One Killed in Head-On Collision in Angels Camp
One person was killed, and another suffered serious injuries after a head-on collision in the Angels Camp area on December 18, 2020. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the Angels Camp car accident occurred at approximately 10:10 a.m. along Vallecito Road just south of Highway 4. Albert Tonetti, 80, of Murphys, was behind the wheel of a 1972 Chevrolet C10 pickup headed southbound on Vallecito Road, and Betty Zimmerman, 85, of Murphys, was headed northbound in a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.
For unknown reasons, the Pontiac and the Chevrolet were involved in a head-on collision. Mr. Tonetti was transported via air ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto for treatment of major injuries after the Angels Camp car accident. Sadly, Ms. Zimmerman succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The cause of the fatal crash in Angels Camp is unknown as an investigation is ongoing by CHP traffic officials.
Loss of a Loved One to Wrongful Death
If you have lost a member of your family in a fatal head-on collision in Angels Camp because of someone else’s negligence or careless actions, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of your family. An Angels Camp wrongful death lawyer from our law firm can help make this possible and bring closure to a devastating loss that could have been prevented altogether.
How Does a Wrongful Death Claim Help Survivors?
The purpose of bringing a wrongful death claim is to compensate surviving family members who depended upon the decedent for emotional and financial support. It is also intended to hold the at-fault party financially accountable for their negligence. Potential economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death case may include medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of future financial support for survivors, and loss of guidance, protection, and care. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, surviving spouses, domestic partners, and children have priority when it comes to bringing a claim for wrongful death benefits, followed by parents, stepchildren, putative spouses, and children of the putative spouse.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
If you are looking to bring a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your lost loved one, understand that you must file suit within a specific deadline known as the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the fatal car accident. This is under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. After the two-year statute of limitations expires, you and your family may no longer be eligible for wrongful death benefits. For additional information on the wrongful death claims process and how it can help your family after the loss of a loved one, watch the video below.
Is it Worth Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney After an Angels Camp Head-On Collision?
While no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, compensation from a wrongful death case can help surviving family members with end-of-life medical expenses, final resting costs, and other losses experienced now and reasonably expected into the future. Bringing a wrongful death claim is not only about compensatory damages; it is about justice and doing what you and your family can to obtain closure.
At our law firm, we understand that surviving family members deserve compassion and the time they need to recover from their loss. We strive to protect the best interests of your family by handling all aspects of your wrongful death case and securing the financial compensation you all need for a secure future. Since 1982, our legal team has sought justice on behalf of families in Angels Camp and throughout Calaveras County, California. If you would like to learn how we can help you and your family through this difficult time, contact our law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Car Accident Lawyer in Angels Camp
I’m Ed Smith, an Angels Camp car accident lawyer. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal motor vehicle collision because of someone else’s negligence, please reach out to our car accident lawyers at our law firm at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our legal team can discuss your loss and determine your legal options for recovery during a free consultation.
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Our personal injury lawyers are proud to be listed as California members of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
If you would like to get an idea of how our attorneys have helped other families impacted by a loved one’s wrongful death, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page to view a selection of our past case results.
Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/red-rose-on-grave-love-symbol-5469144/
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