Man Killed in French Camp Hit and Run Accident
A man was killed in a hit and run accident on southbound Interstate 5 in French Camp on the early morning of November 24, 2019. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred on I-5 in the vicinity of French Camp Road. Authorities said a man was initially hit by a vehicle that did not pull over before being struck multiple times by oncoming traffic. Sadly, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene upon the arrival of officials. His identity has been withheld by authorities until his family has been notified.
Losing a Loved One in a French Camp Hit and Run Accident
The loss of a loved one in an accident is devastating. This is especially true if the incident was caused by a hit and run driver. The challenging part of any fatal hit and run accident is figuring out who caused the crash. Police often investigate the scenes of these accidents to find evidence that may lead to the identity of the negligent driver. Witness statements, strewn vehicle parts, paint chips, and tire marks may all point authorities toward the hit and run driver. However, there are times when police are not able to apprehend or identify the suspect responsible for the hit and run. Under these circumstances, the family of the decedent may have recourse through their loved one’s auto insurance policy if they have uninsured motorist protection. This type of insurance generally covers those who have suffered injuries or were killed in an auto accident caused by a driver who does not carry liability insurance. However, it may also extend to cover those injured or killed in a hit and run. For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Stockton.
How is Wrongful Death Compensation Calculated?
Putting a monetary value on a loved one’s life is unfathomable. No one truly knows how much your loved one’s life meant to you and your family. Calculating the value of human life in a wrongful death claim is impossible and often requires experts such as economists to measure the loss. Even then, no amount of money can compensate a family for the loss of someone they love. However, holding negligent parties financially responsible for a loved one’s wrongful death may help bring the family a sense of comfort, justice, and financial stability. Some of the economic and noneconomic damages that may be claimed by surviving family members in a wrongful death case include:
- Any loss of affection, comfort, companionship, love, protection, and support suffered by the family of the deceased
- Costs of medical treatment received by the decedent from the time of his or her accident-related injury until death (this is recoverable through a survival action)
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the loved one’s pension plan and work-related medical benefits
- Loss of parental guidance and training for surviving children
- Mental anguish and emotional distressed caused by the wrongful death of a loved one
- Punitive damages may be recovered in a wrongful death pedestrian accident involving egregious misconduct, such as excessive speeding or driving while intoxicated
- The decedent’s expected future financial support for the family (from his or her age of death to retirement)
For a brief overview of recoverable damages in wrongful death claims, watch the below video.
Do I Need a Stockton Wrongful Death Lawyer?
After a wrongful death of a loved one, surviving family members may feel a wide array of emotions that may be overwhelming. Feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and frustration are normal to experience but may be challenging to cope with when resuming your daily routine. Contacting an attorney while grieving may also seem farfetched during this difficult time. However, an experienced attorney will not only handle the claims process with insurance companies on your behalf, but will also make it easier for you and your family to focus on grieving from your loss without the stress of paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton wrongful death attorney. The loss of a loved one in a hit and run accident is heartbreaking and devastating. If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, you and your family may be able to recover compensation from the negligent party to help you all through this difficult time through a wrongful death claim. To learn more, contact me at (209) 227-1931 in the Stockton area or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I am here to provide you and your family with free, friendly, and compassionate advice.
While searching for an attorney to handle your case, it is essential to learn more about their practice. You are welcome to read reviews by our former clients and peers on the following pages:
I am proud to be a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates. Membership of this forum is open by invitation only and is comprised of attorneys who have obtained over $1 million for a past client. I also belong to the National Organization of Distinguished Counsel. This group and its members are committed to providing clients with the highest standards of legal excellence.
As a Stockton personal injury lawyer, I have dedicated my time to helping families of Northern California recover the compensation they need and deserve from their personal injury and wrongful death cases. If you would like to see how my law office and I have helped others with their cases, please visit our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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