Fatal Crash on SR-132 and Mapes Ranch
On the morning of September 28, 2023, CHP traffic officers reported a fatal crash on SR-132 and Mapes Ranch near Modesto in Stanislaus County. Officials said the incident occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. and involved two vehicles. These included a Hyundai sedan and a Lexus sedan.
Details on the Fatal Crash on SR-132 and Mapes Ranch
A preliminary report indicated that a crash occurred on State Route 132/Maze Boulevard close to Mapes Ranch in Stanislaus County. One vehicle allegedly overturned and came to a rest on its side off the roadway. The Lexus driver sustained minor injuries in the crash. Authorities determined that the Lexus driver was intoxicated and subsequently arrested them for DUI.
Three fatalities were reported by the California Highway Patrol. This included the Hyundai driver, a passenger in the Hyundai, and a passenger in the Lexus. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedents as 44-year-old Modesto resident Rosa Clavel, 64-year-old Modesto resident, Pamela Cross, and 67-year-old Patterson resident Marianne Clemons.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Pamela Cross and her family to help with final resting services. A separate GoFundMe page has been created for Rosa Clavel and the Aviña family to assist with covering funeral costs. A recent development in the case indicated that prosecutors from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office have charged the at-fault driver with three counts of DUI causing injury, three counts of felony manslaughter with gross negligence, and murder. Further details have not yet been released.
Watch YouTube Video – By: KCRA3 – Three Killed in Stanislaus County DUI Crash, CHP Says
What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death action is a claim made on behalf of an individual who suffered fatal injuries because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence. There are four elements that must be proven to bring a successful wrongful death case in California. The burden of proof is on survivors and their lawyer to prove that the other side owed a duty of care to the deceased, the defendant’s breach of duty of care led to the family member’s demise, the breach of duty of care was the proximate cause of the fatal incident, and the individual’s death resulted in damages for surviving family members.
Under California law, the family member who meets the criteria outlined in CCP 377.60 may file a case of wrongful death against the at-fault party. The survivor may seek reimbursement of losses associated with the loved one’s wrongful death, including mental anguish, all costs related to the family member’s death, including medical bills (via survival action) and funeral service expenses, reimbursement of current and future wage loss that would have been expected had the decedent survived, loss of companionship, and more.
What to Expect From the Legal Process and Difficult Insurers
Many insurers are interested in making a quick settlement offer as it may be in their own best interest when it comes to relatives who may not have discovered the full scope of their losses. This is especially true when survivors are focused on coping with loss and grief. The risk here is that a grieving family may end up with damages in the future that have not yet been addressed by the initial settlement offer. Once the settlement is accepted, the claimants cannot seek additional compensation for their losses. As such, it is essential to have legal counsel on your side to look out for you and protect your rights.
Unlike the other side and insurers, an accident attorney wants to ensure that their client receives the maximum value for their losses and a sense of closure in that the negligent party has been held accountable. Here at AutoAccident.com, our legal team will stop at nothing to obtain the full financial recovery you and your family deserve. Our priority is to help our clients rebuild their lives after traumatic accidents and losses. To learn more about our practice and to discuss your potential case with a member of our team, watch this video or set up a free case review today.
Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
Regardless of the unique circumstances involved in each personal injury or wrongful death case, our legal team at AutoAccident.com is committed to seeking the full financial compensation you deserve while obtaining accountability and justice. We are here to help you and encourage you to contact us right away to discuss your potential case in a free consultation with a member of our team. To get in touch and receive free, friendly case advice with our knowledgeable and compassionate Modesto car accident lawyers, call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
Photograph Credit: StockProjectRDNE via Pexels
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