Man Killed, Two Injured in Fresno Car Accident
One person was killed, and two others were critically injured in a southeast Fresno car accident on the night of July 20, 2019. The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Kings Canyon Road. A preliminary report by the Fresno Police Department suggested two parties were driving together southbound along Maple Road. The driver had a green light and was proceeding through the intersection. Authorities say another motorist ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle carrying the party of two. Sadly, the driver of the car with the green light passed away at the scene, and his passenger was transported to the hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Officials have identified the decedent as 40-year-old Shawn Milton. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Mr. Milton during this difficult time.
Investigation of the Southeast Fresno Car Accident
Authorities reported that the driver who ran a stoplight showed signs of intoxication. The motorist, a 21-year-old man, was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and felony vehicular manslaughter. It is not yet known whether he will face additional charges for the auto accident.
Loved One Forever Remembered
Shawn Milton was a beloved member of his family. Those who knew and loved Shawn say he was one of the sweetest people anyone could meet. He is survived by his five children, including three daughters, two sons, and another child due in August. He is also survived by his parents and siblings, all of whom are deeply saddened by his loss. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of his family to help cover his funeral expenses.
Loss of a Loved One in a Fresno Car Accident
Losing someone you love in a preventable car wreck is devastating. Whether the deceased was a child, parent, spouse, or another family member, the last thing a person has on their mind while grieving is dealing with insurance companies. Insurance claims adjusters may try to take advantage of a grieving family by finding ways to dispute liability on the part of their insured. A Fresno wrongful death attorney can help a family navigate this challenging time and assist them in finding closure and justice for their lost loved one.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
An unexpected death in the family may cause emotional and financial hardship. This is especially true if the decedent was the primary provider for the family. Filing a Fresno wrongful death claim can help alleviate some of the economic and noneconomic harms. These include:
- Any expenses for end of life medical care and funeral services the family has paid for the decedent
- Loss of future wages that would have been earned by the decedent, which includes his or her remaining lifetime earning capacity
- Loss of care, love, companionship, and moral support from the decedent
- Loss of support, guidance and training the parent would have provided to his or her surviving children
- Loss of household services the decedent would have contributed to the family, including cooking, childcare, and vehicle maintenance
- Lost income and benefits such as a pension, 401k, and health insurance
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering caused by the wrongful death car accident
- Punitive damages may be available in wrongful death claims involving egregious acts such as drunk driving. Your Fresno wrongful death lawyer will decide whether punitive damages are possible in your case.
Who Can File a California Wrongful Death Claim?
In California, surviving children, spouses, and domestic partners may be entitled to file wrongful death claims against negligent parties. This is by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Others who were financially dependent on the deceased may also be eligible to file for wrongful death. This includes the decedent’s parents, putative spouse, children of the putative spouse, and stepchildren. For more information on which family members can sue for wrongful death, watch the below video.
Why Does Our Family Need a Lawyer?
Wrongful death is a life-changing event compounded by emotional pain and financial burden. In times of loss, an attorney may conduct an independent investigation of the accident to identify all potentially negligent parties. A lawyer may also hire experts such as crash reconstructionists to analyze the circumstances leading up to a loved one’s death and provide expert testimony. This way, the family can focus on grieving and recovering while their attorney builds a strong case for fair compensation.
Fresno Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death attorney. The loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging and devastating experiences in life. When the death was the result of a preventable auto accident, the grieving process may be intensified by anger and frustration. If you have lost a family member in an accident caused by the negligence of another, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free and friendly advice.
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I am proud to be listed as a member of several legal groups, including the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first group is composed of trial attorneys who have won $1 million or more for a client. The other organization awards membership only to those attorneys who exhibit high standards of legal excellence.
Since 1982, I have helped families of Fresno and surrounding areas obtain the compensation they deserve for their personal injury and wrongful death claims. To see how our law office has resolved cases for our past clients, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Credit: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay / One Killed in Southeast Fresno Car Accident
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