Hit and Run Accident Fatally Injures Oakdale Man
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury and car accident lawyer. A man from Oakdale passed away in a hit-and-run accident near Waterford during the early morning hours of June 2, 2018. The Oakdale man was driving his 1953 Chevrolet pickup truck eastbound along Yosemite Boulevard in the vicinity of Geer Road when his vehicle was rear-ended by a Mercedes-Benz sedan at approximately 1:45 a.m. The impact reportedly propelled the Chevrolet off the roadway while the occupants of the Mercedes-Benz allegedly fled the scene of the collision on foot. Unfortunately, the driver of the Chevrolet succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The victim has been identified by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office as 45-year-old Marinus Lubbers of Oakdale.
I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to those grieving the loss of their loved one during this devastating time.
Accident Investigation
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) have not yet determined what caused the accident. However, officials did report that alcohol containers were found within the abandoned Mercedes-Benz at the scene. It is not yet known whether the registered owner of the suspect vehicle has been contacted and was the driver responsible for the fatal accident.
Compensation in Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents often leave victims with many unanswered questions. One of those questions may be whether insurance will be able to compensate their losses in these types of cases. The answer varies on whether or not the victim is an automobile insurance policyholder with uninsured motorist coverage. This type of protection covers those involved in accidents with uninsured drivers as well as hit and runs and other phantom vehicles.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Certain individuals with a strong connection to the deceased party under California Code of Civil Procedure section 337.60 may be entitled to compensation for damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. These damages cover different areas of loss such as:
- Companionship, services and support the decedent would have provided to his or her family
- End-of-life medical treatment
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of future earnings, benefits, and inheritance
- Pain and suffering
Why You Should Contact an Attorney
Getting your life back together after a hit and run accident can be difficult, especially when facing high medical bills and time away from work. If this has happened to you or someone you love, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Modesto. A skilled attorney can communicate effectively with your insurance company and determine whether there is coverage available to compensate for resulting damages.
Modesto Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury and car accident lawyer. Car accidents can occur at any time and result in serious consequences. If you or a family member has been injured in a hit and run accident, you need the assistance of an experienced injury lawyer. Please feel free to contact me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive compassionate, free and friendly advice.
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