Pedestrian Fatality on McHenry Avenue in Modesto
Officials reported a pedestrian fatality after a hit and run accident on McHenry Avenue in Modesto on the night of Sunday, August 8, 2021. The pedestrian accident happened at approximately 9:00 p.m. just north of Leveland Lane, according to the Modesto Police Department (Modesto PD).
Details on the Pedestrian Fatality on McHenry Avenue in Modesto Area
According to Modesto PD, a man was walking in the area when he was struck by a white pickup truck. The vehicle reportedly continued southbound on McHenry Avenue. The man was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Sadly, he passed away from his injuries. Officials have recently identified the decedent as Andrew Walton, 55, of Modesto.
Officials reported that there was a bicycle involved in the incident. However, it has remained under investigation whether the man was walking with the bicycle or riding it. Additional information, including the identity of the hit and run driver and description of their vehicle, was not immediately available.
Is There Recourse in a Fatal Hit and Run Accident Case?
After a traffic collision caused by a hit and run driver, investigators work to locate the suspect driver and their vehicle. However, it may be challenging to identify at-fault parties without a vehicle description or license plate number. Such information may be found through video surveillance footage. When a driver responsible for a fatal hit and run crash has been tracked down, they may be held liable for resulting losses through a wrongful death claim.
Once negligence has been established, surviving family members may explore recourse with the assistance of an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Modesto. Working with an attorney may be beneficial as they may simplify the legal process for survivors so they can focus on recovering instead of dealing with difficult insurance companies.
In situations where the other party cannot be identified, survivors may turn to their uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. While it will be handled as a first-party insurance claim, the unfortunate reality is that insurers are not always fair when it comes to making settlement offers. Fortunately, an attorney may work to ensure that the family is fairly compensated for their loss. For details on how to find the best lawyer in your area, watch this video.
Importance of Working with a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident
What most families do not realize is that insurers have teams of claims adjusters, investigators, and defense attorneys that do everything in their power to avoid paying claims. If they do make a settlement offer, it may not consider the full extent of damages incurred. Insurance carriers will not help surviving family members find reasons why they should be entitled to fair compensation, and they may use defense tactics to settle claims for less than they are worth.
In such situations, it is best to work with an injury lawyer that has extensive experience in helping survivors seek the compensation they need and deserve to move forward. Attorneys experienced in handling wrongful death matters, particularly those under first-party insurance claims for UM coverage, will know the best way to overcome any tactics the insurance adjuster and defense counsel may use. An attorney will also know how to gather and present evidence to obtain a favorable case outcome on behalf of surviving family members, both in insurance negotiations and in court, if necessary.
To learn more about how an attorney can help your family after a fatal pedestrian accident caused by a hit and run driver, please reach out to our law firm today. Our family is available anytime to help yours by offering free, friendly case advice on how to move forward in your situation.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death attorney. The unexpected loss of a close relative may be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, particularly if it occurred because of a senseless tragedy that should have been prevented in the first place. If you have lost someone you love in a hit-and-run accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. To arrange a meeting with one of our wrongful death lawyers for free, friendly case advice, call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 today.
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