Sanger Man Killed After Fresno County DUI Accident
A Sanger man was killed, and a woman was arrested on DUI charges after a pedestrian accident in Fresno County on the night of February 21, 2020. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at Academy Avenue and 8th Street in Sanger. A man was in a crosswalk at the intersection when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by a 44-year-old woman, the Sanger Police Department reported. Emergency crews responding to the scene transported the injured man, 71-year-old David Pinedo of Sanger, to an area hospital for treatment. Sadly, Mr. Pinedo succumbed to his injuries during hospitalization. The driver stayed at the scene and was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. It is unknown whether she will face additional charges for the fatal auto-pedestrian accident. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of Mr. Pinedo’s family to help cover his funeral expenses.
Loss of a Loved One
No words can describe how a family feels after they lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident. Many things must be taken care of when facing an unexpected loss like this, and surviving family members may feel overwhelmed about the thought of filing a wrongful death claim. An experienced Fresno wrongful death lawyer can help simplify the claims process and free you from the stress involved in such cases. This way, you can focus on grieving and taking care of what matters most, your family.
What Wrongful Death Damages Can Be Recovered in California?
When a close relative has passed away as a result of a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may be able to seek compensation through the negligent driver’s car insurance policy. However, not all drivers have enough insurance to cover a family’s losses after a loved one’s wrongful death. In other cases, the negligent party may not have insurance at all. Under these circumstances, a family may be able to file a claim with their insurance company if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for wrongful death benefits. The following types of damages may be awarded through these claims:
- Economic Damages: This type of damage considers the financial hardships that occurred as a result of a wrongful death pedestrian accident. Economic damages include funeral and burial expenses, end of life medical treatment, lost future financial support, and work benefits the deceased would have provided to their family members like health insurance and pension. In some cases, an economist may be retained to calculate the reasonable value of a loved one’s household services they would have provided to their family if not for the fatal pedestrian accident.
- Noneconomic Damages: This type of damage is intended to compensate survivors for the intangible harms they have experienced due to a loved one’s wrongful death. Noneconomic damages include the loss of loved one’s care, comfort, companionship, and moral support.
- Punitive Damages: As part of a wrongful death case involving egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be claimed directly from the negligent driver. This type of damage is designed to punish the wrongdoer and send a clear message to deter similar behavior from occurring in the future.
For more information about the wrongful death claims process, watch the video below.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Fresno County DUI Accident?
When a loved one is lost in a fatal pedestrian accident, the immediate family of the deceased has the right to file a claim against the negligent driver. This includes the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the decedent. If none of these parties exist, other family members may be able to file for wrongful death. To determine your eligibility for a wrongful death action, reach out to an experienced wrongful death lawyer from Fresno.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in California?
A wrongful death case must be filed with the court within two years from the date of a fatal auto-pedestrian accident. However, it is essential to initiate an investigation as soon as possible. Other parties may be responsible for a wrongful death pedestrian accident, such as a government entity for the lack of crosswalks and street lighting for pedestrians. The statute of limitations, or time to bring a case, may shorten to six months or 180 days from the date of loss. This is by the California Government Code Section 911.2. A Fresno wrongful death lawyer can ensure a case is filed within the appropriate statutory deadline to protect a family’s right to fair compensation.
Wrongful Death Lawyers in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death lawyer. Any unexpected death of a close relative is devastating for the family they leave behind. In the case of a fatal pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, a wrongful death claim may be filed against that party on behalf of surviving family members. Such cases can help seek justice and fair compensation for survivors when a collision claims the life of a loved one. If this has happened to you and your family, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I understand how devastating it is to lose someone you love and would like to provide you and your family with the compassionate, free, and friendly advice you need in your time of loss.
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At our personal injury law firm, we provide each family we represent for wrongful death cases with experienced and compassionate legal representation to help provide the emotional closure they need. If you would like to see how we have helped other families, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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