Two Killed After Car Accident in Fresno County
Two parties were killed, and another suffered serious injuries after a car accident early Memorial Day in rural Fresno County. The single-vehicle accident took place on May 25th at approximately 3:00 a.m. on northbound Highway 41 and Conejo Avenue, just southeast of Caruthers. A 25-year-old Fresno man was behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla and reportedly crashed into a metal light post at the intersection, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The driver of the Toyota suffered catastrophic injuries and was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno for treatment. Sadly, the two passengers of the Toyota were pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified them as 26-year-old Joseph Camacho and 35-year-old Rachel Krumm, both residents of Fresno.
Loss of a Loved One
Facing the death of a loved one is devastating for families and often brings feelings of grief. When the loss was caused by the wrongdoing of someone else, the grieving process may be compounded by anger and frustration. The aftermath of a loved one’s passing may also cause financial strain from unexpected expenses. You may feel unsure about consulting a Fresno wrongful death lawyer after losing someone you love. However, if another person’s negligence caused the fatal car accident, you and your family have the right to seek justice and compensation. While no amount of money can bring back your lost loved one or erase the hurt and pain your family is experiencing, it can help reduce the financial hardship they may be dealing with during this challenging time.
What is the Wrongful Death Claims Process for a Fresno County Car Accident?
In California, surviving spouses, domestic partners, and children of the deceased are allowed to seek financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Others who may be eligible for recovery of wrongful death damages if the parties previously mentioned are nonexistent include the decedent’s putative spouse, stepchildren, parents, and the putative spouse’s children. Such claims must be filed within California’s two-year statute of limitations. Once the filing criteria and deadlines have been met, surviving loved ones may seek economic and noneconomic damages related to the wrongful death of a loved one, including:
- Costs of an ambulance ride, emergency room visit, and hospitalization related to the treatment of injuries the decedent suffered after the wrongful death car accident before they passed away (this is recoverable through a survival action);
- Expenses for a loved one’s funeral and burial services;
- Lost wages, future financial support, and benefits from the deceased, including medical insurance and pension;
- Mental anguish related to a loved one’s wrongful death;
- Punitive damages may be awarded in a wrongful death case without regard to economic and noneconomic damages claimed by survivors. They serve to punish the at-fault party for their egregious behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar misconduct (e.g., excessive speeding or driving while intoxicated);
- The loss of affection, companionship, guidance, and moral support; and
- The value of lost household services the decedent performed for the family.
For a brief overview of the wrongful death claims process with insurance companies, watch the video below.
Should You Get a Lawyer for a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident?
When a loved one’s life is taken away too soon due to the negligence of another party or entity, our Fresno personal injury law firm is here to help. At AutoAccident.com, we understand how devastating it is to lose someone you love in a car accident. That is why our dedicated team of Fresno wrongful death lawyers will do everything in our power to ensure you and your family receive the justice and fair compensation you need and deserve. While this may not lessen the devastation you have experienced, wrongful death damages may help cover the financial burdens that come with the sudden death of a loved one to allow you to focus on what matters most; your family and recovering from your loss.
Car Accident Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno car accident lawyer. After coping with the devastating and sudden loss of a loved one, navigating the wrongful death claims process that follows may seem overwhelming. An experienced attorney can provide you with the compassionate guidance and experienced legal counsel you and your family need for your wrongful death case. An attorney can also offer a listening ear every step of the way as they strive for the justice and compensation you need. If your family has lost a loved one in a car accident caused by the negligence of a driver or entity, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation.
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