Fatal Pedestrian Crash on Clinton Avenue
On the morning of Wednesday, April 19, 2023, the California Highway Patrol reported a fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Clinton Avenue just east of Fresno. The collision occurred at approximately 7:50 a.m. on Clinton Avenue between Greenwood Avenue and Bethel Avenue, officials said.
Information on the Fatal Pedestrian Crash on Clinton Avenue Near Fresno
CHP traffic officers, in a preliminary release, revealed that a woman was walking her dog in the area when she was allegedly struck by a Chevrolet pickup truck headed eastbound on Clinton Avenue. The Chevrolet driver exited their vehicle and rendered aid. Sadly, the pedestrian, 51-year-old Sanger resident Ana Ortega, was declared deceased at the crash site.
The dog sustained serious injuries in the accident and was treated at an animal hospital. DUI and speeding are not believed to be factors, authorities said. However, investigators will be looking into whether distracted driving played a role in the fatal pedestrian crash on Clinton Avenue. Additional information on the incident was unavailable.
What is Involved in a Wrongful Death Claim?
California law is specific on when surviving family members may file a claim for wrongful death. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a wrongful death action may be brought against an individual or entity whose careless or reckless actions caused a loss of life. This means that to hold another party liable for a close relative’s death, their death must have resulted from that party’s negligence. In the context of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident, a claim for wrongful death may be brought against the insurer representing the negligent motorist.
Wrongful death claims are civil cases that are remedied with financial recovery to make surviving family members whole again. Damages in these cases include intangible harm and financial losses stemming from the loss of a close relative. Economic damages include treatment of final injuries (recoverable via survival action), funeral and burial expenses, loss of valuable services, lost earnings, and other financial losses. Non-economic damages are subjective in nature and generally include mental anguish and loss of a loved one’s protection, care, guidance, and companionship.
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, only a decedent’s surviving domestic partner, spouse, or child have priority for filing for wrongful death. This means that if these relationships with the decedent are non-existent, other relatives who depended on the deceased for financial support may be eligible claimants. Our California wrongful death lawyers from AutoAccident.com can help you determine your eligibility for filing in a free consultation. To learn more about our law office and the services we provide to clients, watch this video.
Personal Injury Lawyer in California
The loss of a family member is always tragic and devastating. Processing that loss may be challenging when another party’s negligence caused the fatal incident. Fortunately, a lawyer with years of experience handling wrongful death cases in California can help secure justice for a close relative and full compensation for survivors. Learn how our legal team can help by scheduling a meeting for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. Our compassionate and skilled California personal injury lawyers are available anytime to answer your questions and go over your options moving forward.
You deserve justice and closure if you lose a close relative because of another party’s carelessness or negligence. Our legal team at AutoAccident.com is here to help. Learn how we assisted clients with fatal accident cases by going to our Settlements and Verdicts page. We strive to provide each client we represent with the utmost care and compassion they need during the most trying times of their lives. See what our clients have to say about working with our team of injury lawyers by visiting our Google, Avvo, and Yelp pages. We are honored to be included in the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum as California chapter members.
Photo Credit: Pexels “Rodnae”
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