Driver Killed in Fiery Big Rig Crash in Turlock
The driver of a Ford SUV was killed in a fiery crash involving a big rig on Highway 99 in Turlock on December 21, 2020. The fatal truck accident occurred on southbound State Route 99 just north of Linwood Avenue at approximately 12:08 a.m. The incident involved a 2019 white Freightliner Cascadia big rig and a 2016 silver Ford Explorer SUV.
A preliminary investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) revealed that the driver of the Ford was traveling in the No. 2 lane behind the tractor-trailer and was involved in a collision with the rear of the big rig. CHP traffic officials reported that the Ford veered off the shoulder of the roadway, struck a fence and tree, and caught fire. Sadly, the Ford driver was declared deceased at the scene of the Turlock truck accident. Her identity has been withheld by authorities due to pending notification of her relatives.
Losing a Loved One to Wrongful Death
The loss of a close relative without warning can be heartbreaking for the family left behind to pick up the pieces. When the loss was caused by the negligence of another individual or entity, it can be even more challenging for survivors to process and grieve their loss. Sadly, fatal motor vehicle accidents occur all too often – both in Turlock and throughout California. When it occurs, the surviving family members of the decedent may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. To learn more about these types of cases, watch this brief video.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
After the loss of a loved one, many survivors need time to grieve and recover from their loss. That is understandable. However, insurance companies will not be waiting and may take action quickly to minimize their financial liability for the incident. Waiting too long to take legal action for a loved one’s wrongful death can have severe consequences, including dismissal of the wrongful death case by the court if filing deadlines are not met.
California’s statute of limitations specifies how long eligible survivors have to file a lawsuit for the wrongful death of a loved one. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, surviving family members have two years from the date of a wrongful death truck accident to file suit. While two years may seem like ample time, it may pass quickly, and evidence necessary for proving the case may be lost or destroyed over time. For this reason, it is essential to work with an experienced Turlock wrongful death lawyer to ensure your rights and legal options for recovery are protected.
How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help Your Family?
After the loss of a loved one in a fatal truck accident, our Turlock wrongful death attorneys can help you and your family determine what your next step should be. In most big rig crash cases, there will be a liability insurance policy to help cover the financial and intangible losses your family has incurred. This may be from a truck driver or trucking company. In other situations, when defective SUV parts and equipment are involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident, an automaker or manufacturer may be held liable for resulting damages through an auto products liability claim.
In either of these scenarios, having an experienced attorney at your side is necessary to ensure your family receives compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost future financial support, and loss of your loved one’s care, protection, and guidance. Our personal injury lawyers will help your family recover any losses you all are experiencing now and into the future. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.
Truck Accident Lawyer in Turlock
I’m Ed Smith, a Turlock truck accident lawyer. Fatal motor vehicle accidents are devastating for all parties affected. If you have lost a close relative in a big rig crash in Turlock because of someone else’s negligence, you and your family may be entitled to financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages. While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one or undo the pain you all have experienced, a financial reward from a wrongful death case can ensure your family is taken care of. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options for compensatory damages. If you have questions on your case, contact us for free, friendly legal advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 today.
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