Solo Car Accident Fatality in Lafayette
On the morning of Sunday, January 8, 2023, CHP traffic officers reported a fatality following a solo car accident on SR-24 in Lafayette. The incident occurred at approximately 10:25 a.m. on eastbound State Route 24 in the vicinity of Oak Hill Road and involved an SUV, according to officials.
Details on the Solo Car Accident Fatality on SR-24 in Lafayette
Officers arriving at the scene located a Toyota Yaris off the roadway. Investigators indicated that the vehicle collided with a tree in the center median of eastbound Highway 24. First responders were requested to transport the driver and passenger in the Toyota to an area hospital for immediate treatment of unspecified injuries.
Sadly, the passenger was declared deceased during hospitalization. Their identity has been withheld due to pending family notification, according to the coroner’s division of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. The Toyota driver received treatment for injuries described as life-threatening.
An update regarding the driver’s condition was not immediately available. Investigators have not yet released additional information regarding the single-vehicle crash on eastbound Highway 24 in Lafayette. Anyone with details on the incident or who witnessed it is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol Contra Costa area office at (925) 646-4980.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death in California?
The sudden loss of a close relative may be a traumatic and heartbreaking experience at any time. When a family member loses their life because of another party or entity’s careless or negligent actions, you may be overwhelmed with frustration and anger, all while coping with grief. Surviving family members in these situations may turn to a wrongful death attorney for assistance to hold the other side financially accountable for their losses.
Depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, eligible survivors may seek reimbursement for economic and non-economic damages. While no dollar amount may make things right again for an affected family, it may provide them a sense of closure knowing that the law recognizes their loss. Per CCP 377.60, the children, domestic partner, or spouse of the deceased have priority for filing a case for wrongful death. Other relatives may be eligible if these relationships with the deceased do not exist. For more details on wrongful death claims, watch this video.
How Much Time Do Surviving Family Members Have to File for Wrongful Death?
Survivors have a limited amount of time to take legal action against a negligent party in California. A two-year statute of limitations usually applies to cases of wrongful death. This is by CCP 335.1. Since these claims are often challenging to navigate, it is essential to get in touch with a skilled accident attorney immediately.
A lawyer will independently investigate a single-vehicle accident fatality to identify all at-fault parties aside from the driver, including a government entity for road defects, an automaker for faulty car parts, and a possible hit-and-run driver. Keep in mind that the statute is six months instead of two years for cases against public agencies. For more details, contact an experienced lawyer in your area.
Injury Attorney in Concord
I’m Ed Smith, a Concord injury attorney. Dealing with traumatic injuries or the loss of a loved one from a traffic collision may have a profound impact on your life. Either way, you suffered damages due to the negligence of another party or entity, and you deserve to be compensated for what you have been put through. You can focus on rebuilding your life and your recovery when you have a lawyer on your side.
When you need an injury attorney, our law office is here to help. Since 1982, we have provided compassionate and skilled legal representation for clients. Do not underestimate the real cost of your injuries and losses. Let our legal team maximize your recovery and help you rebuild your life after a devastating car accident. Contact us for free, friendly case advice at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.
Our law office has a proven track record of success. View our past case results on our Verdicts/Settlements page. We also strive to provide outstanding service to clients. View client comments/ratings about our law office on Avvo, Google, and Yelp. We are also proud members of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
Picture Credit: “BrettSayles” on Pexels
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