Three Killed After Head-On Collision in Fresno
Three parties were killed after a head-on collision in southeast Fresno on the night of Thursday, September 10, 2020. The car accident happened at approximately 8:15 p.m. at the intersection of Kings Canyon Road and Maple Road, according to the Fresno Police Department (Fresno PD). A silver BMW was traveling northbound on Maple Avenue when the car reportedly entered the oncoming traffic lane and collided head-on with a Hyundai.
One passenger of the Hyundai was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for treatment. She was last listed in critical condition. Sadly, the drivers of both vehicles and a 10-year-old boy inside the Hyundai all suffered fatal injuries at the scene. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedents as 26-year-old Zaira Lamas of Fresno and 32-year-old Richard Blair-Rodriguez of Fresno. A GoFundMe page has been created on behalf of the injured passenger in the Hyundai to help cover her medical bills and funeral expenses for her lost wife, Zaida Lamas, and 10-year-old son.
Loss of a Loved One to a Wrongful Death Car Accident
A fatal motor vehicle collision is a devastating but all too common occurrence on California’s roads. When a loved one is killed after a head-on collision in Fresno, the driver responsible for the fatal incident can be held accountable for their negligent actions through a wrongful death claim. We understand that the wrongful death of a loved one at any age may cause immense grief, and filing a wrongful death case is not an easy decision to make. No amount of money can bring a lost loved one back, but it can help ensure that you and your family do not suffer financially because of the loss. Our legal team works with surviving family members to hold negligent parties financially accountable for a loved one’s wrongful death and damages incurred.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim for a Fatal Fresno Head-On Collision?
A wrongful death claim is intended to provide compensation to surviving family members for their financial and intangible losses. The relative bringing the case must prove that they have suffered damages as a result of their loved one’s wrongful death. In California, a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children are granted priority in filing such cases. If these relatives are nonexistent, other survivors listed under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 may be compensated for wrongful death damages. Losses for which surviving family members may be compensated include end of life medical expenses, funeral costs, mental anguish, lost future financial support, and loss of affection, companionship, and love. For more details on these cases, watch the video below.
What is the Filing Deadline for a California Wrongful Death Claim?
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in California is two years from the date of a loved one’s death. This means a lawsuit must be filed within two years if a fair wrongful death settlement cannot be reached with the at-fault party’s insurance company or your own.
Shorter deadlines may apply under specific circumstances depending on how the motor vehicle collision occurred, such as a road defect caused by the negligence of a government entity. In such cases, the time limit for bringing a notice of claim against a government entity is six months or 180 days from the time of the wrongful death car accident. To determine the filing deadline that applies in your wrongful death case, reach out to an experienced wrongful death attorney in Fresno, CA.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help Your Family
At AutoAccident.com, our Fresno personal injury attorneys have helped many grieving families with wrongful death car accident cases when a child or other loved one was lost because of a negligent party or entity. There are often financial concerns that must be addressed immediately, and our lawyers can help your family with that. Our legal team can also help protect you and your family from difficult insurance companies who do not have your best interests at heart and want to settle your case for the lowest amount possible. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can help your family through this difficult time.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. The loss of a loved one after a fatal accident is devastating. The wrongful death claims process that follows is a challenging, time-sensitive matter that cannot be put off for long. Instead of navigating this legal process alone, let our law firm help. We have helped families like yours obtain justice and fair compensation from negligent parties, address your immediate concerns and guide you through all aspects of your case. To set up a consultation for free, friendly legal advice, call our legal team at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 today.
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Photo Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/red-roses-bouquet-condolence-3768456/
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