Cyclist Killed in Fatal Bicycle Accident in Fresno
The Fresno Police Department (Fresno PD) reported that a cyclist was killed in a fatal bicycle accident near Cedar Avenue on the night of Friday, November 13, 2020. Witnesses informed Fresno PD that they observed the driver of a white GMC Yukon SUV maneuver around the railroad crossing arms as they traveled down the tracks. The Yukon driver reportedly sped up over the tracks and crashed into a cyclist on the other side before fleeing the scene. Sadly, the bicycle rider succumbed to their injuries at the scene of the hit and run accident. The decedent has been identified by Fresno PD as 62-year-old George Campos.
The driver and suspect vehicle has not yet been located by officials. Investigators believe the SUV in question is an older model Yukon, presumed to be 2005. The GMC likely has major damage to the front end. Anyone who has information on the fatal bicycle accident or SUV is encouraged to contact Fresno PD.
Losing a Loved One to a Fatal Fresno Bicycle Accident
When a loved one has been killed in a fatal hit and run accident, it is essential to seek legal counsel right away. Evidence may be lost or destroyed over time about the identity of the hit and run driver and whereabouts of the suspect vehicle. In situations where the at-fault party cannot be located, an experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney can explore all potential options for recovery, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A lawyer can bring a UM claim against the decedent’s insurance policy or that of a family member they lived with to recover wrongful death damages related to the hit and run. A wrongful death claim can help provide survivors with the financial compensation needed to help pay for unexpected expenses and keep them on their feet during such a heartbreaking time.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death in California?
The immediate family of the decedent may be entitled to compensatory damages in a wrongful death claim. A spouse, domestic partner, or child of the deceased has priority for which monetary compensation is awarded, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. However, if there is no child or spouse surviving the decedent, then the parents, stepchildren, putative spouse, and children of the putative spouse may be entitled to financial compensation.
- Costs of end of life medical treatment for final injuries suffered in the fatal cycling crash
- Expenses related to funeral and burial services
- Lost future financial support, including loss of future earnings and employment benefits (e.g., health insurance, pension, etc.)
- Damages associated with mental anguish because of the wrongful death bicycle accident
- Loss of companionship, care, and protection
Punitive damages are another type of wrongful death damages a surviving family member may recover from the at-fault party. They are intended to punish the at-fault party. In a wrongful death case, punitive damages may be available in fatal cycling crashes in which the behavior of the negligent driver resulting in the loved one’s wrongful death was egregious, like drunk driving or excessive speeding. They are also referred to as exemplary damages in wrongful death cases. To learn more about the wrongful death claims process, and how to choose the best attorney to handle your case, watch the video below.
Discuss Your Wrongful Death Case with an Experienced Attorney Today
The loss of a close relative is devastating for any family to experience. While the Fresno wrongful death attorneys at AutoAccident.com may not be able to undo the pain that has been caused upon your family or bring your lost loved one back, our legal team has made it our life’s work to help survivors by all means necessary. We are prepared and willing to help your family through this difficult time. Contact our law firm anytime to schedule a free consultation.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death attorney. Bringing a wrongful death claim after a fatal accident can be painful and emotional for surviving family members. No family expects to lose someone they love, and it can be extremely heartbreaking to lose a loved one through a negligent act that could have been prevented altogether. At our law firm, our team of compassionate lawyers understands how traumatic this time is and can work with you and your family to obtain a swift resolution to your wrongful death case. Call today to receive free, friendly legal advice at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400.
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To get an idea of how our wrongful death law firm can help you and your family, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page to see our past wrongful death case results.
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