Fatal Auto Accident on Jack Tone Road
Officials in San Joaquin County reported a fatal auto accident on Jack Tone Road and Mariposa Road on the night of Saturday, June 11, 2022. The traffic collision occurred just southeast of Stockton at approximately 9:15 p.m. and involved two vehicles.
Details on the Fatal Auto Accident on Jack Tone Road
The California Highway Patrol received reports from several accounts of a suspected DUI driver allegedly traveling in excess of 100 mph. Witnesses indicated that the driver, a 20-year-old man, was overtaking several vehicles by veering over the double yellow lines. This was when the driver struck another vehicle head-on, according to CHP traffic officers.
The impact of the collision allegedly ejected a husband and wife and their two dogs out of their vehicle. The wife suffered unspecified injuries in the head-on collision. Sadly, the husband succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The suspect driver sustained injuries described as minor and was arrested after the fatal car accident.
Officials have identified the decedent as 56-year-old Kurt Pettitt, a father of five and a well-loved member of the community. Mr. Pettitt was a beloved employee at Escalon Unified School District that has worked there for nearly four decades. He was also an assistant fire chief with the Collegeville Fire Department with over three decades of volunteer work for the department. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of Mr. Pettitt and his family to help cover his final resting expenses.
How Can a Wrongful Death Claim Help Our Family?
When an unexpected loss of a loved one occurs, surviving family members are often left in a state of despair and grief. When the loss occurred because of an accident caused by another party’s negligence, survivors may seek financial compensation in a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can ever make things right again, it may help provide a sense of closure for the family knowing that the other side has been held accountable for their damages.
California law allows surviving family members like the children, domestic partner, or spouse of the deceased to bring a wrongful death case. Others, like parents, stepchildren, and the putative spouse, may be eligible for filing based on the facts and circumstances of the case. Families do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a case in California. In most cases, a lawsuit must be filed in civil court within two years of the fatal accident date if the claim is not settled with the other side within that period. Other filing criteria and deadlines may apply to wrongful death matters. For information on the various factors that may be involved in these cases, watch the video below.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton wrongful death lawyer. The loss of a family member is devastating under any circumstances. When the loss of life was the result of another person’s negligent actions, the family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim to seek justice and fair compensation on behalf of their loved one. Learn more about the process and receive free, friendly case advice by dialing (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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For over three decades, our law firm has helped families of those who have lost their lives in accidents caused by the negligence of others. Our injury lawyers work hard to hold at-fault parties liable for the harm that their actions have caused. See how we have helped families like yours in accident cases by going to our Settlements and Verdicts page.
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