Accident Along Natomas Road Causes Pedestrian Fatality
A fatal pedestrian accident occurred close to Pleasant Grove in Sutter County on January 20. A motor vehicle struck the pedestrian along Natomas Road, close to Keyes Road at around 5:00 a.m. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigators are looking into the cause of the fatal pedestrian accident. However, the person on foot was clad in dark clothing when the collision occurred. The driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian remained at the accident scene and was cooperating in the investigation.
Filing for Wrongful Death After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident
California law allows immediate family members or the administrator of the deceased person’s estate to file a wrongful death claim. Under this law, one lawsuit can be filed, but family members may join in. Following are the family members who may initiate a claim for wrongful death following a fatal pedestrian accident:
- The surviving marriage partner or putative spouse can file a wrongful death claim.
- The family’s children can join in a wrongful death claim. This includes both natural and adopted children as well as step-children who obtained half their support from the deceased person.
- If the decedent has a child who died but had children themself, the grandchildren may join the claim for wrongful death.
- If one or both parents of the deceased received at least 50 percent of their support from the decedent, they may join in filing also.
Damages That Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When a negligent driver or other entity causes the death of your loved one, family members may claim the following:
- The family may recover the wages their loved one would have earned until their retirement age, including their insurance and pension benefits, tips, bonuses and others.
- The cost of the funeral and burial are recoverable.
- The spouse can place a claim for the loss of moral support, companionship and consortium provided by the decedent.
- The family’s children may claim the loss of guidance and nurturing that will now be missing from their lives.
- The value of household services provided by the deceased loved one is recoverable. This may involve taking care of the family vehicles and lawn, childcare, tax preparation, and others.
- Lost inheritance is recoverable in some instances. This is what the decedent would have left in their will to their beneficiaries had they lived.
- In some cases, the family may decide to file a survival action, which is possible if the loved one lived for a while before expiring and medical expenses were incurred.
Why Families File a Wrongful Death Claim
Over the years, our injury lawyers have helped many residents of Sutter County in getting fair compensation after they have lost a loved one because of a negligent driver. Although it does not ease their sense of loss and grief, it can help them deal with the financial distress that comes with the sudden loss of a loved one. In addition, by filing a claim to recover compensation, the family obtains justice for their loved one.
Yuba City Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Yuba City personal injury lawyer. Families suffer both emotional and financial pain when a loved one is lost because of a negligent driver. You are invited to get in touch with us for our compassionate, free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. One of our injury lawyers can review your claim, answer any questions you might have, and tell you about available options to recover compensation. You can also reach us online.
Our injury lawyer team has recovered fair compensation for many Pleasant Grove and Sutter County residents, and you can discover how we have helped others below:
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Photo attribution: Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay
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