Winton Man Killed in Stanislaus County Crash
A Winton man was killed in a Stanislaus County crash on the morning of August 1, 2019. The car accident occurred shortly before 6:00 a.m. at Vincent Road and Linwood Road, just north of Delhi. A 1987 Toyota MR2 was being driven by a Winton man northbound along Vincent Road. The man stopped to make a left turn at the intersection when he was rear-ended by a 2014 Lexus sedan. Emergency crews were called to the scene to transport the Lexus driver to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. Sadly, the Winton man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Officials have identified the decedent as 62-year-old Alfonso Perez Gonzalez of Winton. I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of the man who passed away in this tragic collision.
Loss of a Loved One in a Stanislaus County Crash
The unexpected loss of a loved one may feel like your worst nightmare has come true. This is especially true for those who have lost a family member in a preventable wrongful death car accident. It may seem overwhelming to come to terms with the loss, despite having the best support system around you. Grief is entirely normal and may take some time to recover from. However, there is no need to suffer in silence. If you have lost someone you love in an accident, it may be time to reach out to an experienced attorney. A lawyer can provide the support and assistance you need to hold negligent parties accountable for your loved one’s demise.
What Are Wrongful Death Damages?
Wrongful death in California is considered the passing of a family member through negligence. Families affected by such situations may be entitled to economic and noneconomic damages. These include:
- Costs of funeral and burial services for the decedent
- Deprivation of affection, love, companionship, and moral support that was provided by the deceased
- Expenses for medical care received by the loved one between the crash and his or her passing
- Loss of a deceased parent’s guidance or training
- Loss of the decedent’s household services, financial support, and inheritance to the family
- Lost income, including projected future earnings and employment benefits such as health insurance
While compensation from a wrongful death claim can never replace a loved one, it may help to hold people responsible for their reckless misconduct. To learn more about these types of cases, watch the below video.
Who is Entitled to Wrongful Death Benefits?
When a death in California is caused by the negligence of someone else, specific family members may be able eligible for compensation of their loss. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, this includes the decedent’s surviving children, spouse, or domestic partner. Other affected parties may be able to bring a claim depending on the circumstances of the situation. This includes those who were financially dependent on the deceased such as stepchildren, parents, putative spouse, and children of the putative spouse.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Wrongful Death Case?
Strict deadlines apply in California wrongful death cases. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, which is two years from the time of death. When a death is caused by government negligence, a claim must be filed within six months with the appropriate government entity. If a wrongful death action is not filed within the two-year window, surviving family members may lose their entitlement to wrongful death damages. This is why it is critical to have an experienced attorney at your side early on in a wrongful death case to ensure applicable criteria and deadlines are met. An attorney can also protect you and your family from being taken advantage of by insurance companies while you focus on grieving and recovering from your loss.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Turlock
I’m Ed Smith, a Turlock wrongful death attorney. Losing a family member in an accident is challenging and heartbreaking, particularly when the loss could have been prevented altogether. If you have lost someone you love in a car accident caused by the fault of another driver or entity, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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