Pedestrian Crash Fatality on SR-99 Near Delhi
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported a fatality after a pedestrian crash on SR-99 near the Delhi area on the early morning of Sunday, October 10, 2021. The incident occurred on northbound State Route 99 just north of Shanks Road at approximately 1:25 a.m.
Details on the Fatality Reported After Pedestrian Crash on SR-99 Near Delhi
CHP traffic officers responding to the scene located a 2012 Dodge Ram on its wheels in the median after it was involved in a single-vehicle accident. A preliminary investigation by authorities revealed that the Dodge reportedly veered off the roadway and struck a k-rail, a removable rail within which may be pinned together for barrier formation between traffic lanes and construction zones. Upon impact, the Dodge driver was allegedly propelled from the truck and landed in the No. 1 lane of northbound State Route 99.
Authorities reported that the Dodge driver was hit by approximately four other cars traveling northbound on SR-99. All drivers involved in the pedestrian accident pulled over and contacted emergency personnel, according to the CHP press release. Officials indicated that all drivers were cooperative with the investigation and did not show any signs of impairment. Sadly, the Dodge driver was declared deceased at the scene. Officials have recently identified the decedent as 21-year-old Genaro Uvalle Mendiola of Ceres. Anyone with information on the fatal pedestrian accident or who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact the Merced area CHP office.
What to Know About Fatal Pedestrian Accidents and the Claims Process
A pedestrian that follows the rules of the road should expect safety on public streets. The unfortunate reality is that not all drivers watch for pedestrians on the road and yield the right-of-way to them. When a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle, they may suffer traumatic injuries because of the weight and speed of the car. In some extreme cases, injuries from a car vs. pedestrian accident may prove fatal. When such a heartbreaking situation happens, the family of the decedent is often left devastated. While nothing may undo the pain and tragedy of losing a close relative, bringing a wrongful death action against the at-fault party may provide survivors with the sense of justice and financial compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
Wrongful death cases may be appropriate in situations where a loss of life has occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence. This means that there is a wide array of different types of crashes that may justify such cases, such as a pedestrian accident. Only specific relatives that meet the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 may have grounds to file a claim. Those who have priority to bring such cases forward may include the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. If such parties are nonexistent, the right to bring a civil case may go to any surviving parents, stepchildren, putative spouse, or putative spouse’s children.
When grieving and coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, working with an experienced accident attorney may take the burden off your shoulders. When you retain legal counsel, they will handle all aspects of your case. This may include conducting an independent investigation of the fatal car accident, establishing negligence and causation, determining the value of compensatory damages, filing all paperwork, negotiating with insurers, and filing a lawsuit in civil court. A lawyer will also be available to answer any questions you and your family may have throughout the wrongful death claims process and help you obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf. Learn more about how an attorney can help by watching this video.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?
A statute of limitations is a law that places deadlines on lawsuits. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a family has two years from the date of the fatal incident to file a lawsuit in civil court. This time limit must be followed, particularly if a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached with the insurer. If the lawsuit is not filed on time, the court will likely refuse to hear the case, and survivors may lose the right to seek compensatory damages. Therefore, it is best to retain legal counsel to ensure all filing deadlines are met in a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death lawyer. When an accident takes the life of a loved one, survivors are often left dealing with grief and financial hardship. If someone else was responsible for the fatal accident, surviving family members may bring a case forward with the assistance of an experienced accident attorney. For more information on bringing a wrongful death claim in California, please contact our law firm today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to receive free, friendly case advice. We understand the devastation that may come with the sudden loss of a loved one and would like to help you and your family obtain the justice and fair compensation you all deserve.
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At our law firm, we have decades of combined experience and a proven track record of favorable results. We are prepared to put our skills and resources to work for you and your family to obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Visit our Verdicts and Settlements page to learn more about how we have resolved cases for past clients.
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