Child Killed After Car Crash in Modesto
A child was killed after a car crash in Modesto on the evening of Sunday, July 19, 2020. The motor vehicle accident occurred around 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Plaza Parkway and Sisk Road, according to the Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD). Four family members were driving together and were turning left from westbound Plaza Pkwy to southbound Sisk Rd. While doing so, their vehicle was broadsided by another car. The family’s 12-year-old daughter was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders. The 15-year-old son was transported via air ambulance to a hospital in the Bay Area for treatment of serious injuries. The mother is expected to survive from her injuries, and the father was taken to the hospital with major injuries. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of the Jasso and Gomez family to help cover their daughter’s final resting expenses and medical bills related to their accident.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 45-year-old Modesto woman, reportedly fled the scene and was located a short time after the car accident. She was arrested on charges of felony driving under the influence (DUI), vandalism, felony hit and run, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and murder. Modesto PD said she had prior convictions of DUI.
Loss of a Family Member to Wrongful Death
Few things in life are as painful as the loss of a close relative. The unexpected situation may become even more challenging when the death was the result of someone else’s negligence. Motor vehicle collisions are one of the many fatal incidents that could have been avoided had proper care been taken. If you have lost a loved one after a deadly crash, you and your family may have many questions on what to do next. An experienced Modesto wrongful death lawyer can help explain what options for recovery your family has through a wrongful death claim.
What Types of Wrongful Death Damages are Available for Survivors?
If you have lost a loved one to the negligence of someone else, you have a legal right to seek justice beyond what the criminal courts can provide. Under California law, you and your family may be able to recover financial compensation from the party responsible for your loved one’s wrongful death. In the case of a fatal car accident, you may be compensated by the driver responsible for the crash and their insurance company for:
- Costs of medical treatment related to the fatal motor vehicle accident
- Expenses for a family member’s funeral and burial services
- Loss of benefits, inheritance, and future financial support if the deceased was a primary provider of the family
- Lost companionship, protection, and affection
- In cases involving egregious conduct like DUI or excessive speeding, punitive damages may be sought from the at-fault party directly as a punishment of their wrongdoing and to deter similar behavior in the future
When to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, families have two years to bring most wrongful death claims. Developing a wrongful death lawsuit can be a time-consuming and challenging process when it is disputed, as most are, and there are multiple at-fault parties, which may also occur. If a claim is not brought before the deadline expires, then the case will most likely be dismissed by the court. To protect your legal rights, reach out to an experienced Modesto auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after a fatal motor vehicle accident. For details on what to look for in an experienced lawyer to handle your case, watch the video below.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After a Wrongful Death Car Crash in Modesto
By speaking with an experienced Modesto wrongful death attorney at AutoAccident.com, you and your family can learn about your rights to financial recovery and better understand the wrongful death claims process. Our legal team will work diligently to establish your status as a surviving family member and potential beneficiary of your loved one’s estate, along with proving negligence for the wrongful death car accident and obtaining the justice and compensation your family is rightfully owed.
Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto car accident lawyer. After a fatal motor vehicle collision caused by DUI, criminal courts and police will work to bring those who have disobeyed California law to justice on behalf of society. Only a wrongful death lawyer can help obtain justice for surviving family members of the decedent, whose lives have been turned upside down by the negligence of another. At our wrongful death law firm, we will work to seek answers for you and your family and protect your right to full and fair compensation for losses incurred. For free, friendly advice on how to move forward with a wrongful death claim on behalf of your loved one, call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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