Motorcyclist Died in Southeast Fresno Traffic Accident
A man was killed when the motorcycle he was riding collided with another vehicle on the evening of Friday, December 16, 2022. The accident happened just after 6:30 p.m. near Armstrong Avenue and Jensen Avenue in Southeast Fresno.
According to the Fresno Police Department, the motorcyclist was traveling west on Jensen Avenue when a vehicle heading east tried to turn left. The motorcyclist collided with the car and was thrown off his bike. When paramedics arrived, they found the man unresponsive on the ground.
The injured motorcyclist was given medical aid, but sadly, he did not survive and died at the scene from his injuries. Officials have recently identified the deceased as Kenneth Doland, 45, of Sanger. The Doland family has set up a GoFundMe page for assistance with final resting service expenses.
The driver and passenger stayed at the accident site and cooperated with the officers. The area was closed for about two hours while police investigated. Officials said it is unknown what led to the fatal accident but that drugs or alcohol are not believed to be factors.
Deadly Motorcycle Crashes
Hundreds of deadly motorcycle accidents occur annually in California, most of which are preventable. When someone’s negligence causes a crash that kills a beloved family member, our experienced California injury attorneys at AutoAccident.com can offer compassionate legal representation. Family members of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim for compensation.
What is a Wrongful Death Accident Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil action against an individual or entity responsible for an accident that killed your family member. Had your loved one lived, he or she would have been able to file a claim for damages. Only specific family members can file for a wrongful death lawsuit for damages.
Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about how a wrongful death claim works and who can recover compensation.
Compensation for an Unexpected Death
The untimely death of a loved one not only causes emotional grief but can also result in financial hardship. The medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of wages often put the surviving family members under significant financial strain. Filing a wrongful death claim can help you and your family alleviate your misfortune when you pursue compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income and future earning potential
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive Damage
While money can never compensate for the heartbreak of losing a family member, it can help lessen the financial burdens that may follow an unexpected death.
Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in California is usually two years from the date of the death. However, there are some exceptions. Depending on how the fatal accident occurred, there are different time limits:
- If the death was due to medical malpractice, the time limit is three years from the injury date or one year from when the injury was discovered.
- If it was caused by a government entity, the time limit is only six months.
Failing to file a lawsuit within the time frame can hurt your chance of recovering compensation.
Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death attorney. Losing a loved one in an accident is tragic, but the loss worsens when the death is caused by a careless driver. If someone you love was killed in an accident caused by negligence, you would need an experienced legal advocate. Call our law office at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly, and compassionate advice.
Our injury lawyers have assisted California residents with their personal injury and wrongful death cases since 1982.
See a list of successful verdicts and settlements we have obtained for our clients.
Photo by Depositphotos.com
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