Four Teens Killed in Tracy Single Vehicle Accident
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene of a fatal single-vehicle accident where four teens were killed in the Tracy area on the night of Friday, September 18, 2020. The CHP reported that the car crash occurred at approximately 7:00 p.m. near the on-ramp to westbound Interstate 205. A driver was entering the I-205 on-ramp when they reportedly lost control of the vehicle and collided with a tree along the roadway.
There were a total of four occupants inside the car: two males and two females. The CHP attempted to perform CPR on the injured parties. Sadly, all four occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene of the car accident. Two of the four individuals were identified as seniors at Patterson High School. The third party has not yet been named. The fourth occupant was identified as 19-year-old Donald Wayne Edwards of Stockton. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of Mr. Donald Edwards and his family to help cover his funeral expenses.
Loss of a Loved One
Few events in life can affect a family, like the loss of a close relative. When the loss results from someone else’s negligence, it can become more challenging to come to terms with. While there is no way of bringing a loved one back or undoing the pain that a fatal car accident has caused, the family of the decedent can attempt to secure a future by contacting a wrongful death attorney in Modesto.
What is Wrongful Death?
When someone dies because of the negligent or reckless actions of another party, it may be considered wrongful death under the law. In the case of a fatal auto accident, the surviving family members of the decedent may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party and their insurance company for damages incurred. When multiple parties are injured or killed in a single-vehicle accident, this may place the families of lost loved ones in a financial predicament, especially if there is a state minimum insurance policy or none at all. Fortunately, survivors may be able to file an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim under their insurance policy to cover or supplement losses incurred. While no amount of money can ever replace a lost loved one, it can help surviving family members focus on grieving and recovering from their loss without having to worry about financial hardship.
Wrongful Death Laws in California for a Tracy Single Vehicle Accident
The immediate family of the deceased is eligible for wrongful death damages under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. This includes the spouse, domestic partner, or children who survived the lost loved one. If these family members do not exist, other relatives who depended on the decedent for financial support may also be eligible for wrongful death compensation. This includes the parents, stepchildren, putative spouse, and children of the putative spouse. Watch the video below for more details on the wrongful death claims process.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Car Accident Case?
The unique circumstances of a wrongful death car accident will determine the types of damages surviving family members can recover. Some of the economic and non-economic damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death case include:
- Costs of a close relative’s funeral and burial expenses may be recovered by the loved one who paid for them.
- Expenses for medical treatment related to the injuries that resulted in the decedent’s wrongful death (this may be recovered through a survival action)
- Loss of protection, care, and companionship a loved one provided
- Lost future financial support and services
- Punitive damages may be sought from the at-fault party by your Modesto wrongful death lawyer as a way of punishing the at-fault party for the egregious behavior that led to your loved one’s wrongful death.
While economic damages like end-of-life medical expenses and funeral costs may be easy to calculate, placing a value on non-economic damages like the loss of a loved one’s care, companionship, and protection may be much more challenging. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in Modesto can help you and your family determine the damages you are entitled to and help calculate them on your behalf.
Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. No family deserves to experience the unexpected loss of a close relative, no matter the cause. There are many challenges involved in bringing a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for your loved one’s wrongful death. Such cases may be complex to navigate on your own without the assistance of an experienced attorney. Our law firm is ready to support you and your family and provide your case with the expertise and compassion it deserves. We will stand with you throughout the wrongful death claims process and obtain justice and fair compensation on your behalf. To start your case today, call our legal team at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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