Fatal Collision on SR-12 Near Stockton
The California Highway Patrol reported a fatal multi-vehicle collision on SR-12 near the Stockton area on the afternoon of Friday, May 13, 2022. The auto accident took place around 2:20 p.m. and was said to have involved a Honda Pilot, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Camry.
Details on the Fatal Collision on SR-12 Near Stockton
A preliminary report by investigating officials revealed that the Hyundai was headed eastbound on State Route 12. The Hyundai was allegedly traveling in excess of 100 mph in the moments leading up to it veering off the roadway and into the shoulder. According to CHP traffic officers, this was where the Hyundai lost control, swerved back into the traffic lane, and crashed into a Honda Pilot that was traveling in front of it.
The impact of the accident reportedly propelled both cars into the oncoming traffic lane, where they both crashed into a third vehicle, the Toyota. The Honda and Hyundai came to a rest in a ditch that was filled with water after overturning.
The Toyota driver, Honda driver, and passenger in the Toyota were all transported to an area hospital for immediate treatment of unspecified injuries. Two passengers in the Honda, identified as a 25-year-old man and a 30-year-old man, as well as the Hyundai driver, a 28-year-old woman, were all declared deceased at the scene of the multi-vehicle crash. Their identities have been withheld due to pending family notification.
What Should a Family Expect from the Wrongful Death Claims Process?
As painful and devastating as it is to lose a close relative, various challenges may present following the loss and may make the ordeal particularly overwhelming. The family of the decedent is often forced to take on many unexpected expenses, from costs of medical treatment for the final injury to funeral service arrangements. Instead of having the opportunity to grieve the loss of a loved one and say goodbye, the family must deal with mounting paperwork and financial hardship. All this may result in significant trauma that may last for years to come. When the loss was the result of someone else’s negligence, that party should be held financially accountable for the harm their actions have caused. This may be accomplished through California’s legal system in the form of a wrongful death claim. In the case of a fatal car accident, a claim may be filed against the at-fault party and their insurance company.
Economic damages and non-economic damages in a wrongful death claim are intended to ease the financial and intangible losses that surviving family members may face after the unexpected loss of a loved one. These may include costs of funeral services, loss of future financial support, mental anguish, lost companionship, and loss of benefits. Expenses for end-of-life medical treatment may also be recoverable through a survival action. Aside from these, punitive damages or exemplary damages may be sought in wrongful death cases only if the other side engaged in egregious conduct. In a motor vehicle collision, this may include excessive speeding or driving while impaired. This type of damage is challenging to obtain in California as substantial evidence must be provided for a judge or jury to decide whether it is appropriate and its value.
As you can see, the wrongful death claims process may be challenging to navigate in California. That is because strict filing deadlines and criteria are often involved. Remember that a two-year statute of limitations generally applies. This means that if the case is not settled with the insurer within two years of the fatal accident date, a lawsuit must be filed in civil court before that deadline expires. It is crucial to work with an experienced Stockton car accident lawyer immediately to ensure that all aspects of your case have been addressed and fulfilled accordingly. When coping with grief, it may be challenging to determine whether an attorney is a good fit for you and your family’s case. The video below provides a short summary of the qualities you should look for in a lawyer to represent you and your family.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton wrongful death lawyer. No matter the circumstances of your close relative’s death, you and your family may benefit from the assistance of our compassionate and skilled accident attorneys. Our legal team is here to guide you through the process, hold the at-fault party liable, and seek the financial compensation you all deserve. We will stop at nothing to help find a sense of closure and justice and much more. Do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm today to schedule a meeting to have any questions you may have answered by one of our experienced lawyers at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. With our attorneys at AutoAccident.com available to meet with you, you will receive free, friendly case advice.
When searching for an injury lawyer in your area to handle your car accident case, it is important to work with one that is trusted in the community. That may be accomplished through viewing past client comments and ratings. See ours at these links:
The attorneys at AutoAccident.com are there to support you and your family every step of the way in the wrongful death claims process. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and work to obtain the justice and financial compensation your family deserves. See how we have helped other families with their cases by heading to our Settlements and Verdicts page.
Our law firm understands that motor vehicle collisions may result in some of the most devastating results for injured parties and families of decedents. That is why we are dedicated to providing those we represent with the utmost care and level of excellence they deserve. In recognition of this, in addition to our history of successful case outcomes, we have been invited to join as California members of the Million Dollar Forum and the Top 1 Percent.
Image Credit: By “StockSnap” on Pixabay
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