Infant and Mother Killed in Interstate 5 Accident Near Stockton
An infant was killed in a car accident with a San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department patrol vehicle on Interstate 5 near Stockton on the night of December 14, 2019. The incident occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Interstate 5 northbound near the Charter Way interchange, just southwest of Stockton. A mother and child were traveling in a Ford sedan in the No. 3 lane. Authorities reported that the Ford was being followed by the patrol vehicle when, for unknown reasons, the Ford was rear-ended by the sheriff’s car. The impact of the collision propelled the Ford to the right of the roadway. This reportedly caused the Ford to travel down an embankment, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The deputy exited his vehicle to extricate the infant from the Ford and performed life-saving measures. The mother was also removed from the Ford by Good Samaritans, who also began CPR on her. After medical personnel arrived, both the deputy and the mother were transported to the hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. The deputy was later discharged from hospitalization, while officials reported that the mother remained in critical condition. The infant, identified as a 1-year-old boy, was airlifted to a children’s hospital. Sadly, the mother and the baby later passed away during hospitalization. The San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office has identified the mother as 23-year-old Kalesha Johnson of Stockton.
Investigation of the Interstate 5 Accident Near Stockton
The cause of the car accident is under investigation by CHP’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team. No further information, including the circumstances leading up to the collision, has been provided yet. Anyone who has any information or witnessed the crash is encouraged to call Officer Sengo of the Stockton CHP office at (209) 938-4800.
Loss of a Loved One in a Stockton Car Accident
The sudden and unexpected loss of a child may create overwhelming loss and grief for parents. This may be the most challenging experience any parent will ever go through, especially when the death was caused by the fault of someone else. For some parents, they may face shock and disbelief. For other mothers and fathers, they may find themselves dealing with intense emotions such as anger and disbelief. After a child’s death, many agonizing, unanswered questions may begin to come to mind. These questions may be answered by an experienced Stockton wrongful death lawyer who can help you and your family through this challenging time and hold negligent parties accountable for your child’s wrongful death.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
When an adult dies as a result of a wrongful death car accident, survivors may recover economic and noneconomic damages for the financial and intangible harms they have suffered. This includes funeral expenses, medical costs, lost income and benefits, and loss of society and support. These are generally covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. When an infant passes away, parents may recover general damages under California law. These may include loss of affection, companionship, and love, as well as emotional suffering and mental anguish. Punitive damages may be awarded to families by the court in wrongful death cases involving egregious misconduct, such as excessive speeding and driving while impaired. For a brief overview of these types of cases, watch the below video.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death?
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, survivors have two years from the time of their loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. When a death occurs due to the negligence of a government entity, such as a car wreck caused by a negligent driver of a government vehicle, then surviving family members have six months or 180 days from the date of the incident to file a claim. This is by California Government Code Section 911.2. Since cases against government entities follow other strict procedures, it is critical to retain an experienced attorney to ensure all filing procedures and deadlines are met.
Car Accident Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton car accident lawyer. There are few things more devastating than the loss of a loved one, especially when the death could have been prevented altogether. As challenging as it may be, moving forward with a wrongful death claim is essential to ensure you obtain justice for your loved one and your family. If you have lost a family member in a car accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I am here to speak with you anytime and offer you my compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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I am a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, a group that permits membership only the top one percent of attorneys nationwide. I also belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, a forum comprised of attorneys who have won over $1 million for a client.
I have helped numerous residents of San Joaquin County who have been injured in car accidents, as well as families who have lost a loved one to wrongful death. To see how our law office has helped others with their cases, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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