Man Killed in Fresno Highway 180 Crash
A man was killed in a Highway 180 crash in Fresno on the night of November 11, 2019. The pedestrian accident occurred along the eastbound lanes of Highway 180 near Highway 41 shortly before 10:00 p.m. A man was involved in an unrelated accident on the highway. He stepped out of his vehicle to assess the damage. While doing so, he was hit by an oncoming sedan. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), this caused a chain-reaction accident involving two other cars. Sadly, the man involved in the pedestrian accident was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials have identified the decedent as 20-year-old Xavier Olivares of Fresno.
What to Do After a Fatal Fresno Highway 180 Crash
Losing a loved one may be challenging to process, even more so when the loss was caused by the careless or negligent act of another. There may be a wide array of emotions that friends and family may experience. Some may undergo disbelief and anger following their loved one’s passing. Others may have many unanswered questions about what happened. In such situations, it is essential to ensure your basic needs are met and to seek help when it is needed.
What Damages May Be Claimed for Wrongful Death in California?
The loss of a loved one is heartbreaking, even more so if the accident could have been prevented altogether. In addition to the emotional hardship that an unexpected and sudden death can have on a family, there are often lasting financial consequences. In these situations, a family may seek recourse through a wrongful death case to help cover economic and noneconomic damages suffered, such as:
- Emotional distress experienced by surviving family members
- Expenses for a loved one’s funeral and burial services
- Loss of financial support, both present and in the future
- Loss of parental training and guidance for surviving children
- Lost contributions to the family, including love, assistance, companionship, and moral support
- Medical expenses to treat the decedent before he or she passed away
- Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving egregious acts, such as driving under the influence or excessive speeding
- The value of household services provided by the decedent to the family
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California’s wrongful death law, the immediate family of the decedent or his or her estate may be entitled to compensation for damages incurred. This includes surviving spouses, domestic partners, and children. If such parties are no longer alive, others may be eligible for wrongful death damages. These include parents, stepchildren, and putative spouses. For an overview of wrongful death filing criteria, watch the below video.
How Can a Lawyer Help Our Family?
Coming to terms with the loss of a family member is one of the most challenging experiences to endure. You and your family do not need the stress of a wrongful death claim added to your grief. If you have lost someone you love in a car accident caused by the negligence of someone else, an experienced Fresno wrongful death lawyer can advocate on behalf of you and your family. A lawyer can help prepare a strong case for fair compensation and hold negligent parties responsible. While no amount of money can ever replace the person you love and care about, it may help cover the unexpected expenses related to a family member’s death.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death attorney. No family is prepared to cope with an unexpected loss of a loved one. The pain from such tragic events may be compounded when the death was caused by the recklessness or negligence of someone else. If this has happened to you and your family, please give me a call at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I am here to provide you and your family with compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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Since 1982, we have helped families across Northern California navigate the legal process while protecting their right to fair compensation with sympathy and compassion. To see how we have resolved cases in the past for others, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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