Humboldt County Hit-and-Run Crash Kills Pedestrian

Pedestrian Killed in Humboldt County Hit-and-Run on U.S. 101

A Humboldt County hit-and-run crash caused the death of a pedestrian on May 4. The accident happened before 2:45 p.m. on U.S. 101 northbound. Upon arrival at the scene, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers discovered a pedestrian in the lanes, who was deceased. The decedent was identified as Dakota Stafslien, age 28 and a resident of the Garberville area. 

Authorities Seeking Driver in Humboldt County Hit-and-Run

The driver involved in the fatal collision did not phone 911 and reportedly did not stop to offer assistance. Those with information about the accident are asked to call the CHP at (707) 932-6100 or the Humboldt Communications Center at (707) 268-2000. The CHP traffic collision unit is searching for the hit-and-run driver and determining how the accident occurred.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Immediate family members, such as a deceased person’s spouse and children who relied on the deceased for at least half of their financial support, or an estate administrator, have the right to sue for wrongful death following a fatal Humboldt County hit-and-run. Since only one lawsuit is permissible, they must decide who will initiate the action. In the absence of a child or spouse, the deceased’s parents and siblings may file the lawsuit.

Compensation for Wrongful Death

While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one in a fatal intersection crash, financial compensation can alleviate the family’s financial burden. A wrongful death lawsuit may secure compensation for:

• Lost income and benefits, such as insurance and retirement plans, up until the deceased’s expected retirement date are recoverable.
• You can recoup your loved one’s funeral and burial costs.
• Services the deceased would typically perform around the house are recoverable, such as taking care of the lawn and vehicles, cooking, childcare and others.
• Loss of inheritance may be possible if the decedent had a will naming beneficiaries.
• Compensation is recoverable for the loss of emotional support and affection the deceased provided.

Assistance in Wrongful Death Claims

The loss of a loved one brings daily challenges and profound grief, making the thought of a lawsuit daunting. Yet, the financial pressures from such a loss necessitate seeking compensation. Lawyers assist by conducting a thorough investigation to substantiate the wrongful death claim. They will use this information not only to substantiate the claim but to try and locate the Humboldt County hit-and-run driver. 

The pedestrian fatality investigation involves interviewing witnesses, examining the accident scene, reconstructing the crash, analyzing surveillance footage, and reviewing police reports. When the driver is found, they can be held financially responsible. Armed with evidence, our lawyers craft a compelling wrongful death claim to support the family effectively.

In this video, accident attorney Ed Smith delivers an insightful overview of wrongful death claims:

Eureka Wrongful Death Lawyer

I, Ed Smith, am an Eureka wrongful death lawyer. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to negligence, my team and I offer free, friendly advice. Call us from Eureka and the surrounding area at (707) 564-1900, or use our toll-free number, (800) 404-6400. We’re also available online at our contact page. We can arrange a free consultation for you with one of our accident lawyers in person or virtually. During your consultation, you can ask questions, get a case review, and discover how your family can recover the compensation they deserve.

Discover more about how we’ve successfully helped families by visiting our Settlements and Verdicts page. Our positive reviews on Google and Yelp highlight our dedication to our clients. We proudly hold affiliations with the Top One Percent and the Million Dollar Advocates, evidencing our commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients.

Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

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