Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash in Fresno County
Officials in Fresno County reported a fatal multi-vehicle crash on the afternoon of Saturday, January 8, 2022. The traffic collision occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. along Auberry Road and involved four vehicles.
Details on the Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash in Fresno County
A preliminary report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) revealed that two motorcyclists were headed southbound on Auberry Road. At the same time, a Subaru SUV was also traveling on Auberry Road and approaching the motorcycle riders.
For unknown reasons, the Subaru was reportedly involved in a head-on collision with one of the bikers. The Subaru driver allegedly attempted to avoid striking the other motorcyclist by veering to the left and crashing into a black pickup truck as a result. CHP traffic officers said that the other motorcycle rider was also involved in a crash with the pickup truck.
The Subaru driver was taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries described as moderate. The pickup truck driver was uninjured in the incident, according to officials. Sadly, both motorcyclists succumbed to their injuries. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the two decedents as 25-year-old Forrest King and 54-year-old Paul King, both residents of Clovis. Officials described the relationship between both deceased parties as father and son.
How Can a Wrongful Death Claim Help Our Family?
The loss of a close relative is a tragic and heartbreaking experience. Making this loss even more challenging is knowing that it could have been prevented and was the result of someone else’s negligence. While no amount of money may undo the pain of losing a loved one or bring them back into your life, holding the at-fault party liable for the harm their actions have caused is essential to providing surviving family members with the justice they need to move forward with their lives. The process generally involves bringing a wrongful death claim against the negligent party and their insurance company. In situations where the at-fault party lacks liability coverage or does not carry enough to cover damages incurred, surviving family members may turn to their loved one’s insurance policy if they carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM and UIM).
Uninsured motorist protection may be utilized if it is proven through substantial evidence that the other party did not have liability coverage at the time of the incident. Underinsured motorist coverage may come into play when evidence suggests that the claimant’s damages exceed the limits of the other party’s policy. UM and UIM coverage may cover their insured up to the limits of the plan. Understanding how to navigate these claims may be challenging, particularly when insurers are looking to take advantage of survivors in their time of loss by paying as little as possible for their cases. Fortunately, an experienced accident attorney may simplify the process. Learn how to find the best car accident lawyer in Fresno by watching this video.
How Much Time Do You Have to Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
A wrongful death claim in California is subject to a time constraint known as the statute of limitations. If a settlement is not accepted from the insurance company, nor is a lawsuit filed within the time specified by the statute of limitations, claimants may lose the right to recovery of compensatory damages. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a two-year statute of limitations generally applies to wrongful death cases. There are some exceptions to the filing deadline that must be considered. If a case involves negligence on the part of a government entity, the statute of limitations may be shortened to six months. This is by California Government Code Section 911.2.
The purpose of the statute of limitations in a civil case is to facilitate a prompt resolution. By enforcing strict deadlines in these cases, claimants are compelled by the state to bring a case forward within a reasonable time frame. That is why it is essential to consult with an experienced accident attorney to learn about the statute of limitations that may apply in your case. The sooner you contact a lawyer to discuss your case, the better chances you may have of obtaining the favorable outcome you and your family deserve. Contact our law firm today to schedule a meeting with one of our Fresno car accident lawyers and learn how we can help you and your family.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death lawyer. Experiencing a situation where a family member’s life was cut short because of an accident is painful and devastating. At our law firm, our lawyers understand that the primary concern for surviving family members is to get answers. We understand the pain that families faced with such losses may endure, and we can guide them through the legal process from start to finish. Our legal team will handle all aspects of the case to allow survivors the time they need to grieve in peace without dealing with difficult insurers and defense counsel. Give us a call today to learn more and receive free, friendly case advice at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400.
Go to the links below to learn more about our injury lawyers and how we have helped past clients with their cases:
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