One Killed in Fresno Head-On Truck Collision
One party was killed, and another was injured after a head-on truck collision in the Fresno area on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 19, 2020. The big rig crash occurred on Highway 180 at Chateau Fresno Avenue around 1:40 p.m. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesman said a driver of a semi-truck was approaching a car that was stopped on westbound State Route 180 waiting to turn left onto Chateau Fresno Avenue. For unknown reasons, the truck driver failed to bring his tractor-trailer to a stop, and he reportedly veered into the eastbound lane to avoid a rear-end collision.
Unfortunately, the big rig entered the direct path of a Chevrolet SUV and collided with the vehicle head-on. The Fresno County Fire extricated the driver of the Chevrolet and transported her to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment. Sadly, her passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene of the truck accident. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the passenger as 68-year-old Joe Faz of Sanger. The cause of the fatal incident is unknown as an investigation is ongoing by the CHP.
Loss of a Loved One
Losing a family member in a fatal trucking crash is devastating. When the accident was caused by the negligence or carelessness of another, it is even more heartbreaking because survivors know that someone else is to blame for their loss. While surviving family members are grieving, they may feel overwhelmed about how they will pay for expenses related to their loved one’s death, especially if that relative was the primary provider of the family. No amount of money can bring a loved one back, but survivors deserve to be compensated for the financial and intangible losses they have suffered.
If your family has lost a loved one in a big rig crash caused by the negligence of a trucker or trucking firm, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against those responsible. However, the idea of dealing with paperwork, communicating with insurance companies, negotiating wrongful death settlement offers, and preparing for trial without assistance can be stressful. That is where an experienced Fresno truck accident attorney comes in. An attorney can handle all aspects of your case while you and your family focus on what matters most during this difficult time: taking the time you need to recover from your loss.
Types of Compensation in a Fatal Head-On Truck Collision
The unexpected loss of a loved one may lead to economic hardship for survivors, especially if they depended on the decedent for financial support. Compensation in a wrongful death claim consists of two types, economic and non-economic damages, and generally includes the following:
- Expenses related to a loved one’s funeral, burial, or cremation services
- Medical bills associated with the wrongful death truck accident (these are generally sought under a survival action)
- Loss of financial resources like pension, employment benefits, medical insurance, earnings, and more
- Loss of society, companionship, affection, and moral support
While compensation cannot make up for the loss of a close relative, it can help ease some of the financial hardship on surviving family members. To learn more about wrongful death claims, watch the video below.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
In California, wrongful death lawsuits may be brought by specific members of the family if a settlement is not reached with the insurance company within the statute of limitations. Depending on the situation, a spouse, domestic partner, or child may be able to file a wrongful death claim. In other circumstances, the deceased individual’s putative spouse, stepchildren, parents, or child of the putative spouse may be eligible to bring a case. A Fresno trucking accident lawyer can advise you on whether if you meet the criteria for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in California.
Truck Accident Lawyer in Fresno, CA
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno truck accident lawyer. Did you lose a loved one in a fatal trucking accident? I am here to help you and your family obtain the justice and compensation you deserve and will be there for you every step of the way. For compassionate, free, and friendly advice on how to get started today, call (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400.
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