Fatal Crash on State Route 152 near Los Banos
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported a fatal crash on State Route 152 just west of the Los Banos area on the morning of Saturday, August 14, 2021. The traffic collision occurred at approximately 7:10 a.m. and involved two cars in the area of SR-152 and Volta Road.
Details on the Fatal Crash Reported on State Route 152 near Los Banos
According to CHP traffic officers, a 41-year-old San Jose man was driving a Ford F-350 south on Volta Road. The Ford was hauling a trailer at the time and attempted to cross the roadway. While doing so, the Ford reportedly entered the path of an oncoming vehicle, a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, headed eastbound in the No. 2 Lane.
The right side of the Ford was struck by the front of the Hyundai. The Ford driver sustained minor injuries in the traffic accident and declined medical treatment at the scene. The Hyundai driver, a 53-year-old San Jose man, was taken by air ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of serious injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The front passenger in the Hyundai, a 55-year-old woman, was also transported by helicopter to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto with life-threatening injuries. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries during hospitalization. Her name has been withheld as officials are working to identify her family.
Losing Someone You Love in an Accident
The loss of a close relative is always devastating, but the situation may be compounded when the loss was the result of a preventable accident. If someone else was responsible for the incident, surviving family members may have the right to bring a wrongful death action against the at-fault party to seek compensation. This may include financial losses to date as well as those in the future and intangible losses. Such cases are not about the financial recovery, it is about holding negligent parties accountable and obtaining closure.
When dealing with a loss of a loved one after an accident, it is essential to keep in mind that California has strict filing criteria and deadlines on wrongful death claims. Spouses, domestic partners, and children have priority when it comes to bringing a claim on behalf of a family member. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Others may be able to file for wrongful death depending on the specifics of the case.
Lawsuits must be filed in civil court within two years of the fatal accident date to be considered by the court, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If the deadline is not met, the court may likely dismiss the case. This may result in the loss of opportunity for surviving family members to seek justice and financial recovery. Watch the video below for more details on the wrongful death claims process.
How Our Law Firm Can Help Your Family
Whether you lost a loved one in a motor vehicle collision or another type of accident, our compassionate and experienced legal team is here to stand by your family’s side. We take your loss as seriously as you do and will tell your story to the insurers or in court to fight for your right to fair compensation. We will work with expert witnesses and investigators to do what it takes to get the facts straight in the case to ensure you receive justice and fair compensation.
Reach out to our wrongful death attorneys today to learn more about how we may help your family and discuss your potential options for recovery moving forward.
Personal Injury Attorney in Los Banos
I’m Ed Smith, a Los Banos personal injury attorney. The loss of a loved one is devastating for any family to experience. If you have lost a family member in an accident of any type in Los Banos or elsewhere in Merced County, our legal team can protect your rights and work diligently to seek fair compensation for your loss. When you are ready to discuss your case and take action, contact us for free, friendly advice on how to get started at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
Learn more about our law firm by visiting the links below to access our client ratings and reviews:
We are proud members of the following organizations for attorneys:
Since 1982, our law firm has guided families of Merced County and across California to financial recovery and justice in wrongful death car accident cases. To see how we have resolved past cases, take a moment to go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Credit: By “Josch13” via Pixabay
:ds llo [cs 806]