Fatal Tow Truck Collision on Highway 108
The California Highway Patrol reported a fatal head-on collision involving a tow truck on Highway 108 on the morning of Thursday, March 16, 2023. The incident occurred on SR-108 near Rushing Hill Lookout Road just west of Jamestown at approximately 9:10 a.m. The crash involved a 2003 Honda and a 2013 Ford F-650 tow truck hauling a vehicle described as a 2001 Ford Excursion SUV.
Details on the Fatal Tow Truck Collision on Highway 108
According to a preliminary report by investigators, a 2003 Honda allegedly veered onto the south shoulder of Highway 108 and the driver overcorrected the vehicle. This resulted in the vehicle veering to the left and over the broken yellow line of SR-108. A Ford F-650 tow truck hauling a vehicle was traveling in the oncoming traffic lane and allegedly collided with the Honda.
CHP traffic officers indicated that the Honda spun and came to a stop blocking both lanes of traffic while the Ford F-650 tow truck came to a rest along an embankment on the north shoulder. The SUV was reportedly dislodged from the flatbed of the tow truck. After the crash, the Honda reportedly caught fire and spread to the tow truck and SUV.
Sadly, the Honda driver was declared deceased. Their identity has been withheld by the Tuolumne County Coroner’s Office due to pending family notification. The tow truck driver, a 37-year-old Sonora man, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto for treatment. Additional details were not immediately available.
What is the Deadline for Wrongful Death Cases in California?
When grieving the loss of a loved one, the least of your concerns is taking legal action against the party or entity responsible for the loss of life. However, it is essential to hold at-fault parties liable for the harm their negligence has caused. This may be accomplished by filing a wrongful death claim against them and their insurance carrier.
Wrongful death has a two-year filing deadline in California. Failure to protect the statute of limitations may result in the loss of the right of surviving family members to hold at-fault parties liable and seek financial compensation for their losses. To ensure that all filing criteria and time limits are protected in your case, retain legal counsel immediately.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death in California?
California’s wrongful death law is complex and challenging to navigate. Therefore, surviving family members must ensure that they have grounds to initiate a wrongful death action against a negligent individual or entity. This may be accomplished by consulting with a skilled wrongful death attorney in California. In general, the close relatives who can file a lawsuit for wrongful death per CCP 377.60 include:
- Priority for filing is granted to the decedent’s spouse, domestic partner, or children
- Other close relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased may be eligible for filing if the above family members are non-existent (e.g., parents, putative spouse, stepchildren, etc.)
Since the wrongful death claims process is not always straightforward, especially when difficult insurance carriers are involved, it is essential to seek the assistance and advice of a skilled California wrongful death attorney. This is key to securing justice and full financial recovery for your family. Learn how our legal team can help you with your fatal accident case by watching this video or setting up a free case evaluation today.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in California
When families suffer the untimely and tragic loss of a close relative, the pain and grief may be unbearable. Many surviving family members may be unsure of how to proceed in their situation, especially if someone else was responsible for the incident. In these cases, surviving family members should consult with an experienced California wrongful death lawyer about filing a claim for damages against the negligent party or entity. For free, friendly advice regarding your potential case, contact our legal team at AutoAccident.com at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
Our legal team cannot undo the pain and devastation of a fatal accident. However, we can seek justice and full compensation for your family through a case verdict or settlement. Our skilled injury lawyers will protect your rights and provide compassionate support every step of the way. Learn how we have assisted past clients with their cases on Yelp, Google, and Avvo. We are proud to be a part of the California divisions of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Image Credit: “BrettSayles” Pexels
:ds llo [cs 777]