Auto Accident Fatally Injures Elderly Woman Near Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. An elderly woman passed away after an auto accident in north Modesto on July 6, 2018. According to witness statements, a driver of a Ford Fiesta was traveling westbound along Pelandale Avenue near Highway 99 when the motorist reportedly ran a red light and struck a Nissan SUV turning left into the Northepoint Shopping Center. The impact of the collision caused the Ford to strike a sign within the center divider along the west side of the road. The Nissan came to a stop on the east side. The Ford driver was transported to an area hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. Officials have identified the victim as Norma Quattrin, an 86-year-old resident of Modesto.
My sincere sympathies are with the friends and family of Ms. Quattrin during this difficult time.
Accident Investigation
The cause of the car accident has not yet been determined due to an ongoing investigation by local authorities. The intersection was shut down for approximately three hours as police investigated the scene. It is unknown whether Ms. Quattrin passed away as a result of a medical condition or the accident.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are areas where two or more sections of a road intersect. An intersection usually involves two roads that are perpendicular to one another with one or more lanes in each direction. In addition to the two main streets, another road may run diagonally to them, further increasing traffic flow through the area. The chances of an accident at an intersection are significant as bicyclists and pedestrians use these cross streets as their means of transportation. About forty-three percent of all traffic collisions are linked to an intersection accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
How to Avoid Intersection Accidents
To learn how to ensure your safety at intersections, follow these safety tips below:
- Avoid switching lanes when in an intersection;
- Clear an intersection prior to turning as some drivers may run red lights at high speeds;
- Keep an eye for others cycling or walking through an intersection;
- Maintain a safe following distance and never tailgate another vehicle;
- Never pass through a yellow light;
- When traffic signals are malfunctioning, be extra vigilant and exercise due care.
Comparative Fault
Comparative fault laws in California allow injured parties to recover damages in cases where they share partial error in an accident. This means that a claim for fair compensation may be placed, less the percentage of negligence assigned to that individual. For instance, if the injured person was determined to be twenty percent at fault in the accident, he or she will be able to recover eighty percent of the damages awarded. Insurance adjusters generally decide which party is at fault in an accident based upon a collection of evidence, including traffic collision reports, witness statements and physical facts like the location of the damage, position of the vehicles and tire marks. For more details on comparative fault, contact our office.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
The death caused by the negligent actions of another party or entity is considered a wrongful death. Family members of the person who passed away may bring a wrongful death claim for compensation of damages incurred due to the death like costs of a funeral and burial. Since California is a comparative fault state, this may affect the amount of compensation awarded if the person who died shared fault in an accident. These types of cases can be tricky and should be left to an experienced attorney. A lawyer with years of experience can protect your best interests and communicate effectively with insurance companies as you move forward without your loved one by your side.
Modesto Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. Car accidents have the potential to cause life-changing consequences for those involved. If you have lost someone you love in an accident, you need the assistance of an experienced attorney to properly determine liability and make sure you receive a favorable outcome. Contact me any time at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to receive free, friendly legal advice.
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