Fatal Pedestrian Accident on Liberty Drive
A report by officials in the Livingston area revealed the details of a fatal pedestrian accident on Liberty Drive on the morning of Monday, October 25, 2021. The traffic collision occurred shortly before 2:00 a.m. near the Liberty onramp to northbound State Route 99.
Details on the Fatal Pedestrian Accident on Liberty Drive in Livingston
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a call from a driver that reportedly struck an unknown object that was later identified as a pedestrian. The incident prompted the response of the Riggs Ambulance Service. Sadly, one party was declared deceased at the scene by officials. Additional information on the pedestrian accident was not immediately released by CHP traffic officers.
What Survivors Should Know About Fatal Pedestrian Accident Cases
The loss of a family member is a devastating situation for anyone to experience. When a close relative lost their life suddenly in an accident as a consequence of the recklessness or carelessness of another party or entity, it may result in emotional and financial hardship for survivors. Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe a preventable death in an accident that occurred as a result of negligence. Families may move forward from such situations by bringing a wrongful death action against the at-fault party for damages incurred. While no amount of compensation can ever roll back time and bring a lost loved one back, the decedent deserves justice for the incident, and so do surviving family members.
The wrongful death claims process generally involves bringing a case against the insurance company representing the at-fault party. However, it is not always straightforward as a collection of evidence, and an independent investigation is often necessary to properly determine fault. It is not uncommon for an insurer to attempt to shift fault onto a decedent as a way of protecting their liability for the fatal incident. This may be devastating for survivors to experience, but they should be aware of what to expect from the process to better prepare themselves for the challenges that may present on the road to recovery.
Only an experienced wrongful death lawyer will have the best interests of surviving family members at heart, unlike the insurance company. An accident attorney understands the importance of holding the at-fault party accountable for the harm they have caused, as this may serve as a sense of closure for survivors. Conversely, a lawyer will also work diligently to ensure that survivors are awarded the economic and non-economic damages that are owed to them. This may include medical and funeral costs, the lost income of the decedent, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and more. Any family dealing with such a situation does not have to handle the process by themselves as they can retain legal counsel to represent them. Working with the right attorney may make all the difference in the outcome of a wrongful death claim. For information on how to find the best lawyer, watch this video.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
A statute of limitations applies to wrongful death cases arising from accidents in California. This is a strict filing deadline that must be met if a settlement is not reached with the insurer within that time period. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, survivors have two years from the accident date to file suit in civil court. Failure to meet this deadline may result in a dismissal of the case by the court and a forfeiture of the right to seek financial compensation.
Before filing a lawsuit for a wrongful death pedestrian accident, a full investigation of the incident to collect evidence and determine liability is necessary. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can help with the process. All of this requires time, and the sooner a lawyer is retained, the sooner the attorney can get to work in building a strong case for fair compensation. Contact our law firm to learn how we can help your family today through the claims process.
Personal Injury Attorney in Livingston
I’m Ed Smith, a Livingston personal injury attorney. When a loss of life occurs because of someone else’s negligence, the surviving family members of the decedent may bring a wrongful death action to seek compensatory damages. Fatal pedestrian accidents may result in profound emotional and financial hardship on survivors, but an experienced accident attorney may be able to help alleviate some of the burdens. If you lost a loved one in a traffic collision because of another party or entity’s negligent actions, our legal team may help your family seek justice and fair compensation through a civil case. Contact us today for free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
Because the accident attorney you choose may have a significant impact on the outcome of your case, you need an injury lawyer you can trust and depend on throughout the process. Reviews and ratings from past clients can help give you an idea of whether an attorney is a good fit for you and your case. To see ours, go to these links:
The Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel are two groups that have awarded us membership in recognition of our work for our clients.
Our law firm has provided compassionate and experienced legal representation for families just like yours to obtain the justice and fair compensation they need after a fatal auto accident. We will work diligently to ensure we obtain a favorable outcome in your case. To see how we have resolved cases for families we have represented in the past, please visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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