Merced Man Killed in Ashby Road Motorcycle Crash
A 51-year-old man was killed after a motorcycle crash on Ashby Road in Merced, CA, on Thursday, June 4, 2020. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. on Ashby Rd., just west of Fern Street. A man was riding a 2004 Honda Rebel motorcycle and attempted to exit a mobile home park at 2020 Ashby Rd. when he was struck by a 2004 Lincoln Navigator. When officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrived at the scene, life-saving measures were being rendered to the man by first responders from Riggs Ambulance. Sadly, the CPR was unsuccessful, and the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has withheld the name of the decedent due to pending notification of next of kin.
How Can the Wrongful Death Claims Process Help a Family
A wrongful death claim may be filed on behalf of a family who has lost a loved one to someone else’s negligence. Wrongful death cases may only be brought by surviving family members who meet the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. This includes a spouse, a domestic partner, or a child that survived the deceased. Others may be eligible for recovery of wrongful death damages, such as the putative spouse, stepchildren, parents, and children of the putative spouse. Depending on the circumstances of the wrongful death case, it may include recovery of the following economic and noneconomic damages:
- Costs of a loved one’s end of life medical care
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of parental guidance and training
- Loss of spousal protection and companionship
- Mental anguish suffered by surviving family members as a result of a loved one’s wrongful death
- Punitive damages may also be recovered directly from the negligent driver if their actions were deemed egregious in the incident (e.g., driving under the influence or excessive speeding)
- The value of lost inheritance, future financial support, benefits, and household services the decedent would have provided if not for the wrongful death motorcycle accident
An experienced attorney can help handle a wrongful death case and present it to an insurance company or jury to help obtain full and fair compensation on a family’s behalf. A family’s financial burden can be eased by selecting a Merced wrongful death lawyer who has years of experience handling these types of cases. To learn what to look for in a reputable lawyer, watch the video below.
How Long Does a Family Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Surviving family members have to file a wrongful death lawsuit if insurance claims negotiations for a fair settlement fail. In California, wrongful death cases follow a two-year statute of limitations, meaning that a claim must be filed within two years of a loved one’s death. Since the statute of limitations may vary in these cases, which require much time and investigation before an attorney can file a wrongful death suit, survivors need to retain a lawyer as soon as possible.
Should You Hire a Merced Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Ashby Road?
Families are never required by law to hire an attorney when bringing a wrongful death action against a negligent driver and their insurance company. But survivors may find it challenging when dealing with insurance companies, including their own, and their teams of defense lawyers. This is why an experienced Merced wrongful death attorney can make all the difference. An experienced attorney knows how to handle the complexities and legal proceedings of wrongful death lawsuits while being understanding and respectful to families who are recovering from the loss of a loved one. At AutoAccident.com, we handle all the complex legal work on behalf of our clients to ensure that they can focus on what matters most, their recovery, and their plans for a secure future.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death lawyer. The loss of a loved one after a motorcycle accident is devastating for the family left behind. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident and have questions regarding a potential wrongful death case, contact me today for free, friendly advice at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
Before you call our Merced personal injury law firm to set up a free consultation, learn more about us by visiting the following links:
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Photo Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/
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