Fresno County Fatality Crash
A Fresno County fatality crash occurred on the afternoon of January 7. An elderly woman was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox SUV west along Clayton Avenue just south of Fresno at approximately 5:00 p.m. At the same time, a 58-year-old Fresno woman was driving her 2005 Toyota northbound along Chestnut Avenue. The Chevrolet driver allegedly ran a stop sign and collided with the Toyota, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The impact of the collision propelled both vehicles into a 2006 Mercury SUV that was parked along the side of the road. Emergency personnel responding to the scene transported the Toyota driver to a local hospital for treatment of a femur fracture. Sadly, the Chevrolet driver succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Authorities have identified the victim as 72-year-old Linda Wankum from Exeter. I would like to extend my prayers and sympathy to those who have lost someone they love in this devastating accident.
Auto Accidents and Wrongful Death
A duty of care must be taken by drivers to prevent causing harm to others. However, a Fresno County fatality crash is common. When a loved one loses their life in an auto accident caused by a driver or other entity who failed in their duty of care, the family of the decedent can seek compensation for their loss through a wrongful death claim. As with any case of wrongful death, negligence must be proven on the part of another driver or entity to recover damages incurred. To learn how fault can be proven in a wrongful death lawsuit, watch the following video by our firm.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Damages in a wrongful death case are intended to provide financial relief for losses incurred from the passing of a family member. The types of damages that may be recovered in these types of cases include:
- Benefits lost as a result of a loved one’s death, such as pension or healthcare
- Costs of a loved one’s burial and funeral
- Income and other forms of wages that the deceased would have provided for the family had he or she lived
- Loss of affection, love, moral support, and companionship
- Loss of consortium, if a spouse or domestic partner is pursuing a claim
- Loss of parental care such as training and guidance
- Loss of services for the household such as childcare, motor vehicle or lawn maintenance, and housework
- Punitive damages may be recovered if a loved one was lost due to criminal negligence such as a drunk driving accident
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Coping with the unexpected loss of someone you love in a wrongful death car accident can be devastating. Taking legal action may not be the first thought that comes to mind for a grieving family. However, an experienced wrongful death attorney in Fresno can help in these difficult times. An attorney can handle all aspects of a wrongful death case and help a family focus on grieving and putting their lives back together without their loved one by their side. While no amount of compensation can ever replace a loved one, monetary compensation can help alleviate many of the financial concerns associated with the loss. If this has happened in your family, do not feel afraid to ask for assistance when it is needed.
Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death lawyer. Losing someone you love is never an easy experience. When the loss is caused by the negligence of another party, your anguish and grief can be compounded by frustration and anger. If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by the negligent actions of someone else, you need the insight of an experienced attorney during this difficult time. Please feel free to call me anytime at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free and friendly advice.
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Fresno County Fatality Crash: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: By “Counselling” via Pixabay / Fresno County Fatality Crash
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