The amount and extent of damages awarded in a Fresno wrongful death claim may vary. For more details on these types of cases, watch the below video.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Case?
California law places a time limit on wrongful death claims. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Specific family members who meet the eligibility requirements have two years from the time of their loved one’s death to file a claim. Failing to meet the deadline may prohibit the family’s right to recovering wrongful death damages. For more details, reach out to an experienced attorney.
Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno bicycle accident lawyer. Nothing is more devastating than losing a loved one in an accident that could have been prevented. Nothing may be able to change what has happened. However, holding negligent parties responsible through a wrongful death claim may help provide a family with closure and peace of mind. If you have lost someone you love in a bicycle accident caused by the negligent acts of another driver, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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