Fatal Pedestrian Accident at Oakdale Church
An investigation is underway by the Oakdale Police Department (Oakdale PD) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) after a fatal pedestrian accident at a local church on Sunday, September 27, 2020. The pedestrian vs. car accident occurred around 10:15 a.m. at the Oakdale Family Church located on 1700 West F Street.
The CHP reported that a driver of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was making a U-turn in the parking lot of the church. For unknown reasons, the pickup truck driver lost control, crashed into a metal support pole, and struck a pedestrian standing in a walkway. The vehicle came to a rest after colliding with the west side of the church building. Sadly, the pedestrian passed away at the scene. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as a 69-year-old Gordon Gaines of Oakdale.
What Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California law, individuals and entities who cause a loss of life due to their negligent and reckless actions may be held financially accountable. Wrongful death laws allow surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, or parents of minors who were fatally injured in an accident to file a compensation claim. In such cases, compensation may come in the form of economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial services
- Bills for medical care that were incurred to treat the decedent’s injuries before they passed away
- Loss of future earnings the deceased would have provided to the family if not for the wrongful death pedestrian accident.
- Lost protection, companionship, and care to compensate survivors for losing the important relationship with their loved one
- The court may award punitive damages in wrongful death pedestrian accident cases where egregious conduct is involved, such as DUI or excessive speeding.
Our team of Oakdale wrongful death attorneys has created an informative video for you to learn more about the claims process. You may view it below:
How are Wrongful Death Claims Calculated for a Fatal Pedestrian Accident?
Calculating a full and fair amount for wrongful death damages can be challenging, particularly determining the value of financial and intangible losses like a lifetime of lost earnings and loss of affection, care, and companionship. A wrongful death claim may require expert witness testimony such as economists to provide insight on the life expectancy and future earning potential of the decedent. An Oakdale wrongful death attorney can help you and your family by building a strong case for justice and compensation you all deserve after a loved one has been wrongfully taken from you.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help Your Family
A wrongful death case is a challenging legal matter which may involve a wide array of factors and circumstances. This includes dealing with difficult insurance companies that may attempt to take advantage of your already vulnerable situation. That is why you and your family should seek the assistance of an experienced Oakdale wrongful death lawyer for the guidance and answers you all need.
At AutoAccident.com, our law firm has handled wrongful death claims since 1982. We have assisted families by seeking the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve after losing someone they love. If this has happened to you, contact us today to learn how we can help you and your family through this difficult time.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Oakdale
I’m Ed Smith, an Oakdale personal injury lawyer. No words can truly describe how devastating it is when a loved one is taken away from you due to the negligence of someone else. While nothing can undo the pain caused by the loss or bring your loved one back, an experienced attorney can help protect your legal rights and ensure that insurance companies do not take advantage of you and your family. We will work diligently to obtain the full and fair compensation available to you all under the law. To learn more, call our legal team for compassionate, free, and friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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Photo Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/love-gold-rose-cemetery-grave-dead-4814488/
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