Man Killed After Hit and Run in Stanislaus County
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is searching for a driver involved in a hit and run where he struck and killed a man riding his bicycle in Stanislaus County. The cyclist, 51-year-old Frankie Sanchez of Patterson, was found by officials on April 2, 2020, just before 7:00 p.m. on a rural road just southeast of Patterson. According to the CHP, Mr. Sanchez was pronounced deceased at the scene upon arrival.
Investigation of the Stanislaus County Hit and Run
A preliminary investigation suggested that Mr. Sanchez was cycling west on Marshall Road in the vicinity of Tulip Avenue when he was hit from behind by a 2000-2006 GM SUV or pickup. Based on car parts left at the scene, the CHP said the vehicle in question is believed to be a GMC Yukon, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Silverado, or Chevrolet Avalanche. The car is likely to have front and right-side collision damage. Additional details regarding the hit and run accident have not yet been released by authorities due to ongoing investigation.
Loved One Forever Remembered
Frankie Sanchez was a beloved member of his family. Those who knew and loved Mr. Sanchez said he had a heart of gold. He is survived by his friends, family, and five children. A GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of Mr. Sanchez and his family to help cover his final resting expenses.
Coping with Loss and Grief
The unexpected loss of a close relative after a bicycle accident is devastating. Those left behind often search for answers as to why their loved one was taken too early from this life. When coming to terms with the loss of someone you love, the last thing that comes to mind is taking legal action. However, you and your family do not deserve to face this situation alone. Should you choose to retain an experienced Modesto wrongful death lawyer, you can rest assured knowing that your lawyer will hold negligent parties accountable and handle all the details of your case on your behalf.
Does Insurance Cover Wrongful Death After a Stanislaus County Hit and Run?
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage helps pay for wrongful death damages if a loved one is killed in a bicycle accident by a driver without insurance. This coverage may also come into play to cover hit and run accidents. If a loved one was killed in an accident and does not have car insurance with UM coverage but lived with a relative who did, a claim may be filed against that family member’s policy. This is a potential option for recovery so long as the loved one was not listed as an excluded member of the policy.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
All losses that occur as a result of a loved one’s death, even those that are intangible in nature, can be compensated financially through a wrongful death claim. Some of the economic and noneconomic damages recoverable in these cases include:
- Costs of medical treatment for attempts to save the decedent’s life, such as emergency transport and hospitalization (this is recoverable through a survival action)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Expected lost financial support, benefits, and household services estimated into the future
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering of survivors
- Loss of care, companionship, and protection that surviving family members would have received from the decedent
Can You Get Punitive Damages in a Wrongful Death Settlement
Punitive damages may not be available in every wrongful death claim. However, they may be recovered in cases where the at-fault party’s behavior resulting in a loved one’s wrongful death is considered egregious. This may include excessive speeding or driving under the influence in the case of a fatal hit and run accident. A court may award punitive damages under this condition. Keep in mind that punitive damages serve the sole purpose of punishing the wrongdoer and sending a message that such despicable behavior will not be tolerated in the community.
Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto bicycle accident lawyer. A wrongful death claim for a bicycle accident is among the most challenging cases. They require compassionate and experienced legal representation to ensure surviving family members receive the justice and compensation they deserve in their time of loss. If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident caused by someone else, you should consult with a lawyer who can evaluate the facts of your case to determine whether you are eligible to file for wrongful death. Call me anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on your situation to find out how we can help you and your family.
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At AutoAccident.com, we have been helping families with their wrongful death claims since 1982. To see how we have handled cases for others, visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photograph Source: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
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