Passenger Killed in Modesto Area Accident
A female passenger was killed in a car accident on Scenic Drive and Oakdale Road in the Modesto area on Thursday, June 24, 2021. Officials said the motor vehicle collision occurred around 2:00 a.m. and involved two vehicles.
Details on the Modesto Area Car Accident
A man driving a sedan north on Oakdale Road lost control of his vehicle for unknown reasons. This resulted in the sedan colliding with a truck traveling southbound on Oakdale Road.
The Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD) reported that the truck driver suffered minor injuries in the wreck. Sadly, the passenger in the sedan, 33-year-old Erika Navarro of Turlock, succumbed to her injuries at the crash site. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of Ms. Navarro to help cover expenses for funeral services.
The sedan driver was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries described as moderate. Modesto PD said the sedan driver will be booked on charges including vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence (DUI), and homicide.
What Types of Compensation May Survivors Seek in a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim for a car accident is an integral part of obtaining justice for surviving family members. It serves to hold the individual or entity financially liable for the harm inflicted on survivors by the unexpected loss of a loved one. In the case of a close relative, the damages would be awarded to the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60. Other relatives may be eligible for compensation under CCP 377.60.
Surviving family members often turn away from bringing a wrongful death case against negligent parties because they feel as if it is an attempt to collect from the loss of a close relative. However, nothing may be further from the truth. Such cases are intended to uphold justice through the identification of the negligent party liable for ending a life and compensating survivors for losses incurred, including:
- Costs of medical treatment from the fatal car accident
- Expenses for services of a loved one’s funeral and burial
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Lost care, companionship, and protection of the loved one for the future
- Punitive damages for egregious conduct and disregarding passenger safety, such as DUI
The dangers of operating a vehicle carelessly are well known. When a motorist engages in reckless driving, they demonstrate their disregard for the safety of passengers and others on the road. One of the best ways to hold the driver liable is through a wrongful death case. In fatal car accidents involving drunk driving, punitive damages may be sought from the at-fault party to punish them for their egregious actions. For more details on the legal process, watch the video below.
Importance of Working with a Lawyer
One of the first steps when bringing a wrongful death claim forward is to determine how the motor vehicle crash occurred. Gathering evidence such as medical records, photographs of the fatal scene, witness statements, and CHP traffic incident reports is essential to determine who is liable for the crash and damages incurred. An attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death car accident cases will have the skills and resources necessary to conduct an independent investigation of the collision and determine who may be held accountable for damages incurred.
Hiring an attorney is essential after the loss of a loved one in an accident. You do not want to be dealing with difficult insurance companies during this difficult time as they do not have your best interests at heart like a wrongful death lawyer will. For free, friendly case advice from an attorney, contact us today. We are available anytime to meet with your family, listen to your story, and discuss your potential options for recovery moving forward.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. The loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident is devastating. Our compassionate and caring attorneys understand the challenges you and your family may be facing during this difficult time. We are committed to providing you all with emotional support and legal guidance. To get started on your case and receive free, friendly advice, please contact us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
The right attorney for your wrongful death car accident case makes all the difference. Reviewing client comments about a particular lawyer can narrow down your search for the best one. See ours at the links below:
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Our law firm has decades of experience representing surviving family members of those who have had their lives cut short in fatal accidents. We understand the consequences for survivors and are devoted to obtaining justice and fair compensation in their time of need. See some of our past case results listed on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Credit: By “dthedeliquent” via Pixabay
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