Man Killed After Central Fresno Hit and Run
A man was killed after a hit and run accident in the central Fresno area on the night of Saturday, July 25, 2020. The incident occurred near Highway 99 shortly before 11:00 p.m. Investigators said the driver of a black Honda Civic reportedly struck and killed a man crossing at Weber and Crystal avenues. According to details provided by authorities, the Honda driver allegedly fled the scene and has not yet been located. The man who lost his life in the pedestrian accident has not yet been identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim for Survivors
A wrongful death claim is a means to provide compensation for surviving family members who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of someone else. This type of case is a way to hold a person financially accountable for their negligent actions and to deter similar behavior in the future. In the case of a fatal pedestrian accident, a claim must be filed against the negligent driver’s insurance company. However, if the driver fled the scene, the family may have recourse through their auto insurance plan or that of their loved one. This is a viable option for financial compensation so long as they carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). UM coverage may come into play if the hit and run driver responsible for the fatal incident is not found. It may still apply if the driver is later located but has no bodily injury liability coverage. UIM coverage works by supplementing any damages not fully covered by the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.
Types of Wrongful Death Damages in a Central Fresno Hit and Run Case
California law provides for economic and non-economic damages as a way of recovery in the event of a loved one’s wrongful death. This may include financial compensation for the following:
- Costs of medical treatment resulting from the final injury suffered in the fatal hit and run pedestrian accident (this type of damage may be recovered through a survival action)
- Final resting expenses for a lost loved one may be claimed by the relative who paid for them
- Loss of benefits, lost wages, and future financial support for surviving family members
- Lost affection, comfort, companionship, moral support, and guidance the decedent would have provided to survivors if not for the wrongful death pedestrian accident
- Punitive damages, if the act was egregious, like excessive speeding or DUI
- The value of household services provided by the decedent (this may be calculated by an economist for services such as childcare, lawn maintenance, and more)
For additional information on the wrongful death claims process, watch the video below.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help Your Family
At AutoAccident.com, our compassionate and experienced Fresno wrongful death attorneys can help you deal with the emotional, financial, and legal issues resulting from the loss of your loved one caused by a fatal pedestrian accident. When you are ready to take legal action through a wrongful death case, contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. Keep in mind that the time allowed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit is limited and is typically only two years from the date of death. While you may need time to recover from your loss, insurance companies, including your own, will not be waiting. They will be acting quickly to dispute the value of your wrongful death case or even deny it entirely. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling cases like yours and will work diligently to protect your best interests and obtain the compensation you need to protect your family’s future.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer. The loss of a close relative is devastating for any family to experience. If your family has lost a loved one because of the recklessness or negligence of someone else, call our law firm at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 to discuss your potential wrongful death case. We are available anytime to provide compassionate, free, and friendly advice on how to move forward from your loss.
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