Skateboarder Killed in Fresno Hit and Run Accident
A skateboarder was killed in a Fresno hit and run accident on the night of August 10, 2019. The pedestrian accident occurred shortly before midnight on Ashlan Avenue and Cedar Avenue in central Fresno. A man was riding his skateboard in the area when he was hit by a blue Chrysler PT Cruiser. The driver of the Chrysler reportedly left the scene following the crash, leaving the injured man behind to succumb to his injuries. Officials have identified the decedent as 31-year-old Michael Sampedro of Fresno. We would like to extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Sampedro during this difficult time.
Investigation of the Fresno Hit and Run Accident
Officers from the Fresno Police Department were able to locate the suspect driver and their car. This was possible through the efforts of a Good Samaritan at the scene, who reported to the suspect vehicle’s description and license plate number to authorities. Officials said the motorist, a 56-year-old Fresno woman, admitted her part in the crash. She was arrested at her residence on suspicion of multiple offenses. These included possession of a controlled substance, vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, and felony hit and run causing death. Officials did not disclose information on the suspected illicit drug. Moreover, a GoFundMe page has been created by the family of Michael Viviano Sampedro to help cover his final resting expenses.
Losing a Loved One in a Fresno Hit and Run Accident
Grief is natural to feel after losing someone you love. Coming to terms with your loss may be financially, emotionally, and physically draining. This is particularly true when your loved one’s sudden passing was caused by the negligence of another. In such situations, you and your family may be able to seek the assistance of an experienced Fresno wrongful death lawyer. An attorney can ensure your legal and financial hardships are handled. This way, you and your family can focus on recovering and grieving from your loved one’s unexpected death without worry.
Does Insurance Cover Fresno Pedestrian Accidents?
After a wrongful death pedestrian accident, specific family members of the deceased may be able to file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance policy for losses incurred. California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover injuries and damages to other parties. However, not all motorists follow this law. When a pedestrian is killed in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance, the family of the deceased may turn to their own car insurance for coverage. This is a viable option so long as they have uninsured motorist protection, which may also extend coverage for a fatal hit and run.
What Types of Compensation is Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
California law allows surviving family members to recover compensation when a loved one has passed away due to someone else’s negligence. Survivors who meet the eligibility requirements may recover economic and noneconomic damages, such as:
- Costs of a family member’s funeral and burial services
- Loss of benefits and future income the loved one would have earned and provided to the family during their expected lifetime
- Loss of companionship, love, care, and affection provided by the decedent
- Loss of prospect of inheritance
- Medical expenses resulting from the fatal injury suffered in the accident. These are recoverable through a survival action.
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Punitive damages, which are generally not covered by insurance companies. Instead, they are brought against negligent drivers for their egregious misconduct. They are designed to deter similar behavior from occurring in the future.
The extent of damages in a wrongful death claim is generally determined by several factors. These include the decedent’s age, health condition, education, earning capacity, and life expectancy. To learn more details on these types of cases, watch the below video.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, specific parties related to the deceased are eligible to recover wrongful death damages. These include a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child. These damages may also be available to others who depended on the decedent for financial support, such as their putative spouse, parents, and stepchildren. To determine your eligibility for a wrongful death claim, contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Fresno.
Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno pedestrian accident attorney. Losing someone you love is devastating, especially if the death was caused by a senseless accident. When the loss resulted from the negligence of another, the family may be able to recover compensation for their loved one’s death. If this situation applies to you and your family, I am genuinely sorry for your loss. You are welcome to give me a call anytime to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Reach me locally at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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I am proud to be listed as a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first forum limits membership to trial lawyers who have won over $1 million for a prior client. The other group is composed of the top one percent of attorneys nationwide who are deemed to exhibit high standards of legal excellence.
As a Fresno wrongful death attorney, I have dedicated my time to helping families in Fresno County by obtaining the compensation they need to move forward from their loved one’s wrongful death. If you would like to see how we have resolved cases for our clients, please go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo Source: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
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