Fatal Car Accident on Interstate 205 in Tracy
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating a recent fatal car accident that occurred on Interstate 205 in Tracy, CA. The incident happened on I-205 near the 11th Street offramp shortly before 2:40 p.m. A Ford F-350 pickup truck and a red Tesla Model 3 were involved in a collision on the highway for unknown reasons. The impact of the crash reportedly caused the Ford to overturn. At least one party was killed in the crash, authorities said. The identity of the decedent has been withheld due to pending notification of family members. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and additional information about the crash has not yet been provided.
Types of Wrongful Death Damages in a Fatal Tracy Car Accident
When a driver is responsible for the loss of life in a car accident, that party may be held financially liable under California law. Conversely, an automaker may also be held accountable for a vehicle defect that exacerbated injuries or death. For instance, a car failed to meet Federal Vehicle Safety Standard 216 and did not provide adequate roof crush resistance in a rollover. Keep in mind to pursue a vehicle products liability claim that the car in question must be kept and preserved until it has been examined by an experienced attorney. The family may be entitled to financial compensation for their loss through a wrongful death claim. This includes recovery of all wrongful death-related expenses, such as:
- Costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial services
- End of life medical bills that surviving family members have been left with (this may be recovered through a survival action)
- Loss of a loved one’s care, affection, companionship, and guidance
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering caused by the wrongful death car accident
- Punitive damages may be awarded by the court as a form of punishment for the at-fault party and will go to the decedent’s family
- The financial strain placed on the family as a result of lost future financial support, employment benefits, and pension provided by the decedent
Claims Process for a Wrongful Death Car Accident
The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 regulates which relatives are eligible for wrongful death compensation. Spouses, domestic partners, and children are given priority when filing a wrongful death claim. This means that a putative spouse, stepchild, or parent may not be able to file a claim unless there is no existing spouse, domestic partner, or child. Others may be eligible beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim under specific circumstances.
A statute of limitations applies to wrongful death cases. This means that there is a deadline you must follow when filing a wrongful death lawsuit, so quick action is necessary when gathering the evidence needed for the case. In California, a two-year statute of limitations exists in cases of wrongful death. If the filing deadline is not met, the court may dismiss the case, and the right to financial recovery may be lost. In matters like these, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure your right to compensation is protected. For more information on the wrongful death claims process, watch the video below.
Should You Get an Attorney for a Wrongful Death Auto Accident?
After the loss of a close relative, it can be challenging to deal with grief, unexpected expenses, and calls from insurance adjusters trying to settle your claim. At AutoAccident.com, our Tracy wrongful death lawyers can guide you through the claims process and ensure that you and your family receive fair compensation for your loss. While no amount of money can ever replace a lost loved one or the void left behind, a wrongful death claim can help achieve a sense of justice knowing that negligent parties have been held financially accountable for their wrongdoing.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Tracy
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy wrongful death lawyer. The loss of a close relative is challenging for any family, but when that loss is the result of someone else’s negligence, the grief may be compounded by anger and frustration. If you and your family have lost someone you love after a car accident in the Tracy area, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
The following links provide client ratings and reviews you can look at before calling our personal injury law firm to set up a free consultation:
I have been granted membership into the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel for my work as a Tracy personal injury lawyer.
At AutoAccident.com, we understand how devastating it is to lose a loved one after a car accident and consider it our responsibility to ensure that the futures of the families we represent are secured while they grieve from their loss. To see results we have obtained for families affected by wrongful death, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Attribution: By “GoranH” via Pixabay
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