Fatal Car Accident on River Road Near Newman
A fatal car accident took place on River Road near the Newman area on the morning of Sunday, January 9, 2022. The traffic collision occurred at Villa Manucha Road and River Road around 7:10 a.m. Two vehicles involved in the crash were described as a 2015 Chevrolet coupe and a 2019 Nissan sedan that was utilized by officials as an undercover vehicle.
Details on the Fatal Car Accident on River Road Near the Newman Area
A preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) revealed that the Chevrolet was reportedly involved in a crash with the Nissan at the intersection of Villa Manucha Road and River Road. The impact of the collision allegedly propelled both vehicles to travel in a southwesterly direction before coming to a stop in a nearby field, according to CHP traffic officers.
The driver of the Nissan, a 34-year-old male deputy with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department since 2012, suffered injuries described as major but non-life-threatening. He was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment. The passenger of the Chevrolet, a 19-year-old Modesto woman, also suffered serious injuries and was treated at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. The woman’s sister described her injuries as a severe concussion, colon trauma, and hip fracture.
Sadly, the Chevrolet driver, 21-year-old Saul Betancourt of Modesto, succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash. Family members described the relationship between the Chevrolet driver and passenger as boyfriend and girlfriend who both share a 2-year-old daughter. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of Mr. Betancourt and his family to help cover funeral and medical expenses.
The Modesto CHP area office will conduct a parallel investigation with the CHP multidisciplinary accident investigation team of the incident. Additional information on the fatal car accident has not yet been released due to ongoing investigation by authorities.
What You Should Know About Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Cases
Any incident caused by someone else’s negligence and results in a loss of life may warrant a wrongful death claim. Such cases are subject to strict filing criteria and deadlines as outlined in the California code section. The surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased have priority when it comes to bringing a wrongful death action forward. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Other relatives of the decedent may also be able to file suit, such as the parents, stepchildren, putative spouse, and children of the putative spouse.
The statute of limitations in a civil case sets a limitation on the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit in court. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a lawsuit must be filed no later than two years from the date of the incident. Failure to meet the deadline may result in a dismissal of the case by the court and the loss of the right to take legal action against the at-fault party. It is essential to note that the statute of limitations may be shortened in a case where the negligent party is a government entity. Under these circumstances, a notice of claim must be filed within six months under the California Government Code Section 911.2.
As you may see, the process of bringing a wrongful death action against the party responsible for the loss of a loved one is challenging, to say the least. Insurance companies and at-fault parties may take advantage of surviving family members at their most vulnerable stages and make a lowball settlement offer in hopes of them accepting it. Before agreeing to any settlement offer, it is crucial to discuss your case with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Modesto. Unlike the other side, your accident attorney will have your family’s interests at heart and protect your rights throughout the process. For information on how to find the right lawyer to handle your wrongful death claim, watch this video.
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Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. The loss of a relative may result in unimaginable pain and grief for surviving family members. The grieving process may also be compounded with anger and frustration for survivors when the fatal incident was the result of someone else’s negligence. Our law firm can help you and your family obtain the justice and fair compensation you all need for the loss of your close relative. We are here anytime to provide compassionate, free, and friendly case advice. Give us a call today to get started at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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