Fatal Car Accident in Stanislaus County
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently reported that a mother and daughter were killed in a recent fatal car accident in Stanislaus County. According to CHP traffic officials, a driver of a box truck reportedly admitted to briefly looking away from the road while reaching for an item in the truck.
A driver of a Toyota informed the CHP that they had slowed down and moved left into the center median of southbound Interstate 5 near Patterson because of a flat tire. While doing so, the Toyota was rear-ended by a box truck whose driver was reportedly distracted. The Toyota driver and a 4-year-old passenger seated behind them suffered injuries described as minor, officials reported. Sadly, the front and rear passengers of the Toyota, the mother and the daughter, succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedents as 30-year-old Rael Verduzco and her 9-year-old daughter. They were residents of Ontario in Southern California. Further details on the incident were not immediately available.
What is Wrongful Death in California?
If an individual has lost their life because of someone else’s neglect or wrongful act, surviving family members who were supported emotionally and financially by the decedent may have grounds to bring a wrongful death car accident claim to obtain justice and compensation. These types of cases are intended to hold at-fault parties financially accountable for their negligence and to deter similar behavior from them in the future.
What Types of Losses are Recoverable Through a Wrongful Death Claim?
The damages that surviving family members may recover in a wrongful death suit may include:
- Bills for medical treatment related to the wrongful death car accident (these may be claimed through a survival action)
- Costs of funeral and burial services
- Loss of affection, care, companionship, emotional support, guidance, and protection
- Lost wages, future earnings, benefits, and financial support from the decedent
The types of wrongful death damages recoverable vary from case to case. To determine your eligibility for wrongful death benefits, contact an experienced attorney today.
Which Surviving Family Members Can Bring a Wrongful Death Action in California?
California law limits the relatives who can bring a wrongful death claim to the immediate family, including the spouse, domestic partner, and children. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60.
If such relatives are non-existent, then others may file for wrongful death if they can prove they were dependent on the decedent for financial support. This may include the putative spouse and their children, parents, and stepchildren. For more details on who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in California, watch the video below.
Importance of Working with an Experienced Accident Attorney in Stanislaus County
Each fatal car accident is different, but an experienced Modesto wrongful death attorney knows that recoveries in such cases may often be significant. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident caused by a negligent driver, our lawyers can help you and your family through this challenging time. Our law firm has helped many families like yours obtain the justice and wrongful death compensation they deserve since 1982.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your potential case or about the claims process, contact our legal team today to schedule a free case evaluation. Our law firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not owe us anything unless we recover fair compensation for you and your family. Do not hesitate to contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect you and your family from difficult insurance companies.
Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. A wrongful death claim is challenging to handle as many deadlines must be met, and specific elements must be proven. However, an attorney can help simplify the process for surviving family members. Schedule a free consultation about your prospective wrongful death case with one of our attorneys by calling (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our lawyers are available anytime to review the details of your case and provide compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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To view a selection of our past case results, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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