Hit-and-Run Crash on East Hatch Road
Officials in Stanislaus County reported a fatality after a hit-and-run crash on East Hatch Road and Church Lane on the morning of Monday, March 28, 2022. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received reports of a pedestrian that was found unresponsive in the road along the south shoulder of E Hatch Road at approximately 5:45 a.m.
Details on the Hit-and-Run Crash on Church Lane and East Hatch Road
A preliminary report by CHP traffic officers revealed that a man was walking in the area when he was hit by an unspecified car. Authorities indicated that the motorist involved in the pedestrian accident allegedly left the scene following the incident. Sadly, the pedestrian, 33-year-old Juan Santillan of Modesto, was declared deceased on site.
Officials said that they are working to investigate the time of the collision, the direction of travel the suspect driver took, and information on the suspect vehicle. Anyone with information on the fatal pedestrian accident on East Hatch Road is encouraged to contact Officer Mitchell or Norseen at (209) 545-7440.
What You Should Know About Wrongful Death Cases and Hit-and-Run Accidents
In the case of a fatal hit-and-run accident, families may feel as though they are at a loss when it comes to being compensated for their loved one’s medical bills, funeral service costs, and other losses. However, if their close relative has an auto insurance policy with uninsured motorist (UM) protection, they may be able to bring a claim under that plan. What is great about UM coverage is that it may apply even if the suspect driver cannot be located by local law enforcement or a private investigator hired by the family’s attorney. Remember that clear and compelling evidence must be presented to establish that the suspect driver made contact with the decedent and that the hit-and-run accident was a direct result of their fatal injuries.
In California, surviving family members may have up to two years from the date of loss to file in civil court. This means that if a settlement is not accepted by the insurance company within this time limit, a lawsuit must be filed in civil court. Refer to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 for additional information. Remember that the statute of limitations may pass by quickly, and key evidence for proving the case may be lost or destroyed over time. Therefore, it is essential to retain legal counsel right away to protect your rights and interests. Finding the best accident attorney may be challenging as there are many to choose from in Stanislaus County and across California. For tips and suggestions on how to select the best lawyer to handle your wrongful death claim, watch this video.
Are Punitive Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case for a Pedestrian Accident?
As the name implies, the purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault party for their egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior from that individual and others in the future. This type of damage is not always available in every case. However, they may be recovered in those cases involving extreme recklessness, such as driving under the influence (DUI) and excessive speeding. To determine whether your case is eligible for punitive damages, contact a skilled Modesto pedestrian accident attorney at our law firm today. We are available anytime to provide free, friendly case advice.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. Losing a family member is painful and devastating, particularly if it was the result of a hit-and-run accident. When faced with such a situation, a family may benefit from the assistance of an experienced lawyer who will work with private investigators to locate the negligent driver to hold them financially accountable for the harm their careless actions have caused. Get started today by speaking with one of our skilled and compassionate attorneys and receive free, friendly case advice at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Your family never has to worry about any upfront costs when it comes to working with our legal team as we handle cases under a contingent fee agreement. This means you owe us nothing unless we obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
Looking for the best attorney in your area to handle your case may be challenging. Fortunately, it helps to read comments and reviews by past clients to make a final decision. To see ours, visit these links:
Our injury attorneys have been recognized by many legal groups for the successful case results we have obtained on behalf of past clients, two of which we are especially proud to be members of are:
Since 1982, our legal team at AutoAccident.com has worked hard to secure the successful resolutions our clients deserve after devastating accidents. To see some of our past case summaries and their outcomes, head over to our Settlements and Verdicts page.
Photograph Source: “FotoRech” on Pixabay
:ds llo [cs 855]