Two Killed in Car Accident on SR-132 Near Modesto
Two parties were killed in a car accident on SR-132 near the Modesto area on the early morning of Sunday, February 6, 2022. The traffic collision took place around 2:30 a.m. on westbound State Route 132 near the San Joaquin River and involved one vehicle, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Details on the Car Accident on SR-132 Near Modesto That Left Two Killed
A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2011 GMC pickup truck was traveling westbound on Highway 132 and Maze Boulevard in Stanislaus County. For unknown reasons, the vehicle reportedly veered off the north edge of the road, struck several trees, and came to a rest. An eyewitness to the incident informed CHP traffic officers that they had seen a man in dark clothing believed to be the GMC driver leaving the scene.
Officials later indicated in a press release that the driver was not at the scene when they arrived. Unfortunately, their efforts in locating the individual were unsuccessful despite having the assistance of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said that it is possible that the motorist may have gotten a ride with a driver who was passing the collision site.
Sadly, the two adult male passengers inside the GMC were declared deceased at the scene of the crash. They were identified as 36-year-old Saul Garcia of San Jose and 23-year-old Jovany Serrano Caballero of Hayward. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of Mr. Serrano and his family to help cover funeral expenses.
State Route 132 was closed for several hours between Gate Road and River Road. It is unknown whether the driver of the vehicle has been located due to ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on the fatal car accident and the missing driver is encouraged to contact CHP or leave an anonymous tip with Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers.
Wrongful Death Claims and Fatal Car Wrecks
The unexpected loss of a close relative because of a motor vehicle collision may seem unfathomable to many families. While most of us are aware of the risks that come with driving in California, there is always the hope that our loved ones will come home safely. The surviving family members of the two men who lost their lives in this car accident may face a wide array of challenges in the time to come. When considering taking legal action against the party responsible for the incident, it is best to discuss your options with an experienced Modesto wrongful death attorney. Each fatal car accident case is unique as various circumstances may be involved. In the one discussed above, the survivors of the deceased individuals may be unsure of how to move forward, particularly if the missing driver is not located.
In such situations, it is best to retain legal counsel that will have the resources to work with private investigators to track down the missing motorist. If all attempts are unsuccessful in locating the at-fault party, an accident attorney may review other potential sources of recovery, such as the decedent’s auto insurance policy if they have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. It is essential to carry UM and UIM coverage in the state of California as there is a high percentage of uninsured drivers with 16.6 percent, according to a 2019 report by the Insurance Information Institute (III). How UM and UIM coverage works is that insured members may collect compensation from their insurance company after a traffic collision if the at-fault party did not carry liability coverage or does not have enough to cover damages incurred.
What is great about UM coverage is that it may cover those injured or killed in accidents as cyclists or pedestrians. It may also extend protection to those harmed in hit-and-run accidents. In situations where an individual has lost their life in a hit-and-run accident as a passenger and did not have an auto insurance policy of their own, their family members may be able to bring a claim under their insurance plan if they have UM and UIM coverage so long as the decedent was not listed as an excluded member. Understanding how first-party insurance claims work in fatal car wrecks may be challenging, particularly when figuring out how to rebuild your life after losing someone you love and coping with grief. Fortunately, an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Modesto may simplify the process for you and your family. Watch this video to learn how to find the best attorney in your area to handle your case.
How Can a Wrongful Death Claim Help Our Family?
Surviving family members who proceed with a wrongful death claim against a negligent party may seek compensation to cover economic and non-economic damages. This may include the expenses for medical treatment the decedent received before they succumbed to their injuries, costs of funeral services, mental anguish, future lost earnings, loss of companionship, and more. While no amount of financial recovery may undo the pain and devastation that comes with losing a close relative, it may provide the sense of justice survivors need knowing that the negligent party has been held accountable for their actions and the harm that has been caused to their family. Contact our law firm today to learn how we can help your family through this difficult situation.
Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. The loss of a loved one due to a traffic collision is devastating and heartbreaking to any family. When the incident occurred because of someone else’s negligence, survivors may have the grounds for a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial compensation from the at-fault party. To discuss your case with a skilled lawyer and learn about your options as a surviving family member, please call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our injury attorneys are available anytime to go over the facts and circumstances of your case and provide compassionate, free, and friendly advice on how to move forward.
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Since 1982, our law firm has been proud to have served many surviving family members in obtaining justice and fair compensation for their losses. To see some of the case results we have secured on behalf of past clients, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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