Fatal Hit and Run Accident in Downtown Fresno
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is searching for the driver involved in a recent fatal hit and run accident on a freeway off-ramp in downtown Fresno. The incident occurred on the early morning of Saturday, January 9, 2021, on northbound Highway 99 in the vicinity of Fresno Street. CHP traffic officials received a report at approximately 1:30 a.m. of a female pedestrian lying along the shoulder of northbound State Route 99. Sadly, authorities declared her deceased at the scene.
A preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the woman was walking at the start of the off-ramp close to Fresno Street when the driver of an unknown car crashed into her. The motorist reportedly did not render aid to the woman and left the scene of the Fresno pedestrian accident without notifying local law enforcement. The suspect driver and vehicle have been last reported to be outstanding, and authorities have not yet disclosed the make and model of the car. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedent as 39-year-old Stephanie Clauson of Fresno.
Losing Someone You Love in a Fatal Accident in Downtown Fresno
Nothing can ever prepare a family for the sudden loss of a loved one. Learning that their death was caused by someone else’s negligence makes the loss even more challenging to bear. In the wake of such devastation, the last thing on the minds of surviving family members is taking legal action. After all, there is nothing a wrongful death claim can do to bring a lost loved one back. However, the reality of a loved one’s wrongful death is that the family may be left with unforeseen financial burdens. From end-of-life medical costs and final resting expenses to the unexpected loss of future financial support, survivors may find themselves dealing with expenses they had not planned for.
These expenses are real, and someone will have to cover them. The financial burden should not be left to surviving family members to deal with. An experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney can help by holding the at-fault party financially accountable for their negligence and to prevent similar situations from occurring to other families in the community in the future to come.
What Types of Wrongful Death Damages are Available to Survivors?
Wrongful death law in California can be challenging to navigate on your own, especially when dealing with loss and grief. Fortunately, you and your family do not have to handle the claims process alone. Our legal team is here to guide you and your family throughout the process and claim the compensation you all need after a loved one’s death caused by negligence. Damages available to your family in a wrongful death claim may include but not limited to:
- Reasonable and necessary medical expenses that the decedent incurred as a result of the fatal accident that resulted in the wrongful death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of inheritance, benefits, and future earning capacity
- Loss of care, companionship, and protection
Substantial compensatory damages may be involved in a wrongful death case. The insurance company representing the at-fault party may devise a defense strategy to counter fault for the fatal incident as a way of minimizing their financial liability and protecting their bottom line. The same can be said for the insurer representing the decedent and their family, and that is the unfortunate reality of dealing with insurance carriers, including your own. This is the last thing a family should have to deal with. Leave it to an experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney to protect the legal rights and best interests of surviving family members. For details on how to find the best attorney to handle your claim for wrongful death, watch the video below.
Importance of Working with a Wrongful Death Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident
Timing is essential in a wrongful death car accident case. You do not want to accept a settlement from the insurance company too soon. But you also do not want to wait too long to file a Fresno wrongful death claim. A strict statute of limitations or filing deadline applies to cases of wrongful death in California. This means you could lose your legal right to recovery of wrongful death damages if you delay.
It is highly recommended to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The sooner a lawyer is involved with your claim, the more helpful they can be. This is especially true in the case of a fatal hit and run accident. A wrongful death attorney will know how to handle the challenges in your case, including tracking down the at-fault party or bringing a claim for compensation against an uninsured motorist (UM) policy on behalf of the decedent and their family. Do not hesitate and reach out to an experienced attorney for legal assistance today.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death attorney. At our law firm, we understand how sensitive and challenging a sudden loss in the family can be, especially if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. We are committed to advocating for the best interests of surviving family members against difficult insurance companies and their defense attorneys. To learn how our legal team can help your family after a fatal hit and run accident in Fresno County and understand your potential legal options for recovery, contact us at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400. Our personal injury lawyers can provide compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice for your particular situation.
If you would like to learn more about our law firm, look at our client reviews and past wrongful death case results included at the links below:
Our injury lawyers are proud to be included as members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Photograph Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/love-gold-rose-cemetery-grave-dead-4814488/
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