Cyclist Killed in Modesto Hit and Run Crash
Officials are looking for a driver of a black SUV involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a cyclist in south Modesto on the night of Monday, August 2, 2021. The bicycle accident occurred on River Road close to Ryder Way.
Details on the Hit and Run Crash That Killed a Cyclist in Modesto
A preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) suggested that a cyclist was headed westbound on River Road. At the same time, an SUV was approaching the cyclist in the same direction. For unknown reasons, the SUV collided with the cyclist and fled the scene following the traffic collision.
When CHP traffic officers arrived on site, they located a man lying on the ground near a bike. Sadly, he was declared deceased at the scene. The suspect vehicle was described as an early 2000’s Chevrolet Tahoe SUV that is black in color, has an aftermarket bumper and black rims. The SUV was last spotted traveling westbound on River Road. Anyone with details on the hit and run accident is encouraged to contact the CHP Modesto area office.
Is There Recourse for a Fatal Hit and Run Accident?
As the survivor of a loved one lost in an accident, your options for recovery may look different. You may not have access to the insurance company representing the other party. Even if the at-fault party is located, they may carry little to no liability coverage. In such circumstances, you may file a first-party claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) with your insurance carrier instead.
UM coverage will pay for damages resulting from a hit and run accident resulting in harm to a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian. Such coverage may also extend to other relatives of a household if they are not excluded from the insurance plan. Conversely, UIM coverage will pay for losses not fully covered by the other party’s liability coverage. An experienced Modesto wrongful death lawyer will explore every option for financial recovery on behalf of surviving family members. For information on how to find the best attorney in your area, watch the video below.
Importance of Acting Quickly for Favorable Results
The aftermath of a fatal bicycle accident may be devastating and overwhelming, to say the least. However, it is essential to take quick action to seek justice and financial recovery of losses incurred. The sooner you retain an attorney and start the wrongful death claims process, the more evidence may be gathered and preserved before it is lost or destroyed over time. Such evidence is necessary in establishing negligence and damages in a wrongful death case. It may also serve to ensure you meet the two-year statute of limitations that may apply to your claim, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1.
Not retaining legal counsel may expose survivors to significant risks. They may be taken advantage of by insurance companies through defense tactics that are aimed to limit financial awards, such as downplaying economic and non-economic damages or outright denying the claim. Protect yourself and your loved ones by having the right lawyer by your side during the legal process. You should feel comfortable with the attorney you hire, as they will be with you every step of the way. To learn how our legal team can help your family, contact us today and receive free, friendly advice on your potential options for recovery moving forward.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. As a surviving family member, you should not have to suffer the emotional and financial consequences of someone else’s negligence. That is why you should consult with an experienced attorney immediately after a wrongful death pedestrian accident. With the skills and resources of a lawyer, your chances of success will be greater by retaining legal counsel. To learn more about how an attorney can help your family seek justice and fair compensation from the party responsible for your loss, contact us today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to meet with you and your family to provide free, friendly advice on your case.
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At our law firm, we have handled many personal injury and wrongful death cases since 1982 for residents in Stanislaus County and throughout California. We are dedicated to obtaining justice and favorable outcomes on behalf of those we represent. To see how we have resolved cases for past clients, please head over to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photograph Credit: Pixabay User ~ “FreePhotos”
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