Bicycle Accident Fatality in Merced County
A fatality was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) after a bicycle accident in Merced County on the night of Monday, July 12, 2021. The traffic collision occurred at Bellevue Road and Utah Street, just a couple miles away from El Capitan High School.
Details on the Merced County Bicycle Accident Fatality
CHP traffic officers indicated that a man, 22-year-old Brian Chuc of Los Angeles and a UC Merced student, was riding a bicycle in the area when he was hit by a vehicle shortly before 8:00 p.m. Officials said Mr. Chuc succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of the Chuc family to help cover direct costs.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fatal crash as an investigation is ongoing. The incident was initially reported as a hit and run, and the suspect driver, a 64-year-old Santa Paula man, has been arrested in connection to the accident. He is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit and run.
What Families Should Know About the Wrongful Death Claims Process
The sudden loss of a loved one may turn your world upside down. The financial and emotional hardship is devastating, particularly when it could have been prevented. Wrongful death is considered as the loss of life because of the negligence of another party or entity. Damages in a wrongful death claim are intended to compensate survivors for intangible and financial losses associated with their loved one’s death. No amount of compensation may bring a close relative back, but a wrongful death claim can help in holding the at-fault party financially accountable for their wrongdoing.
To bring a successful case for a fatal bicycle accident, it must be established that the loss occurred because of the other party’s wrongdoing. Working with an injury lawyer who is experienced in handling wrongful death matters will know the best way to proceed with an independent investigation of the incident to prove liability. This is essential in the legal process as entering settlement negotiations with the insurance company representing the other party is not straightforward. The reason is that insurance carriers are businesses that are focused on protecting their bottom line.
It is unfortunate that insurers do not want to pay out on every case and will often resort to defense tactics to avoid paying a fair settlement. The same may be said for uninsured/underinsured motorist claims in cases of fatal bicycle accidents and hit and runs. To learn more about the wrongful death claims process, watch this video.
About Our Law Firm
Moving forward with the claims process or a lawsuit is often the last thing any family would want to deal with after losing a loved one in an accident. However, it may be a step in the right direction for survivors. A wrongful death claim may help obtain a sense of justice, knowing that the other party has been financially accountable for their actions. However, the burden of an insurance claim or lawsuit should not fall on the shoulders of surviving family members.
If you decide to take legal action against the person responsible for the loss of your loved one, a wrongful death attorney from our law firm can help your family through the legal process. Our goal is to make this difficult time easier for you and your family. We will be your voice to the insurance company and in court so that your family can focus on grieving and recovering from your loss. For more information on how we can help, contact us today.
Personal Injury Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. Knowing what to do after the sudden loss of a loved one can be difficult, especially if it was the result of someone else’s wrongdoing. At our law firm, we are here for you and your family. Our legal team is available anytime to meet with your family, discuss your loss, and provide free, friendly advice on your case. Contact us today to learn more at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. There are no upfront costs to work with us, and we do not get paid unless we recover fair compensation on your behalf through an insurance settlement or decision in the courtroom.
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Proudly included as California members of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Since 1982, we have helped families throughout California with their wrongful death cases. Our legal team has the experience and resources necessary to conduct an independent investigation of the fatal accident and build a strong case for fair compensation. To see some of the past results we have obtained, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/rose-red-drops-rain-macro-nature-3407234/
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