Two Killed in Stockton Head-On Crash
Two women were killed in a Stockton head-on crash on the morning of October 8, 2019. The car accident occurred along Waterloo Road in the vicinity of Filbert Street shortly after 8:30 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The head-on collision was said to have involved an eastbound sedan and a westbound pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck was hospitalized for injuries described as minor to moderate. One of the two passengers of the sedan was also hospitalized for serious injuries. Sadly, the driver and second passenger of the sedan both passed away at the scene. The identities of the decedents have been withheld by officials until their families have been notified.
Wrongful Death in a Stockton Head-On Crash
The loss of a loved one to a car accident may be financially and emotionally trying for surviving family members. This is especially true if the recklessness or negligence of another caused the fatal crash. Families of those lost due to the negligence of someone else may be able to hold that party accountable through a wrongful death claim. These types of cases allow the immediate family of a decedent to be compensated for the intangible and financial harms they have suffered, such as:
- Bills for medical care which were incurred in connection to the wrongful death car accident (these may be recovered through a survival action)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of parental training and guidance for surviving children
- Loss of affection, care, love, companionship, and moral support that the deceased would have provided to the family
- Lost financial support for the family, including the present value of the decedent’s expected earnings during his or her life expectancy
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members
- The reasonable value of household services provided by the deceased, such as home maintenance and childcare
For more information on these types of cases, watch the below video.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death in California?
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, immediate family members such as surviving spouses, domestic partners, or children are entitled to wrongful death damages. If such parties do not exist, others who were financially dependent on the deceased may be eligible for compensation. This includes surviving putative spouses, parents, stepchildren, and children of the putative spouse. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to file for wrongful death, reach out to an experienced attorney.
How Can a Stockton Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Our Family?
No matter what an auto insurance company has to say, they do not have a family’s best interests at heart. Their focus is on their bottom line after a fatal car accident. In other words, they will use any tactic to diminish the value of a wrongful death case or deny it altogether. In these situations, a family needs an experienced lawyer at their side throughout the wrongful death claims process. An attorney will handle the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim to ensure a grieving family is not taken advantage of by insurance claims adjusters. This way, the family can focus on recovering and healing from their relative’s passing without financial or legal worry.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton wrongful death attorney. The loss of a loved one because of someone else’s negligent actions is a tragic, heartbreaking experience. Although no amount of money can ever make up for what your loved one meant to you, the negligent party should be held financially responsible for their misconduct. If you and your family have lost someone you love in a fatal incident caused by a negligent driver or entity, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
After losing someone you love to an auto accident, you may be unsure of who to call for legal advice. Reading comments and reviews written by former clients may help narrow down your search for a reputable attorney. You are welcome to read ours at the following sites:
I am pleased to say I belong to several legal organizations, including the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first forum is comprised of attorneys who have won over $1 million for a client through a case settlement or verdict. Membership of the other group is reserved for attorneys who provide their clients with high standards of legal excellence.
As a Stockton personal injury lawyer, I have dedicated my time to helping families who have been injured or lost someone they love in auto accidents. To see how our law firm has helped others, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Credit: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
:ds llo [cs 800]