Three Killed in Suspected DUI Accident
Local authorities have reported that three Manteca residents lost their lives after they were involved in a chain-reaction accident in Fremont on May 15, 2018.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the decedents during this difficult time.
What Happened?
The accident occurred at approximately 9:30 pm along northbound Interstate 880 in the vicinity of Stevenson Boulevard where a 2002 Toyota Camry veered to the left lane and collided with a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The collision caused the Cadillac to overturn and strike a Toyota, which then crashed into a 2013 Hyundai. The four occupants of the Cadillac were reportedly ejected from the vehicle due to the impact, causing three of them to suffer fatal injuries at the scene. Five others were also injured in the accident including an infant reported in critical condition at an area hospital.
Identity of Victims
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office has identified the three victims as 39-year-old Noelle Johnson, a 14-year-old girl, and a 9-year-old girl, all from Manteca.
Accident Investigation
Preliminary reports by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicated that signs of marijuana use were present at the scene, resulting in the arrest of a 21-year-old San Jose man for suspicion of driving under the influence and grievous vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The man may face additional charges as the accident investigation continues.
Watch YouTube Video – By ABC7 News – SF Bay Area – Manteca in Mourning after 3 Killed in I-880 Crash
Community Support
The Brock Elliott Elementary School, the school where two of the girls once attended, has created a way for the Manteca community to help the families. The school’s principal came up with the idea of a “giving tree” for the families from her inspiration with the popular book by Shel Silverstein. The tree has been decorated with gift cards to help support the families as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. Additionally, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds on behalf of the girls’ families.
DUI Accidents and Wrongful Death
Under California law, drivers who cause accidents while under the influence of an intoxicant are considered negligent. This means that the driver can be held financially responsible for resulting losses due to their reckless behaviors. If the accident resulted in fatal injuries, individuals related to the decedent under California Code for Civil Procedure section 337.60 may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover financial damages such as:
- Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of care, comfort, and love provided by the decedent
- Loss of companionship, inheritance, household services, and future financial support
- Medical expenses accumulated before the death
Statutes of Limitations
In California, surviving family members have a deadline for filing a wrongful death claim. In accordance to California Civil Code of Procedure section 335.1, the statute of limitations is two years from the time of the individual’s passing. In cases regarding government negligence, a claim must be filed within six months by the family. Meeting these time limits are crucial as the court usually prohibits a claim for wrongful death that exceeds the deadline. If you are unsure on calculating the time you have to file a claim, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney in Manteca.
Manteca Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Manteca wrongful death attorney. People often don’t know what to do after losing someone they love. If a member in your family has been fatally injured in an accident, please feel free to contact me anytime for compassionate, free and friendly legal advice at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
Since 1982, I have helped families living in Manteca and San Joaquin County in obtaining fair compensation for their personal injury and wrongful death cases.
To read feedback from my prior clients, please visit:
I am proudly listed as a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates, a national group of trial attorneys who have won verdicts or negotiated settlements for cases worth at least one million dollars for clients.
To learn more about our past cases and their results, go to my Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Courtesy: By “Kat Jayne” via Pexels
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