Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Reedley
A recent fatal accident in Reedley, CA, left a pedestrian dead. The pedestrian accident occurred shortly after midnight at Rio Vista Avenue and Manning Avenue. According to the Reedley Police Department, a pedestrian was walking in the area when they were hit by a Jeep Cherokee. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene of the crash and determined that the pedestrian passed away. The identity of the decedent has been withheld by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as they are working to notify their family.
Losing a Loved One After a Reedley Pedestrian Accident
The loss of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences in life. The thought that a loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence makes the loss even more challenging to come to terms with. When this happens, a wrongful death claim may be brought against the person responsible for the death. While legal action may not bring a loved one back or undo the pain that has been caused, compensation from a wrongful death case can help alleviate some of the financial hardship a family may experience as a result of their loss.
Does Insurance Cover Wrongful Death?
In wrongful death pedestrian accident cases, the at-fault party’s insurance policy is usually responsible for covering the surviving family’s full extent of losses. However, the negligent driver may not have enough insurance or none at all. Under any of these circumstances, surviving family members may seek monetary damages under their loved one’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of coverage comes into play when the value of a wrongful death case is not fully covered by the at-fault party. If the decedent did not have insurance but lived with someone who carries this coverage, their policy may extend coverage so long as their loved one was not listed as an excluded policy member.
Damages Awarded in Wrongful Death Cases
California law permits surviving family members to recover specific types of wrongful death damages. These may include medical bills related to the fatal accident, funeral expenses, lost financial support, mental anguish, and loss of a loved one’s care and companionship. Children who have lost a parent to wrongful death may also be taken into consideration in these cases for the loss of parental guidance, instruction, and companionship in addition to emotional suffering. To determine the actual value of these damages, a Fresno wrongful death lawyer can retain an economist. These financial experts can calculate the necessary and reasonable value of economic damages based upon the decedent’s age, education, earning capacity, health, and life expectancy. To learn more about wrongful death claims, watch the video below.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Claim for a Fatal Pedestrian Accident?
For most wrongful death cases in California, the statute of limitations is two years. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. However, it is essential to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. Critical evidence can be destroyed or lost over time, so taking immediate legal action can ensure you and your family receive the justice and compensation you need and deserve.
How Can a Lawyer Help Our Family?
Insurance claims adjusters are trained to dispute the extent of harm after a wrongful death pedestrian accident. This is their way of protecting the insurance company’s bottom line. Without an experienced Fresno wrongful death lawyer, families are often pressured into accepting a quick settlement that only pays a portion of their losses. Before signing any paperwork or agreeing to any settlement, it is best to consult with an experienced attorney.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. The loss of a loved one is heartbreaking, no matter the circumstances. When you find out that their death could have been prevented, it can be even more devastating. If you have lost someone you love in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. My priority is to provide you and your family with the compassionate, free, and friendly advice you need to move forward from your loss.
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