Fatality Reported After Fresno County Hit and Run
A fatality was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) after a recent hit and run accident in Fresno County, CA. The car accident occurred at North Howard Avenue and West Shields Avenue. The CHP reported that 60-year-old Randy Estrada of Fresno was driving eastbound on Shields Avenue when his vehicle was struck by another car. Officials said the other car, a silver 2001 Toyota Corolla, was traveling southbound on Howard Avenue and allegedly failed to stop at a traffic sign. Mr. Estrada was reportedly ejected out of his vehicle upon impact and was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency responders. The driver of the Toyota reportedly fled the scene of the fatal car accident and continued south of Howard Avenue. Authorities have not yet identified the suspect driver due to ongoing investigation. A GoFundMe page has been created to help Mr. Estrada’s family cover his final resting expenses.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Fatal Fresno County Hit and Run Case?
The state of California recognizes how devastating it is for a family to lose a loved one to a fatal car accident and provides them legal recourse for their specific situation through a wrongful death claim. These types of cases can be brought against the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the driver responsible for the fatal car accident does not have insurance or has state minimum insurance, the decedent’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play to fully compensate the loved ones they leave behind. The surviving family members of the decedent may receive wrongful death compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial services
- Medical treatment and expenses from the final accident injury
- Future loss of future financial support and benefits the decedent would have earned and provided to the family
- Loss of a loved one’s companionship, protection, and care
- Punitive damages may be sought from the at-fault party directly for their egregious behavior (e.g., DUI or excessive speeding)
If you would like to know more about the wrongful death claims process and how it can help your family, watch the video below.
Which Family Members are Entitled to Wrongful Death Damages in California?
Surviving family members have two years from the time of their loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This time limit or statute of limitations is outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. California also places a restriction on who can bring such cases. Generally, the relative bringing the wrongful death claim must be the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child of the decedent. If such family members do not exist, other family members may be eligible to bring a case. This includes a parent, stepchild, putative spouse, or child of the putative spouse.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help Your Family
At AutoAccident.com, we understand how traumatic sudden deaths are for surviving family members. This is why we want to help families obtain the justice and compensation they need and deserve after wrongfully losing loved ones. If you have questions about California’s wrongful death laws or would like to set up a free consultation with our Fresno wrongful death lawyers, call us and let us know how our personal injury law firm can help you and your family through this difficult time.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. If you have lost a loved one after a hit and run accident in Fresno County, I am available anytime to provide you and your family with answers to your questions and compassionate support. Call me at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation.
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At AutoAccident.com, we have represented people who have been injured in car accidents as well as families who have lost loved ones since 1982. We understand that the aftermath of a serious or fatal accident is challenging for anyone. That is why we are dedicated to obtaining the justice and compensation of an injured party or family of a decedent deserves after a traumatic accident. To see the results we have obtained for others, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-red-rose-candlelight-rose-2288531/
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