Man Died in Big Rig Crash in Firebaugh
A man was killed in a traffic accident involving a big rig in Fresno County. The crash happened in Firebaugh near the intersection of Russell Avenue and Nees Avenue at about 5:30 pm on Friday, April 9, 2022. The deceased man has been identified as 35-year-old James Whitley of San Francisco.
Details on the Traffic Accident in Fresno County
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Whitley was driving a white Chevy Malibu eastbound on Nees Avenue when he drifted over towards a three-axle truck traveling west. The semi-truck swerved to avoid an accident, and the Malibu hit one of the truck’s axles, causing the semi to flip over. Officers say Whitley was ejected from his vehicle.
When emergency medical crews arrived, they found Whitley and his vehicle with significant damage. Paramedics tried to save his life, but he was later pronounced dead as a result of the crash. Officials say the truck driver was not injured and was carrying livestock feed at the time of the accident.
Investigators stayed at the accident scene for hours to investigate the exact circumstances that led up to the fatal accident. Officers say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash, and an investigation is still ongoing.
Filing a Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death is a loss of life due to someone else’s negligent actions. In California, the decedent’s surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Those who are eligible to file include the spouse, domestic partner, and children. Other relatives may also qualify if they meet the rule outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60.
A wrongful death claim can compensate the survivors for their economic and non-economic damages such as medical bills expenses, lost future financial support, funeral and burial costs, loss of benefits, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, etc.
Watch YouTube Video: What is a Wrongful Death Claim. Learn more about wrongful death claims in the video below.
Is There a Deadline on Wrongful Death Claims?
There is a two-year limit to filing a wrongful death claim. There are exceptional circumstances that apply to cases that involve a minor or a government agency. Failure to meet specific deadlines may hurt the family’s chances of taking legal action against the at-fault party. Filing a lawsuit may be necessary if the deadline is approaching and a settlement agreement has not been reached with the other side. It is essential to consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer to prevent this from happening.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You
Our law firm’s mission is to help surviving family members with wrongful death claims. We understand how difficult it is to lose a family member and will do everything we can to get the answers you need, hold the at-fault parties accountable, and get the monetary compensation you deserve.
Our experienced legal team at AutoAccident.com works with various experts in the field to prove liability and damages incurred in the accident. It is important to us that you get the financial recovery you need to move forward with your lives. You can depend on our injury attorneys to take your case to court if settlement negotiations break down.
Fresno Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a wrongful death lawyer in Fresno. Dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one is challenging. If another person’s negligent actions have caused the fatal accident, you might be entitled to file a wrongful death claim for your losses. While no amount of compensation will replace what you have lost, it may provide justice and a sense of closure knowing that the at-fault party was held liable for the accident. Our team of professional and skilled injury lawyers is available to provide free, friendly, and compassionate advice on your case. Call us today at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400.
We are members of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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