Stockton Double Fatality Crash
A Stockton double fatality crash occurred on January 27 at the intersection of East March Lane and Bianchi Road. Two parties were driving together eastbound along March Lane shortly after 2:00 in the morning when their car struck another vehicle in the intersection. Their car later veered off the road and crashed into a traffic signal pole. Sadly, both parties were reportedly ejected out of the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials have identified the decedents as Ahmad Jamir Sonley and Elizabeth Keosay, both 27 years of age and residents of Stockton. We send our sympathy to those who have lost a loved one in this devastating car accident.
Investigation of the Stockton Double Fatality Crash
The cause of the auto accident has not yet been determined by the Stockton Police Department. Typically, traffic collision reports take up to two weeks to be processed. However, speeding is suspected to be a factor in this car wreck.
Loved One Forever Remembered
Elizabeth Emily Keosay was a beloved member of her family. She was considered a beautiful soul by those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her radiant positivity and sense of humor. A GoFundMe page has been established to help support her 3-year-old daughter and cover her funeral expenses.
Intersection Accidents
Approximately 2.5 million motor vehicle crashes occur at intersections on a yearly basis. On average, intersection accidents account for nearly 40 percent of all collisions. Common reasons for these types of car accidents include:
- Motorist negligence
- Failing to check for oncoming traffic when turning
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Following too closely or “tailgating”
- Lack of visibility due to inclement weather conditions
- Not looking for cyclists or pedestrians
- Poorly designed intersection
- Road defects such as potholes, hidden stop signs, or faulty traffic lights
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Speeding when approaching an intersection
Passenger Injury Claims
Passengers rarely share fault in a car accident. This means that in some ways their claim may be easier to pursue than a driver. However, an injured passenger must prove driver negligence to be able to recover compensation for subsequent injuries. Following are some of the potential parties for which an injured passenger may seek personal injury damages from:
- The Driver of Vehicle the Injured Party Was Riding In: In some cases, the driver of the vehicle the passenger was in could be found at fault for an accident. This is often a friend or family member of the passenger. Often, passengers feel a sense of guilt when filing a claim for damages against the insurance policy of that relative or friend. However, it is important to remember that the insurance company will be responsible for covering resultant damages, not the passenger’s loved one.
- Other Driver: If liability was attributed to the driver of the other vehicle involved in the car wreck, a passenger may be able to file a claim against the insurance company of that motorist.
- Entity Negligence: If driver error is not determined to have caused an accident, a passenger may have to file a claim against other parties for compensation of losses incurred. For instance, a government entity may be responsible for a car crash if lack of roadway maintenance or poor road design caused the incident. Conversely, if defective vehicle parts or equipment caused the passenger’s injuries, he or she may be able to seek compensation through an auto products liability claim against a manufacturer.
- Own Insurance Policy: If a passenger carries uninsured/underinsured motorist protection under his or her own auto insurance policy, he or she may be able to file a claim under this policy. This is only possible if the passenger’s damages are not fully covered by the insurance policy limits of a negligent driver.
Wrongful Death in an Auto Accident
When a loved one is lost in an auto accident, the family of the deceased may be able to pursue compensation from a negligent party through a wrongful death claim. These types of cases allow specific family members to recover damages such as:
- Assistance, care, protection, and household services provided by the decedent
- Costs of a funeral and burial
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering which may include loss of guidance, comfort, companionship, love, and society of the loved one
- Loss of consortium for the surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Punitive damages may be recovered if the death was caused by felony homicide such as drunk driving
- The reasonably expected loss of income and pension of the deceased
Who Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim?
California law is specific about those who may recover wrongful death damages for a lost loved one. These may include a spouse or putative spouse, children of the deceased, and parents or stepchildren who lived in the home and were supported by the decedent. To learn more about who can recover in a wrongful death case, watch the following video.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
When you lose someone you love in a car accident, it can be overwhelming to imagine what the future will be like without them. An experienced wrongful death attorney in Stockton can help in these situations by seeking financial compensation from negligent parties. While no amount of money can ever replace a lost loved one, compensation from a wrongful death claim can help lessen the financial burden on the family during their time of grief and recovery.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. Motor vehicle accidents can cause some of the most debilitating injuries. In other cases, they can claim the life of a loved one. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident due to the fault of a negligent driver, I am genuinely sorry for your loss. Please call me anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free and friendly advice.
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Stockton Double Fatality Crash: AutoAccident.com
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