Merced Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident
A Merced man was killed in a motorcycle accident on the night of March 30, 2019. The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m. along Ashby Road, just west of Trindade Road. A driver of a 2004 Dodge Dakota hauling a 2006 utility trailer was traveling along Ashby Road when he attempted to back the trailer onto a driveway right off the roadway. A man riding a 1984 Honda motorcycle was heading west along Ashby Road and was unable to avoid the Dodge and trailer, which were perpendicular to the road during the reverse maneuver. The biker struck the left front fender of the Dodge, propelling him off from his bike onto the eastbound lane of the roadway. The motorcyclist, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the friends and family of the man who passed away for their devastating loss.
Recovering After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, injured riders and their families often need support and resources. No matter how severe or drastic the crash, it is often difficult to recover from the trauma while also dealing with damaged property, insurance claims, and medical expenses. Fatal motorcycle collisions are even more so devastating on surviving loved ones and families as they cope with these problems while coming to terms with their loss. When this happens, a family can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages incurred. These may include:
- Expenses of a loved one’s end-of-life medical care, funeral, and burial
- Future wages the deceased would have expected to earn had the accident not occurred
- Loss of affection, guidance, community, love, and moral support
- Loss of consortium for a surviving domestic partner or spouse
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering experienced by the family of the deceased
- Reimbursement for any household services provided by the decedent to his or her family
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
It is often complex to establish who is at fault for a fatal motorcycle accident. This is where an experienced Merced motorcycle accident lawyer can help. Enlisting collision reconstruction experts, it is probable to trace how the crash occurred. Sometimes, other factors may be involved in a motorcycle collision. These include road defects such as lack of warning signage, potholes, and other hazards in the roadway. Other parties that may be liable for a wrongful death motorcycle accident include manufacturers for faulty bike equipment. Since multiple parties may be responsible for wrongful death, it is essential to retain an experienced attorney to recover subsequent losses. To learn what to look for in a reputable motorcycle crash lawyer, watch the below video.
Time Limit for Filing a Wrongful Death Case
There is a limited amount of time for which a wrongful death claim must be filed in California. This is known as the statute of limitations which is two years from the time of a loved one’s death. If a fatal motorcycle accident involved a government vehicle or road hazard, a claim must be filed with the government entity responsible for the incident within 180 days or 6 months. For more details, contact an experienced lawyer.
Contacting a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Dealing with the loss of someone you love is not always easy. When a fatal crash is caused by the negligence of another, the grieving surviving family members of the decedent may find it overwhelming to discuss financial issues. In these times, a family can find relief through hiring an attorney to handle their case. A lawyer who is experienced with wrongful death cases will know the particular way to proceed to obtain the compensation a surviving family needs and deserves. This way, the family can move forward from their loss without financial worry.
Merced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced Motorcycle Accident Attorney. A motorcycle crash resulting in serious or fatal injuries can happen when we least expect it. If you believe the death of your loved one in an accident was due to the negligence of another driver or entity, contact me to receive my compassionate, free and friendly advice. You can reach me at (209) 227-1931 in the Merced area or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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I was inducted into the Million Dollar Advocates. We are a forum of trial lawyers who have won $1 million and over for a client. I am also a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Lawyers receive this honor when this organization believes their practice is built on high standards of legal excellence.
If you would like to know about past cases handled by our law firm, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photograph Attribution: By “SplitShire” via Pixabay
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