Fatal Auto Accident on SR-99 in Merced County
A fatal auto accident occurred on SR-99 in Merced County on the morning of Saturday, September 25, 2021. The traffic collision occurred along State Route 99 southbound near the Winton Parkway exit in the Livingston area and involved one vehicle.
Details on the Fatal Auto Accident Reported on SR-99 in Merced County
A preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) revealed that a 1997 Lexus was driven by a 34-year-old Fresno woman south on Highway 99. For unknown reasons, the Lexus veered to the left and struck the guardrail in the center median, CHP traffic officers reported.
The impact of the collision propelled the vehicle, causing it to overturn and come to a rest on its roof along the other side of the guardrail. Authorities said no other cars were believed to have been involved in the crash. Sadly, the Lexus driver was declared deceased at the scene. Her name has been withheld by police due to pending notification of family members.
Loss of a Loved One in a Tragic Accident
The loss of a close relative because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most traumatic and life-changing things surviving family members may ever experience. In addition to coping with grief, survivors must now deal with the anger and frustration that arises in wrongful death cases. Under such circumstances, California law allows the family of the decedent to seek a financial recovery from the party or entity responsible for the death.
In the case of a fatal single-vehicle accident, several parties may be found at fault for the incident. For instance, an automaker may be held financially accountable for a rollover collision if the vehicle in which was involved failed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216 on roof crush resistance. To bring such a claim forward, it must be proven that the vehicle in question did not meet this standard and resulted in an exacerbation of injuries. Conversely, a public agency may be liable for a road defect that may have contributed to a fatal crash. This is because the planning, design, and maintenance of public roads fall under the responsibility of city, county, and state municipalities. These cases are subject to a shorter filing deadline, as outlined in the California Government Code Section 911.2.
Successful wrongful death claims allow the families of decedents to seek reimbursement of the losses that have resulted from their loss. No amount of money can undo the pain of losing a family member or bring them back, but survivors have a right to demand a financial recovery for the economic and non-economic damages that have accompanied the unexpected loss of a loved one. Financial compensation from a wrongful death claim may also help surviving family members reach a sense of closure, knowing that the other party has been held accountable for their actions. For more details on these types of cases, watch this video.
How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help My Family?
A wrongful death claim may be challenging as there are strict procedural guidelines in which must be met. Establishing negligence is essential to achieving a favorable outcome of any case. An experienced lawyer is often needed to collect and preserve evidence, handle negotiations with the insurer, and work with expert witnesses to demonstrate the liability of the at-fault party. It is crucial to retain legal counsel immediately following a fatal motor vehicle collision as the insurance company may not always have the family’s best interests at heart when it comes to estimating the economic and non-economic damages to which they are entitled.
Our experienced and compassionate attorneys at our law firm are committed to helping families in Merced County and across California seek justice when they have lost a close relative because of someone else’s negligence. Since there is a strict filing deadline that applies to these cases, it is crucial to reach out to a lawyer immediately following a fatal car accident. Contact us today to learn how we can help your family through this difficult time.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death attorney. Losing a loved one may be devastating and leave survivors unsure of what to do next. Not discussing the case with an experienced lawyer after a fatal car accident may leave surviving family members in the dark about their rights and potential options for recovery moving forward. Retaining legal counsel may relieve the burden of dealing with difficult insurance companies. In such a difficult time, it is understandable that you need time to grieve and come to terms with your loss. We can handle all aspects of your case, allowing you the time to focus on moving forward. Call us today to get started and receive free, friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
Visit these links to learn more about our law firm and how our injury lawyers have helped other families with their cases:
Our law firm has over three decades of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death matters. We operate with the goal of helping families obtain the fair compensation they need to provide for a more secure future following a heartbreaking loss. In recognition of our work for our clients, we have been awarded membership into the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Photograph Source: By “Padrinan” via Pexels
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