Fatal Car Crash on California Street in Stockton
The Stockton Police Department (Stockton PD) reported a fatal car crash that took place along California Street during the morning of Tuesday, November 23, 2021. According to Stockton PD, the incident took place at approximately 7:45 a.m. and involved two vehicles.
Details on the Fatal Car Crash on California Street
Police responded to a reported motor vehicle collision that occurred along the 2500 block of California Street. First responders arriving at the scene pronounced one driver deceased and transported the other motorist to an area hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening. Officials have not yet identified either driver as an investigation into the fatal car accident is ongoing.
What to Expect from a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death occurs when a person has passed away because of another party’s negligence. Under California law, specific surviving family members may have grounds to bring a claim against the at-fault party for resulting losses. The process generally involves filing a claim against the insurer representing the negligent party. Compensation in these cases is divided into economic and non-economic damages, where economic reflects financial losses and non-economic considers the intangible aspects of a loved one’s death. While no amount of money can ever reverse the devastation and grief survivors have experienced, a wrongful death claim may provide a sense of justice for a family knowing that the other party has been held accountable for their wrongdoing.
One of the most challenging aspects of a wrongful death case is determining damages and their respective values. This may depend on factors such as the decedent’s age, health, occupation, education, life expectancy, and more. Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for loss of future financial support and benefits, lost parental support for minor children who lost a parent, loss of companionship, care, and support, mental anguish, funeral expenses, medical costs, and more. Calculating the value of damages such as lost future earnings often involves substantial evidence. To establish such losses along with others, an experienced Stockton wrongful death attorney may work with occupational and financial experts to provide testimony to ensure a family is fairly compensated.
Regardless of liability being clear, at-fault parties and their insurance companies may attempt to dispute fault and the extent of resulting losses as a way of avoiding a claim payout. Such disputes may make coming to terms with the loss even more challenging for surviving family members, especially when liability is being pinpointed on a lost loved one who is no longer alive to provide their account of the incident. In such situations, it is best to work with an experienced accident attorney who can be the voice of a lost close relative and protect the rights of survivors. A family can depend on their lawyer to protect their rights and handle all aspects of their case while they focus on grieving from their loss. For information on how to find the best wrongful death lawyer in the Stockton area, watch this video.
How Much Time Do You Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Case?
In California, a two-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death matters. This filing deadline is strictly enforced. While this may seem like ample time, but between an independent investigation of the fatal incident and insurance negotiations, this may pass by quick. Keep in mind that the failure to file a lawsuit in civil court by the specified time limit may result in a dismissal of the case and the loss of the right to seek compensatory damages. To protect your right to financial compensation as a surviving family member, it is essential to retain legal counsel with years of experience handling cases like yours. Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today to learn how we can help you and your family.
Personal Injury Attorney in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury attorney. The loss of a loved one is devastating for any family to experience. If this has happened to you, it is in your best interest to discuss the options you may have as a surviving family member bringing a wrongful death action forward. It is crucial to understand the process and what to expect from your case moving forward. Fortunately, an experienced accident attorney may simplify the process for you and your family. Our law firm has over three decades of experience handling these cases, and we can offer you our knowledge in an evaluation of your case. Contact us today to arrange a meeting to receive free, friendly case advice from one of our lawyers at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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Photo Source: Pixabay User “Counselling”
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