Motorcycle Crash Fatality on Applegate Road
The California Highway Patrol reported a fatality in a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Applegate Road in Merced County. The collision occurred on July 27, 2023, at approximately 8:00 a.m. in the area of Atwater Jordan Road and Applegate Road, officials said.
Details on the Motorcycle Crash Fatality on Applegate Road
CHP traffic officers described the incident as a head-on collision involving a Dodge pickup truck and a motorcycle. One of the vehicles allegedly veered into the oncoming traffic lane in front of the other party, and both collided head-on.
The Dodge driver was uninjured in the head-on collision, authorities reported. Sadly, the motorcyclist, 61-year-old Atwater resident Kelly Koger, suffered fatal injuries at the crash site.
The California Highway Patrol indicated that Applegate Road was closed for several hours between Atwater Jordan Road and Rose Avenue for officials to investigate and clear the scene. Those with information on the incident are encouraged to contact the CHP Merced area office.
What is the Purpose of a Wrongful Death Claim?
If another party’s carelessness or negligence was the direct cause of the death of a loved one, surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death action. The purpose of these cases is to reimburse surviving family members for the intangible harm and financial losses they have experienced from the loss of a close relative in an accident. Eligible claimants may be compensated for non-economic and economic damages. Such losses may include funeral costs, loss of companionship, loss of earnings, mental anguish, etc. Specific time limits and filing criteria apply to these matters.
Only specific parties can file for wrongful death in the state of California. The guidelines for eligibility are outlined in CCP 377.60. The individuals with priority for bringing a case forward include the decedent’s children, domestic partner, or spouse. If there are no surviving children, domestic partner, or spouse, the other parties that may file a claim include stepchildren, putative spouse, parents, and other family members who depended on the deceased for financial support. A deadline of two years is generally applicable to these matters.
A fatality may occur in a wide array of situations. While some are more common, like motor vehicle collisions, others may involve circumstances that are unclear. Regardless of what occurred or who is believed to be at fault for the incident, if a family is deprived of a loved one, it is essential to contact a California wrongful death lawyer to discuss the case immediately. When you work with our legal team at AutoAccident.com, we will seek full compensation from all available sources and hold at-fault parties accountable for your loss. For more information about the services offered by our firm, watch this video.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Merced
A claim for wrongful death cannot undo the pain of losing a family member nor bring them back. However, holding the other party accountable for their actions may provide survivors with a measure of justice. The damages recovered through this type of case can also help surviving family members handle the financial hardship that may arise from the fatal incident and the loss of life. Regardless of the situation, it is helpful for a grieving family to discuss their potential case with a knowledgeable California wrongful death lawyer to learn about their rights and options for recovery.
To determine if you have a case, our legal team offers free consultations to parties who have been injured or family members who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents. Get started today with free, friendly case advice from one of our skilled and compassionate Merced wrongful death lawyers at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We operate on contingency here at AutoAccident.com. This means that clients do not pay us unless and until we have successfully resolved their cases. If a favorable case outcome is not obtained, our clients owe us nothing.
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