Bicycle Crash Fatality in Modesto Area
Officials in the Modesto area reported a fatality after a car vs. bicycle crash on the afternoon of Sunday, March 13, 2022. The incident took place on Yellowstone Avenue just west of Carpenter Road at approximately 5:45 p.m.
Details on the Bicycle Crash Fatality Reported in the Modesto Area
According to the Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD), a 51-year-old Modesto woman was driving northbound on Yellowstone Avenue in a 2017 Acura ILX. The Acura allegedly collided with a cyclist that was also headed northbound on Yellowstone Avenue. Sadly, the cyclist was transported to an area hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedent as 38-year-old Michelle Johnson of Modesto.
The Acura driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and has since been released on bail, according to Modesto PD and log records by Stanislaus County Jail. Officials have asked residents of the area to submit any footage captured of the incident from video cameras facing the street. The fatal bicycle accident remains under investigation by Modesto PD, and additional information on the case has not yet been released.
How Can a Wrongful Death Claim Help Survivors?
The financial hardship and mental anguish resulting from the sudden loss of a close relative may be devastating and overwhelming, especially if it occurred because of a bicycle accident caused by a reckless or careless driver. When a loss of life has resulted from the negligence of another party or entity, the family of the deceased may have grounds for a wrongful death action. In a bicycle accident fatality case, survivors may take legal action against the at-fault party by filing a claim against them and their insurance company. In situations where the other side lacks liability coverage or carries insufficient policy limits to pay for damages incurred, families may be unsure of how their losses will be covered. Fortunately, they may bring a claim under their loved one’s auto insurance policy if they carried uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or one under their plan if the decedent was a member of their household. The latter is a viable option so long as the deceased was not listed as an excluded member of the policy.
Survivors are often confronted with mounting medical expenses, funeral service costs, lost financial support, and a wide array of defense tactics that insurance companies may utilize to get out of paying their claim. It is best for surviving family members to retain legal counsel in such situations to ensure that their right to fair recovery of economic and non-economic damages is protected. The statute of limitations for these cases is generally two years in California, so it is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced Modesto bicycle accident lawyer immediately. An attorney with years of experience handling these legal matters will know the best way to proceed with building a strong case for fair compensation on behalf of surviving family members. This includes seeking punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages from the other side if their actions were particularly egregious, like drunk driving and excessive speeding. Finding the right lawyer to represent you and your family is not always easy as there are many to choose from in Stanislaus County and throughout California. For useful tips on how to narrow down your search for the best accident attorney in your area, watch this video.
How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help Our Family with Our Case?
The process of bringing a wrongful death action to cover financial losses and intangible harms may be crucial to maintain a standard of living for surviving family members in addition to recognizing the immense mental anguish they have endured. At our law firm, we will protect your rights and interests from difficult insurance companies and defense counsel looking to devalue or deny claims to get out of paying full and fair compensation. Since 1982, we have handled cases like yours and would be honored to put our skills, knowledge, and resources to work for your family’s case. Give us a call today to arrange a free case evaluation with one of our experienced lawyers and learn how we can help you and your family.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death lawyer. The loss of a family member is painful and devastating for any family to experience, particularly if it could have been prevented had the other side exercised the due care their loved one deserved. At AutoAccident.com, we understand how challenging this time may be for surviving family members, and that is why we are dedicated to providing families we represent with compassionate support throughout the claims process. Our priority is to ensure that survivors receive the guidance, justice, and fair compensation they need to get past this tragedy. This means providing cases we handle with the personalized attention, skills, and resources to secure a favorable resolution. Get started today by speaking with one of our experienced lawyers and receive free, friendly case advice by calling (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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At our law firm, our team of injury attorneys provides families we represent throughout California with the compassionate assistance they need. Backed by decades of experience handling fatal accident cases, our legal team has the experience, skills, and resources necessary to protect our client’s rights and interests throughout the claims process. We still stop at nothing to obtain the justice and fair compensation families we represent deserve. See some of the results we have secured over the years by heading over to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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