Man Killed in Truck Accident Near Fresno County
A man was killed in a truck accident near Reedley in Fresno County on the afternoon of December 5, 2019. The crash occurred around 4:00 p.m. at the intersection of Adams Avenue and Reed Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a truck driver reportedly pulled out to make a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming Ford Bronco driven by a 57-year-old man. The front of the Ford collided with the right side of the Freightliner semi-truck. The driver of the big rig, identified as a 45-year-old Coarsegold man, was uninjured in the collision. The Ford driver was transported to the hospital, where he later passed away. Officials have not yet released his identity due to pending notification of next-of-kin.
Losing a Loved One in a Fresno County Truck Accident
The loss of a loved one in a fatal truck accident caused by the negligence of someone else is devastating for surviving family members. A family may experience a wide array of emotions, from anger and frustration to confusion and disbelief. During the grieving process, it may be challenging to consider taking legal action. However, a wrongful death claim can help provide you and your family with the compensation and justice you need and deserve.
How Are Wrongful Death Claims Paid Out?
When a person loses their life due to the negligent or reckless act of another party or entity, the family of the deceased may be able to bring a wrongful death case. This type of claim is intended to compensate surviving family members for the intangible and financial hardships they have experienced due to their loved one’s sudden death. In a truck accident, the family has the option to be compensated for economic and noneconomic damages by the negligent truck driver’s insurance company. This includes:
- Costs of medical treatment received by a loved one before he or she passed away
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of affection, protection, society, and moral support
- Loss of household services and future financial support for the family
- Lost inheritance and prospective net accumulations of the estate
- Surviving children’s loss of parental guidance, instruction, and companionship
- Punitive damages may be sought from a negligent trucker for an egregious act such as driving while intoxicated and excessive speeding
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Case?
California law restricts the amount of time a family has to file a claim for the wrongful death of a loved one. In fatal truck accidents, the family has two years from the time of their relative’s death to file. If the deadline passes, the family may lose the right to recover damages. This is why it is essential to retain an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you and your family with filing deadlines to ensure no steps are missed during the recovery process.
How Can a Lawyer Help Our Family?
The unexpected loss of someone you love is a traumatic and often devastating experience. This is especially true if the loss resulted from the negligent behavior of another. This may be a challenging time for you to make ends meet, particularly if your loved one was the primary provider of your family. Wrongful death lawyers understand this and often handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you and your family will not have to pay any fees until a successful outcome is obtained. This is to ensure you and your family can focus on grieving without financial worry. While a wrongful death claim can never replace the loss of your loved one, it may help in the long run in providing emotional closure and alleviating your financial hardship.
Truck Accident Lawyers in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno truck accident lawyer. The loss of a loved one can leave a family feeling frustrated and confused. The pain is often compounded when unsympathetic insurance companies take advantage of a grieving family in their time of loss. With an experienced attorney at your side, you and your family can rest assured that your loss will be taken seriously, and justice will be obtained on your behalf. If you have lost someone you love in a truck accident caused by the negligence of another, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I am here to provide you and your family with free, friendly advice and your potential options for recovery.
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