Stockton Man Killed in Highway 26 Motorcycle Crash
A man from Stockton, CA, was killed after a motorcycle crash on Highway 26 near Mokelumne Hill in Calaveras County on the morning of Saturday, August 29, 2020. The fatal incident occurred on State Route 26 just east of Sport Hill Road shortly before 11:40 a.m. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) San Andreas office were dispatched to the scene of the motorcycle accident. Sadly, the motorcyclist, 50-year-old Patrick Rueda of Stockton, was pronounced deceased at the scene upon the arrival of officials. Additional information about the fatal accident was not immediately available.
Loss of a Loved One
The loss of a loved one is devastating for any family to experience, especially if it was caused by the fault of someone else. Understanding and following California laws applicable to wrongful death claims can be challenging since the stakes are often higher when a loss of life is involved. The insurance company representing the negligent party will have defense lawyers looking out for their best interests and not those of the family. Survivors should have an experienced Stockton wrongful death attorney working to obtain justice on behalf of their loved one and their family. Without legal representation, a family may receive a fraction of the amount they would otherwise receive for their wrongful death damages.
Types of Wrongful Death Compensation for a Motorcycle Crash on Highway 26
California law allows the recovery of wrongful death compensation for the loss of a loved one. An experienced accident attorney will calculate and estimate economic and non-economic damages resulting from the loss of a loved one. A lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of surviving family members for a full and fair settlement from negligent parties in a motorcycle accident case, including drivers and government entities, for lack of roadway maintenance and safety. If the insurance company refuses to agree to reasonable financial compensation, the attorney can prepare the case and present it in court for recovery of the following:
- Costs of medical treatment related to the fatal motorcycle accident
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of a loved one’s affection, protection, and companionship
- Lost benefits and future financial support
- Punitive damages when the loss of a loved one was due to the egregious conduct of the at-fault party
The specific facts of the wrongful death case will determine the types of compensation that are appropriate for surviving family members to seek. An experienced Stockton wrongful death lawyer can review the details of the wrongful death motorcycle accident and discuss what types of damages are appropriate to claim.
Who is Eligible to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California law allows priority to the close relatives of the decedent, including the spouse, domestic partner, or children, to file a wrongful death claim. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Other relatives may be eligible for the recovery of wrongful death damages like parents, stepchildren, putative spouse, and children of the putative spouse. If you are unsure whether you can bring a wrongful death action in California, watch the video below, or contact an experienced lawyer.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help Your Family
The loss of a close relative in an accidental death can cause financial hardship and emotional pain for a family. The emotional burden of the loss can make it challenging for surviving family members to move forward. Survivors will need legal representation from a compassionate and experienced Stockton wrongful death attorney who understands the grief that the family is experiencing.
At AutoAccident.com, our accident attorneys believe that anyone who experienced a loss in the family should not have to bear the emotional and financial impact of that loss alone. Our legal team will work diligently to ensure justice, and fair compensation is obtained on behalf of every family we represent. While no amount of money can replace a lost loved one, it is essential that surviving family members do not face financial instability related to the wrongful death motorcycle accident in their time of grief. Our compassionate lawyers will answer any questions a family has and explain their legal options for recovery during a complimentary consultation.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Stockton, CA
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. The loss of a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident requires the assistance of an attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death cases. A lawyer can offer a complimentary consultation to review the facts and details of a loved one’s wrongful death and discuss a family’s options for holding negligent parties financially accountable for their loss. To get started today on obtaining justice on behalf of your loved one, call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to receive our compassionate, free, and friendly case advice.
See our list of past case results and client comments at the links below:
I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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