Fatal Hit and Run Accident in Modesto
An investigation is ongoing by the Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD) after a fatal hit and run accident on Sunday, July 4, 2021. The incident occurred in the area of 16th Street and Burney Street at approximately 11:00 p.m.
Details on the Modesto Fatal Hit and Run Accident
According to Modesto PD, a 34-year-old man is believed to have crashed into a 20-year-old male pedestrian near the intersection. The driver left the scene, and the pedestrian was declared deceased, officials reported.
A prepared statement by Modesto PD revealed that the suspect driver contacted officials a short time later to report that he believed to have crashed into a person while traveling northbound on Burney Street. The suspect driver claimed to have been distracted by fireworks.
Authorities later determined that the caller may have been speeding and driving under the influence (DUI) at the time of the pedestrian crash. The driver also had a child in the vehicle. Additional details on the fatal hit and run accident in Modesto were not immediately available.
What Families Should Know About Wrongful Death Cases
When a family loses a loved one in a fatal accident, the lasting impact may be devastating and overwhelming. In emotional and financial terms, nothing may be more challenging. If someone else was responsible for the incident resulting in the loss of life, whether it involved a pedestrian accident or other type of crash, surviving family members may obtain both justice and compensation they need to preserve what they have built together.
The legal process is not always straightforward, despite liability being clear. Even in the wake of an accident resulting in a loss of a family member, the insurance company will do everything in its power to pay surviving family members as little as possible on their claim. They may extend a lowball settlement offer in hopes of survivors agreeing before finding out what they may be entitled to. In other situations, the insurer may attempt to get a statement as a way of shifting blame onto the decedent.
In difficult times such as these, it is essential to work with a Modesto wrongful death lawyer to ensure that the insurance carrier will not be taken advantage of by surviving family members in their time of grief and loss. An attorney is there to handle all aspects of the case so survivors can focus on recovering and coming to terms with their loss. The lawyer handling the case will conduct an independent investigation of the collision, gather necessary evidence, work with expert witnesses, communicate with the insurer, and handle negotiations on behalf of survivors. This way, the attorney can prove what occurred and why the other party was at fault for the loss of life. For details on how to find the right attorney for your case, watch this video.
Does Insurance Cover Hit and Run Accidents?
When a driver leaves the scene of a fatal crash, it can leave surviving family members in a stressful and overwhelming predicament. Determine what steps to take next by working with an attorney experienced in handling wrongful death cases. A lawyer can work with private investigators to find the suspect driver and bring a wrongful death claim against their insurer for resulting damages. In the event of a hit and run caused by an unidentified party, the attorney may bring a claim under the family’s uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM and UIM) coverage for losses incurred.
Receive assistance with your case by reaching out to an experienced attorney today. At our law firm, we are available anytime to go over the details of your case, determine your potential options for recovery, and devise strategies for how to proceed after your loss. Unlike insurers, we have the best interests of you and your family at heart.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. After a hit-and-run accident, obtaining justice and fair compensation for the damage caused by another party or entity is never easy. This is especially true when a loss of life is involved. Our legal team is available anytime to help and provide free, friendly advice on some of the options that may be available in your situation. To start, call us today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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