Man in Wheelchair Fatally Struck by Suspected DUI Driver in Lodi

Suspected DUI Driver Kills Man in Wheelchair on Cherokee Lane

A tragic incident occurred in Lodi on Thursday night when a man in a wheelchair was fatally struck by a suspected DUI driver. According to the Lodi Police Department, emergency crews were dispatched around 9:40 p.m. following reports of a pedestrian being hit at the intersection of Cherokee Lane and Elm Street. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Suspected DUI Driver Arrested and Faces Multiple Charges

The driver, a 49-year-old man, remained at the scene and was determined to be under the influence. He has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, vehicular manslaughter, and other felony offenses. The identity of the victim has not yet been released. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to reach out to the Lodi Police Department.

Why You Might Want to File a Wrongful Death Claim

The unexpected loss of a family member due to a suspected DUI driver can leave loved ones struggling with profound grief and a sense of injustice. Filing a wrongful death claim offers a way for families to pursue closure and accountability while alleviating some of their emotional burdens. Additionally, it can help prevent financial hardship that often results from a sudden death.

Those Who Are Eligible to File a Claim for Wrongful Death

Immediate family members, such as spouses and children, have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit when a loved one dies due to another’s negligence or intentional act. Parents and siblings may also file a claim if there are no surviving spouses or children. The estate administrator is also entitled to initiate a lawsuit, but it’s important to note that the law allows only one wrongful death lawsuit per case.

Wrongful Death Compensation That Can Be Recovered

In a wrongful death claim, recoverable damages may include expenses for the funeral, burial, or cremation, as well as the wages the deceased would have earned until retirement. A surviving spouse can seek compensation for the loss of affection, love, and companionship. Children can claim compensation for the loss of parental guidance and nurturing. The value of household services that the deceased provided, such as auto and lawn care, childcare, laundry, and cooking, may also be recovered. In some cases, the loss of inheritance is compensable. Your injury lawyer can provide further details on recoverable compensation in a wrongful death claim, such as punitive damages due to a suspected DUI driver, and will work to protect your rights.

Watch the video below where attorney Ed Smith explains the criteria for a wrongful death lawsuit:

Lodi Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Lodi wrongful death lawyer. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, our Sacramento injury lawyers are here to offer you a free and friendly case evaluation, giving you advice on the potential for a wrongful death claim. You can reach us locally at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. Alternatively, you can contact us online for immediate help.

Choosing the right injury lawyer can be a tough decision. To make it easier, we offer you an insight into our practice through our reviews on Yelp and Google. You can also view our Settlements and Verdicts to see the successful outcomes we have achieved. Our dedication to excellence has earned us memberships in the Million Dollar Advocates and the Top 1 Percent, reflecting our commitment to securing the best possible results for our clients.

Photo attribution: Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay

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