Fatal Car Crash on McHenry Avenue in Modesto
The Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD) reported a fatal car crash on McHenry Avenue on the evening of Sunday, September 19, 2021. The auto accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. in front of a Target store.
Details on the Fatal Car Crash Reported on McHenry Avenue in Modesto
Officers with Modesto PD responding to the scene blocked McHenry Avenue between Woodrow Avenue and Sylvan Avenue after the motor vehicle collision. The incident involved a Chevrolet Silverado, a Hyundai Ioniq, and a Ford F-150. A 20-year-old man was driving the Chevrolet northbound on McHenry when the pickup collided with the driver’s side of the Hyundai. The impact of the collision propelled the Hyundai into the southbound lanes where it was involved in a crash with the Ford.
An investigation of the fatal car accident took place for several hours, according to Modesto PD. The Ford and Chevrolet drivers both suffered injuries described as minor. Sadly, the Hyundai driver was declared deceased at the scene. Officials have identified him as Erik Davalos, 33, of Modesto. Authorities reported that the Chevrolet driver was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. After being released from care, he was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Things to Know About the Wrongful Death Claims Process for a Car Accident
A fatal motor vehicle collision caused by another party’s negligent actions is one of the most heartbreaking tragedies surviving family members may ever experience. A close relative may be taken away from their family’s lives in a second, and survivors are left behind to pick up the pieces. In addition to the overwhelming grief and knowledge that the loss could have been prevented, the family may also find themselves coping with financial hardship as they are working through settling a family member’s affairs and dealing with difficult insurance companies. It may be challenging for survivors as they may be unsure of how to make ends meet, particularly if their loved one made financial contributions to the household.
In California, surviving family members may have the right to compensation for their loss by bringing a wrongful death claim against the party or entity responsible for the loss. Through this type of case, survivors may seek financial recovery from economic and non-economic damages. This may include funeral costs, loss of future financial support, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and more. The process generally involves bringing a claim against the insurance company representing the other driver or that of the decedent if the at-fault party has little to no liability coverage. In the latter situation, the claim would be brought under the decedent’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM and UIM). Conversely, survivors may also seek punitive damages from the at-fault party if DUI or another form of egregious behavior contributed to the incident.
It is essential for surviving family members to keep in mind that no matter how sympathetic a claims adjuster may seem, the unfortunate reality is that they do not have their family’s best interests at heart, and the same may be said for first-party insurance claims as well. Insurers may attempt to take advantage of survivors in their time of loss and grief by offering a settlement that is worth far less than what they deserve. Retaining legal counsel may make the difference in such situations, as an attorney will know the best way to overcome the defense tactics used by insurance carriers and how to build the strongest case possible on behalf of survivors. For details on how to find the best attorney, watch this video.
About Our Law Firm
At our law firm, our team of accident attorneys may help your family through this difficult time by handling all aspects of your case. We are dedicated to helping families like yours obtain the justice and financial recovery you all need to rebuild your lives after the devastating loss of a loved one.
While no amount of money may undo the pain from losing a family member, it may help in providing for a more secure future and holding the at-fault party liable for their actions. Reach out to us today to learn more and receive free, friendly case advice.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. The loss of a close relative at any time may be a challenging and devastating loss for the family that is left behind. When such a loss could have been prevented in the first place and was the result of another individual’s negligence, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party to hold them liable for damages incurred. If you and your family are dealing with such a situation, speak with one of our attorneys regarding your case to receive compassionate, free, and friendly advice on how to move forward at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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Our legal team has the experience, skills, and resources necessary to handle wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle collisions. When you work with us, you will have peace of mind knowing that your case is in good hands while you focus on being there for your family and getting your lives back on track. To see how we have helped other families affected by similar situations, please visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photograph Source: By “Irina Iriser” via Pexels
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