Stockton Woman Killed in SR-12 Car Crash
According to the California Highway Patrol, a car crash on SR-12 in Wallace killed a Stockton woman and resulted in the DUI arrest of a driver. The incident was described as a two-vehicle collision that occurred shortly after 11:40 a.m. on State Route 12 at Wards Avenue just south of the Camache Reservoir, officials said.
Details on the Car Crash on SR-12 That Killed a Stockton Woman
A preliminary report by CHP traffic officers revealed that a 26-year-old Lodi man was behind the wheel of a 2001 Ford Taurus headed eastbound on SR-12. For unknown reasons, the vehicle allegedly veered off the roadway, and the driver overcorrected. While doing so, the Ford was propelled into the oncoming traffic lane, where it reportedly broadsided another vehicle described as a 1999 Buick Park Avenue.
The Buick driver, a 73-year-old Stockton man, sustained injuries described as minor. It was unclear if the Buick driver was treated at the scene or the hospital for his injuries. The Ford driver was arrested for driving under the influence at the crash site and transported via air ambulance to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for treatment of serious injuries.
Sadly, the passenger in the Ford was declared deceased at the accident scene, according to the CHP. The Calaveras County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedent as Maribel Mendoza, 23, of Stockton. The family of Maribel Mendoza has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral service costs. Additional information on the two-vehicle collision on SR-12 in Wallace was not immediately available.
What Surviving Family Members Should Know About Wrongful Death Auto Accident Cases
A sudden loss of life may feel painful and devastating to a grieving family, especially if it was the result of another party’s recklessness or carelessness. Surviving family members may be in a position to file a wrongful death action on behalf of a decedent to seek reimbursement for economic and non-economic damages. This will be based on the facts and circumstances that are involved in the matter. While compensation may not truly make up for the tragic loss of a close relative, survivors may obtain a sense of justice and closure. This is through holding the other side financially liable for their loss and the damages they have endured.
A surviving family member may file a claim for wrongful death against an individual or entity whose negligence or recklessness resulted in a loss of life. However, not just any relative may be eligible to file. In California, the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased individual generally have priority, according to CCP 377.60. Other survivors may be eligible if the previously mentioned relatives with priority do not exist. Remember that a two-year deadline usually applies to fatal accident cases. However, it may be decreased to six months if a case involves a government agency.
The skilled and compassionate legal team from AutoAccident.com is here to guide you and your family throughout the claims process to obtain a maximum financial recovery on your behalf. If all attempts at a favorable settlement agreement have failed with the insurance company, we can help your family by filing a lawsuit in civil court. For additional details on how we can help your family, contact us for a free consultation. Before calling, be sure to watch the video below, which provides information about our law firm and the services our accident lawyers offer to our clients.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. Traffic collisions in and around the Stockton area are a severe and ongoing issue. Auto accidents have the potential to result in catastrophic injuries or even death to those involved. If a car crash has injured you or deprived your family of a loved one, our law office is here to help. Contact us for free, friendly advice on your potential case at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Since we operate on contingency, nothing comes out of your pocket. Costs of legal representation will only be due at the successful conclusion of your accident case.
Since 1982, the legal team from AutoAccident.com has helped injured parties and families of decedents affected by car accidents in Stockton and across California. We have worked hard to seek the financial compensation our clients deserve through case verdicts and settlements. See what our former clients have said about working with our injury attorneys on the rating platforms: Yelp, Avvo, and Google. We are also proud California chapter members of the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Forum.
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