Child Killed After Hit and Run in Fresno
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is searching for a hit and run driver involved in an accident that killed a 2-year-old child in Fresno on the night of May 12, 2020. The fatal hit and run accident occurred at American Avenue and Chestnut Avenue shortly after 8:30 p.m. A vehicle, believed to be a white GMC van, was headed southbound on Chestnut Avenue when it crashed into the child who was walking in the area, according to the CHP. The driver of the GMC reportedly fled the scene of the pedestrian accident and continued on Chestnut Ave. without stopping. A CHP officer, who arrived first on the scene of the hit and run collision, rendered life-saving measures on the boy for a few minutes until an ambulance arrived. The boy was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of the child’s family to help cover his final resting expenses.
Loss of a Loved One
The unexpected loss of a close relative is a devastating time, with uncertainty about how a family will move forward in the future without their loved one by their side. When the loss was caused by the negligence of someone else, it can be even much more challenging to cope with. Survivors will probably not want to think about a wrongful death claim. Nevertheless, legal assistance is available to seek justice and compensation if surviving family members act quickly enough. Insurance companies representing negligent drivers, as well as your own, will do anything to dispute liability for the accident. This is their way of protecting their bottom line. At AutoAccident.com, we have decades of experience with overcoming defense tactics used by insurance companies. We have helped many grieving families recover the compensation and justice they need to start rebuilding their lives after a loved one’s wrongful death.
What to Do if Your Child Was Killed in a Fresno Hit and Run
Hit and run accidents are unfortunately common in California, and the city of Fresno is no exception. When a loved one is killed in a pedestrian accident, the family of the decedent can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company for their loss. However, if the driver fled the scene, surviving family members will have to seek recourse through their insurance if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). UM coverage will come into play if the driver responsible for the hit and run is not located or is later found but does not have a valid insurance policy. To learn more about wrongful death claims and how they are handled, watch the video below.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 specifies which surviving family members are entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Generally, a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child is given first priority. If there is no surviving spouse or child, then the decedent’s parents, stepchildren, or putative spouse may qualify to bring a wrongful death action. Since California’s wrongful death law is challenging to navigate, it is best to consult with an experienced lawyer who can determine whether you are eligible to file.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for Wrongful Death?
The state of California places a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death lawsuits. This means that surviving family members have two years from the date of their loved one’s death to bring a wrongful death suit. If survivors wait too long, the court may dismiss their case, and they may lose the right to claim compensation for their loss. This why it is essential to work with an attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death pedestrian accident cases. An attorney will ensure all filing criteria and deadlines are met in the case to allow a family to focus on grieving and recovering from their loss.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer. The loss of a loved one is a painful, devastating experience. This is especially true in the case of a child. It can leave mourning parents and relatives with expensive end of life medical expenses and funeral bills in addition to mental anguish and emotional trauma. In challenging times like these, a family may benefit from the assistance of an experienced accident attorney. If you decide to retain me as your attorney for your wrongful death case, I will provide the highest standard of guidance and support for you and your family through this difficult time. To set up a free case evaluation, please call (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. Your family deserves to receive justice for your loss, and I can provide you my compassionate, free, and friendly advice on how to do just that.
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At AutoAccident.com, we are devoted to helping families obtain justice and fair compensation from devastating wrongful death car accidents in California. To see how we have been successful in recovering fair financial recoveries while protecting our clients’ future, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: By “GoranH” via Pixabay
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