Fatal Bicycle Accident in Madera County
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating a fatal bicycle accident that left an elderly man dead in Madera County on the morning of Monday, March 16, 2020. The incident occurred shortly after 5:30 a.m. at Ellis Street and Road 26. Investigators said an SUV crashed into a man who was riding his bicycle in the area. He was propelled from his bike and then struck by another car. Authorities said both drivers stopped and cooperated with the investigation. The CHP reported that they are unsure which vehicle killed the cyclist and added that neither motorist is expected to face charges. Officials with the Madera County Coroner’s Office have identified the decedent as Johnny Serrano, 70, of Madera.
Loss of a Loved One
The loss of a close relative often causes financial and emotional hardship for surviving family members. When the death is unexpected, making choices about your family’s immediate needs can be stressful, especially without your loved one by your side. If the loss resulted from someone else’s negligence, the feeling of sadness combined with injustice can be overwhelming. Families affected by such situations may benefit from the services of having an experienced wrongful death lawyer from Madera on their side. A lawyer with years of experience will work with crash reconstruction experts and economists to build a strong case for fair compensation
What Are Wrongful Death Damages?
When a family member is lost in a bicycle accident, there are immense damages that affect survivors in many unique ways. While it may seem impossible to calculate the impact of the loss that the family has experienced, wrongful death claims are intended to help survivors find financial security and justice. The types of monetary damages that may be obtained through a wrongful death case include:
- Costs of a loved one’s end of life medical treatment, funeral, and burial services
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish caused by the wrongful death bicycle accident
- Household services that would have been provided by the deceased, such as childcare, vehicle maintenance, or adult caring for an elderly parent
- Loss of a loved one’s care, comfort, companionship, and emotional support
- Punitive damages may be recovered from the at-fault party. These are monetary awards intended to punish the negligent driver and to deter similar behavior from others in the future
- Wages and other income the deceased would have earned and provided to their family over a lifetime
In California, only the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the decedent are eligible to file for wrongful death. However, others may be able to file if such parties do not exist. To learn more, watch the video below.
California Laws on Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death claim is subject to a filing deadline known as the statute of limitations. This is based upon either the type of incident or the death date. Generally, the statutory deadline for wrongful death is two years from the date of loss. However, this may be shortened to six months or 180 days if a government entity is believed to have contributed to the fatal incident. To learn more, reach out to an experienced attorney.
Why is a Wrongful Death Lawyer Necessary for a Madera County Bicycle Accident?
A wrongful death case for a bicycle accident often involves a precise calculation of losses and witness testimony. Such cases are either settled by insurance companies and their defense attorneys before trial or require an extended legal proceeding where testimony is taken from multiple witnesses. Since this can be stressful for any family to undergo, it is best to retain an experienced Madera wrongful death lawyer to ensure families are not taken advantage of in their time of loss.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Madera
I’m Ed Smith, a Madera personal injury lawyer. The loss of a family member is one of the most devastating experiences in life. If your loved one was taken away from you as a result of a bicycle accident they did not cause, it can be even more challenging to come to terms with your loss. When this happens, you and your family may be compensated for any emotional and financial losses that resulted from your loved one’s wrongful death. Get in touch with me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on how to move forward after your loss.
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I am proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
To see how our personal injury law firm has helped other families affected by wrongful death, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
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