Fatal Solo Car Accident on Highway 198
On the morning of Monday, December 26, 2022, the California Highway Patrol reported a fatal solo car accident on Highway 198 near Lemoore in Kings County. The single-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. on westbound State Route 198 just west of SR-41, officials said.
Details on the Fatal Solo Car Accident on Highway 198 Near Lemoore
Officials received reports of a solo car collision in the area and responded to the incident. Upon arrival, authorities located a 2004 Subaru and said it was involved in a rollover accident along the north shoulder of SR-198.
Investigators reported that the Subaru had two male occupants. Sadly, both were declared deceased at the crash site. The Kings County Sheriff’s Office has recently identified the decedents as Maxwell Atkins, age 21, and Dominic DeRoss, age 23.
Authorities confirmed Mr. Atkins and Mr. DeRoss were both stationed at Lemoore’s Naval Air Station. The cause of the rollover accident has not yet been determined by CHP traffic officers. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
What Family Members Should Know About Wrongful Death Cases
The loss of a family member is painful, particularly if it occurs unexpectedly from a single-vehicle accident. California law allows for a wrongful death claim in cases where an individual suffered fatal injuries from an incident because of another party’s negligence. These are civil cases where the deceased’s surviving family members may take legal action against the party responsible for the loss of life and the resulting damages. With a comprehensive investigation, a car accident lawyer will work to demonstrate that the other side’s negligence was the direct cause of a loved one’s demise and that survivors are entitled to financial recovery.
As a surviving family member, you may wonder if your relationship with your loved one provides you grounds for a wrongful death claim. CCP 377.60 states which parties have priority for filing a lawsuit which includes the spouse, domestic partner, and children. Aside from these relatives, others may be eligible for filing if these relationships with the deceased do not exist. This may include the stepchildren, parents, putative spouse, and potentially others.
When recklessness or negligence causes the loss of a family member, a skilled Fresno wrongful death attorney can help survivors hold the at-fault party accountable for the harm they have caused. While financial recovery from the case may not bring a loved one back, it may help provide surviving family members with the means necessary to move forward. Remember that insurance companies will often attempt to settle fatal accident claims for lowball amounts. An experienced wrongful death lawyer will not allow for that and will have a family’s best interests at heart.
Who is Responsible for a Single-Vehicle Accident?
Bringing a successful wrongful death claim forward requires clear and compelling evidence. This must demonstrate the other side’s negligence was a direct cause of the loss of life and the damages incurred. In the case of a single-vehicle accident, fault may lie on more than one party. This may mean that others may be responsible for a solo car crash aside from the driver, including the manufacturer of faulty vehicle parts, hit-and-run drivers, and government entities for roadway defects.
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations is usually two years but may be shortened to 180 days for cases involving public entities. Not protecting the statute of limitations may cost a family in the long run, both in terms of justice and financial recovery. Therefore, it is crucial to retain legal counsel immediately. For details about how our injury attorneys from AutoAccident.com can help your family, give us a call to schedule a free consultation, or watch the video below to learn about our services.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. The process of holding an at-fault party or entity responsible for damages incurred requires an attorney who has years of experience handling wrongful death matters. Fortunately, you do not have to look far for one. At our law office, we have decades of combined experience handling wrongful death cases and are here for your family to help you with yours too. Call us today for free, friendly case advice at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400.
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