Fatal Stevinson Accident Shuts Down Highway

Lander Avenue Fatal Stevinson Accident

In a tragic turn of events early on the morning of October 11, a fatal Stevinson accident occurred on southbound State Route 165 (Lander Avenue), just south of Salt Slough. The accident resulted in a fatality and road closures. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrived at the scene of a head-on collision involving a dump truck, a motor vehicle, and a small sedan. The impact blocked both lanes and led to a series of secondary incidents.

Vehicles Catch Fire in Fatal Stevinson Accident

Among the wreckage, an SUV caught fire, prompting the swift response of the fire department and ambulance services. The scene became more dire as a red Honda also ignited, trapping the occupant inside. The collision also involved a semi, and a subsequent brush fire sparked from the chaos. 

Investigation Underway in Fatal Stevinson Accident

Authorities issued a hard closure from Henry Miller Avenue in Los Banos to SR 140 to manage the situation. The Merced County Sheriff’s Office called for the coroner, underscoring the severity of the incident. A tow truck was summoned to remove the dump truck, which sustained significant damage to both its front and rear ends. The CHP traffic unit is conducting a thorough investigation into the accident.

Understanding the Role of Wrongful Death Attorneys

In the unfortunate event that a family loses a loved one in a fatal Stevinson accident involving a negligent driver, an attorney takes crucial steps to support their case. The attorney examines whether the vehicle’s driver or another motorist is responsible for the accident. If liability is established, the family may proceed with a claim for wrongful death. 

Eligibility to File Wrongful Death Claims in California

In California, wrongful death claims are filed by family members or the estate of someone whose demise resulted from the negligence or intentional act of another. Generally, the persons entitled to file such a claim include the deceased person’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children. 

The right to sue may extend to parents or siblings if none of these individuals exist. In some cases, financially dependent individuals, such as a putative spouse or stepchildren, might also have standing to file a wrongful death claim if they can demonstrate financial reliance on the decedent.

Compensation in Wrongful Death Claims

When a family loses a loved one due to wrongful death, they may file a claim to seek compensation. Recoverable damages can include:

• The surviving spouse can claim loss of consortium and the love and affection they have lost.
• Children can claim the loss of parental guidance, love, and nurturing provided by the decedent.
• The family can recover expenses related to the death, such as funeral costs and cremation or burial expenses.
• Wages lost by the decedent until their retirement age, along with compensation for pension and insurance benefits, can be recovered.
• Beneficiaries named in the decedent’s will may claim loss of inheritance.
• Household assistance previously provided by the decedent, including cooking, cleaning, and lawn care, can also be compensated.

In the following video, attorney Ed Smith discusses filing a wrongful death claim:

Merced Wrongful Death Attorney

I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death attorney. If your loved one has tragically passed due to a negligent driver, your family may seek to recover damages through a wrongful death claim. For compassionate, expert advice from an injury lawyer, please call us at (209) 227-1931 to schedule a case review. You can also reach us toll-free at (800) 404-5400 or by filling out our online contact form.

We are honored to be included among the Million Dollar Advocates and the Distinguished Counsel, highlighting our commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients. We invite you to read testimonials from those we have assisted on Yelp, Avvo, and Google.

Photo attribution: Image by Katie Phillips from Pixabay

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