Ceres Woman Killed in Head-On Collision
A Ceres woman was killed in a recent head-on collision on Hatch Road between Moffett Road and Mitchell Road. The Ceres Police Department said the crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. when an eastbound 2002 Honda rear-ended a 2008 Mazda. The impact of the collision reportedly propelled the Mazda into the oncoming traffic lane, where it crashed head-on with a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup truck. The three vehicles involved in the crash came to a stop in the westbound lanes. The Honda driver was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The driver and passenger of the Ford were also hospitalized for injuries described as non-life threatening. Sadly, the Mazda driver succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Officials have identified the decedent as 42-year-old Araceli Pimentel-Valdez of Ceres.
Investigation of the Ceres Head-On Collision
A preliminary report by the Ceres Police Department suggested that the head-on collision is believed to have been caused by drunk driving on the part of the Honda driver. However, it is unknown whether the driver of the Honda is facing any charges for the crash.
Loss of a Family Member in a Stanislaus County Car Accident
The unexpected death of a family member may be one of life’s most challenging ordeals to face. When a loss of life occurs due to the negligent or reckless action of someone else, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation from the negligent party for their damages. While taking legal action may not be a priority for you and your family following your loved one’s unexpected death, it is essential to consider retaining a Modesto wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will ensure you and your family are protected and not taken advantage of by unsympathetic insurance companies in your time of grief and loss.
What Are Wrongful Death Damages?
In California, compensation in a wrongful death claim is intended to offset the financial and intangible harm surviving family members have suffered. These include:
- Emotional distress and mental anguish suffered by the family due to the wrongful death car accident
- Expenses for a loved one’s funeral and burial services may be recovered by the relative who paid for them
- Loss of future financial support and services
- Lost parental instruction, companionship, and guidance for surviving minor children
- Medical expenses for treatment received by the decedent before he or she passed away
- Punitive damages are recoverable in auto accidents where a driver’s egregious action resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one, such as impaired driving or excessive speeding. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage others from engaging in similar misconduct in the future.
For more details on the types of recoverable damages in a wrongful death case, watch the below video.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Suit?
California law allows a wrongful death claim to be filed on behalf of the decedent’s immediate family, including the spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. If such parties are no longer alive, others who depended on the decedent for financial support may be eligible for wrongful death compensation. This includes the putative spouse, parents, stepchildren, or children of the putative spouse.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death?
There is a strict amount of time for which a wrongful death claim must be submitted. This is called the statute of limitations, which is two years for wrongful death in California. Once the time limit expires, the claim may be dismissed by the court, and the family may lose the right to compensation.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death lawyer. There is nothing more painful or traumatic than the wrongful death of someone you love. To learn about your options following your loved one’s wrongful death, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I understand the hardships you and your family may be facing during this challenging time, and I am here to provide you all with the compassionate, free, and friendly advice that is needed.
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As a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, I have been invited to join this group in recognition of my high standards of legal excellence I provide to my clients. I am also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates, a forum comprised of attorneys who have obtained over $1 million for a past client.
Our law office has a long history of obtaining fair compensation that helps injured people and families of decedents recover from their loss. To see how we have helped others, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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