Fatal Crash on Highway 4 Near Discovery Bay
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported a recent fatal car crash on Highway 4 near Discovery Bay in Contra Costa County, CA. According to the CHP, a head-on collision occurred on CA-4 and Discovery Bay Boulevard shortly before 12:30 p.m. The car accident was said to have involved a gray Jeep and a Pontiac GTO. An American Medical Response ambulance arrived first on-site and reported that at least one party suffered fatal injuries at the scene and another sustained moderate injuries. Officials from the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office have identified the decedent as 30-year-old Jose Velez Jr. of Brentwood.
Loss of a Loved One After an Accident Caused by Wrongful Death
The loss of a loved one after a fatal car accident can be a devastating event for any family to experience, especially if it was the result of someone else’s carelessness. Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe a situation in which a person loses their life in an accident caused by the negligence of another party or entity. Surviving family members may be able to obtain compensation through a wrongful death claim. An attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases understands that the loss of a loved one is devastating for any family to experience and will help right the wrong by helping seek justice and solace in their time of loss.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Discovery Bay Fatal Crash Case?
There are different types of damages a family may receive from a wrongful death case. These include:
- Economic damages are intended to make a family whole after a wrongful death of a loved one, by compensating them for financial losses such as the end of life medical costs, final resting expenses, loss of future financial support, benefits, and household services.
- Non-economic damages take into consideration the value of a loved one’s life and their everlasting impact on their family. Also known as general damages, they represent the loss of the relationship with the deceased and are awarded in wrongful death lawsuits for lost care, companionship, and protection.
- Punitive damages are designed to punish an at-fault party for their egregious actions and to deter them and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. They are generally sought from the driver responsible for a car accident, not their insurance company.
How a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Can Help a Family
The goal of a wrongful death claim is to present evidence that paints a picture of the relationship between the surviving family member and their lost loved one. This requires significant preparation and compelling delivery of evidence. If done right by an experienced Brentwood wrongful death lawyer, the compensation awarded in the case will be full and fair for the survivors. To learn more about these types of cases, watch the video below.
Should You Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer for Your Case?
After losing a loved one in a car accident, you may be hesitant to reach out to a wrongful death lawyer in Brentwood for assistance. However, acting quickly is critical in these types of cases. Quick action is crucial for gathering and preserving evidence that is necessary for proving your wrongful death claim. If you wait too long to collect evidence to build your case, you may miss the two-year statute of limitations that applies to your claim. When this happens, you and your family may lose the right to seeking wrongful death damages at all. That is why it is essential to work with an attorney who is experienced in handling cases like yours to ensure all filing criteria and deadlines are met so you can focus on what matters most in your time of loss: your family and the grieving process.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Brentwood
I’m Ed Smith, a Brentwood personal injury lawyer. If you and your family are coping with grief and loss after a loved one’s death in a fatal car accident, I am available anytime to provide you compassionate support during this difficult time. I can also answer any questions you may have about your best options for recovery and justice. Call me at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
If you would like to see client reviews of our personal injury law firm, go to the links listed below:
I am listed as a member of these U.S. legal groups:
At our personal injury law firm, we have advocated for many families affected by wrongful death car accidents since 1982. We have helped obtain justice and fair compensation they need in their time of loss. View some of the cases we have helped resolve for families affected by wrongful death, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/red-roses-bouquet-condolence-3768456/
:ds [cs 834]