Pedestrian Fatality Near Beckwith Road
On the morning of December 25, 2023, the CHP confirmed a fatality in a pedestrian accident that occurred on southbound State Route 99 near Beckwith Road in Modesto. Authorities received reports of the collision at approximately 5:10 a.m. Officials at the crash site located a male pedestrian lying on the west shoulder of southbound SR-99. Sadly, the pedestrian succumbed to injuries from the accident.
Details on the Pedestrian Fatality Near Beckwith Road
The California Highway Patrol reported that no vehicles involved in the incident were located at the crash site. The suspect vehicle(s) are expected to have damage to the front end and may be black in color. Those with information on the fatal pedestrian accident or who witnessed it are encouraged to dial (209) 356-2900 to speak with CHP investigators.
What is a Wrongful Death Action?
A wrongful death action is a claim where an individual suffers fatal injuries in an incident because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness. The right to file these cases is prioritized for the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. This is outlined in CCP 377.60. If the deceased does not have a living child, domestic partner, or spouse, the right to file a case may extend to other family members who depended on the decedent for financial support. Eligible claimants may be compensated for intangible and financial losses.
In the context of a fatal pedestrian accident, possible negligent parties may include the at-fault motorist, the manufacturer of the involved vehicle for flawed design or manufacturing defects, the government entity responsible for the design and maintenance of the roadway, and more. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff to establish that the opposing party was responsible for the incident that resulted in the loss of life. This can be established through clear and compelling evidence, including expert witness testimony, police reports, autopsy report, medical records, eyewitness statements, and more.
According to CCP 335.1, the timeframe to file a wrongful death case in civil court is two years from the date of loss. It is essential to retain legal counsel immediately since there is considerable time and effort that goes into the claims process. A family should provide their law firm with ample time to allow for an independent investigation, thorough research, and due diligence before proceeding with a claim for damages. Furthermore, the statute of limitations may be shortened to six months if a government entity is named a defendant. As such, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney sooner rather than later.
About Our Law Firm
It is understandable that taking legal action may be challenging as these matters are time-sensitive and survivors have many other responsibilities to handle following the unexpected loss of a close relative. The limited window of time to hold the opposing party accountable in a wrongful death claim means that a family must work quickly to get everything done. The right wrongful death attorney can ease the burden for survivors and take over the case from start to finish. At our law office, we are committed to assisting clients in seeking justice for fatal accidents another party caused and should have prevented.
As lawyers handling wrongful death cases, we have the experience, skills, and resources to manage complex legal proceedings. There is no substitute for enlisting the assistance of an experienced attorney when your family depends on having a wrongful death case to obtain the justice and closure you all deserve. For additional information about our services and how we can assist your family with your potential case, schedule a free case evaluation or watch this video about our office.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Modesto
Our compassionate and experienced legal team at AutoAccident.com is available to provide you with the individualized representation and compassionate guidance you need during this difficult time. While taking legal action cannot undo the fatal incident, it may help your family in obtaining justice and closure. We start each potential case with a free consultation, so there is nothing to lose and much to gain when you contact our office for assistance. Call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to discuss your potential case with a knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer serving Modesto from our law firm.
At AutoAccident.com, it does not cost our clients anything to bring a wrongful death case in California since we operate on contingency. Taking cases on a contingent fee basis allows individuals and families to retain legal representation without anything upfront or out of pocket. We charge for our services only if we successfully resolve the case on behalf of our client. Learn more about our services by scheduling a free consultation today.
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