Fatal Rollover Crash on SR-99 in Turlock
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported a fatal rollover crash on SR-99 in the Turlock area on the night of Thursday, September 30, 2021. The incident occurred along southbound State Route 99 in the vicinity of Monte Vista Avenue shortly after 10:37 p.m. and involved one vehicle, a Ford Explorer SUV.
Details on the Fatal Rollover Crash Reported on SR-99 in Turlock
A preliminary report released by CHP traffic officers revealed that the Ford was traveling on Highway 99 carrying six occupants. All of which included a man, a woman, and their four children ages 3, 2, 1, and six months. Authorities indicated that the Ford driver, a 35-year-old Merced man, allegedly lost control of the vehicle and veered off the roadway. The Ford SUV overturned, struck a chain-link fence, and came to a rest on its roof.
The four children were properly restrained in car seats in the back of the SUV and were transported to area hospitals as precautionary measures. The Ford driver was taken to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of a femur fracture and a broken arm. The front-seat passenger, a 31-year-old woman, was reportedly ejected from the vehicle. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The Ford driver was last reported to remain hospitalized. However, officials indicated in a recent report that he is facing charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and felony vehicular manslaughter. Additional information on the fatal car accident was not immediately available.
What Surviving Family Members Should Know About Wrongful Death Actions
Wrongful death is a term used to describe a loss of life caused by the negligence of another party or entity. This may be the result of a motor vehicle collision or another type of accident resulting from someone else’s recklessness or carelessness. When this happens, the family of the decedent may bring a wrongful death action against the negligent party and their insurance company. A wrongful death action may not undo the pain of losing a loved one or bring them back, but it may be essential in holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions. Conversely, it may provide surviving family members the means they need to provide for a more secure future.
A wrongful death case is more challenging than a personal injury claim for a wide array of reasons, including how the case is valued and the types of damages recoverable. Through this type of civil case, surviving family members may seek recovery from economic and non-economic damages. These consider the financial and intangible losses that survivors have experienced because of the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one in an accident. As a general guideline, the value of the claim may depend on factors such as the decedent’s age, type of support they provided to surviving family members, the value of support and anticipated future earnings, and more. Punitive damages may also be sought if egregious conduct was the cause of the fatal incident, like drunk driving or excessive speeding.
Wrongful death cases are subject to a strict filing deadline known as the statute of limitations. As outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, survivors have two years from the date of the fatal incident to file a lawsuit in civil court. This must be met if an insurance settlement is not accepted within this time frame. Keep in mind that substantial evidence must be gathered and preserved to prove the basis of the claim. Conversely, an independent investigation is often necessary in rollover accident cases to determine whether insufficient roof crush resistance played a role in the exacerbation of injuries. When this proves to be the case, an automaker may be deemed negligent for failing to uphold Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216. An experienced wrongful death attorney in Turlock will work with experts in the field to build a strong case for fair compensation on behalf of survivors. Watch this video for details on how to find the best attorney to handle your case.
How Our Law Firm Can Help Your Family
Coping with the sudden loss of a loved one may be one of the most trying times of the lives of surviving family members. The knowledge that someone else is responsible for the loss, it may compound the grieving process with anger and frustration. In such situations, survivors may take legal action against the at-fault party and seek compensatory damages for their loss. While no amount of money may ever make things right again, holding the other party accountable for their wrongdoing with the assistance of an experienced accident attorney may ease the burden of losses that often accompany such losses.
At our law firm, we have over three decades of experience handling wrongful death matters, and we can help your family too. Our legal team may go over the facts and circumstances of your case through a free consultation and determine whether you have grounds to move forward with a claim. We represent families in Stanislaus County and across California, so do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime to discuss your best course of action moving forward. Our family is here for your family.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Turlock
I’m Ed Smith, a Turlock wrongful death attorney. It is immensely painful to lose a close relative suddenly. When another party or entity has caused a loved one’s death through negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, surviving family members may feel even more angry and frustrated. Families affected by such situations may depend on an experienced and compassionate accident attorney to guide them through the process of holding the at-fault party accountable for their loss. At our law firm, we will provide you and your family the support and guidance you all need during the claims process and work diligently to obtain the favorable results you all deserve. Call us today to receive free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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