Woman Killed After Fresno Hit and Run Accident
A woman was killed after a hit-and-run accident in northeast Fresno, CA, on the night of January 18, 2020. The incident occurred on Shaw Road and Cedar Avenue near California State University, Fresno (Fresno State). A woman attempted to cross the street to get McDonald’s for her family when she was hit by an oncoming vehicle, according to the Fresno Police Department. The impact caused her to fall on the pavement, where she was struck by a second vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle called 911 and was cooperative during the investigation. However, the second car’s driver fled the scene, leaving a piece of the car behind. Investigators used the wheel well and right front bumper to identify the suspect vehicle as a gold Honda. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as Laura Bryant, 56, of Fresno.
Loved One Forever Remembered
Laura Bryant was a beloved member of her family. She is remembered by those who knew and loved her as caring and selfless.
Does Insurance Cover Wrongful Death After a Fresno Hit and Run Accident?
The unexpected loss of a close relative may leave surviving family members both financially and emotionally devastated. However, when a loved one dies because of the negligence or recklessness of someone else, their family may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. These types of cases allow the family to seek recovery for economic and noneconomic damages associated with their loved one’s wrongful death, such as:
- Costs of a funeral and burial
- Expenses for end-of-life medical treatment
- Loss of a loved one’s companionship, care, and protection
- Loss of inheritance, benefits, and household services
- Lost parental guidance and training for surviving children
- Mental anguish as a result of a loved one’s wrongful death
- The value of future financial support a family member would have provided to their family if not for the wrongful death pedestrian accident
Watch the video below for a brief summary of wrongful death cases and other essential information.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim for a Fresno Hit and Run Accident?
Wrongful death refers to a situation in which a family member has passed away as a result of negligence or recklessness of someone else. In California, specific relatives have the right to seek damages through a wrongful death claim from the negligent party, such as the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased. If such parties are nonexistent, other relatives may be able to file for wrongful death. This includes a surviving domestic partner, parent, stepchild, or children of the putative spouse, as outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60.
Is There a Time Limit on Wrongful Death Cases?
The statute of limitations states how much time a family has to file a claim for wrongful death. In California, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of a loved one’s death. Not meeting the deadline may result in the case being dismissed by the court and surviving family members losing the right to recover compensation.
Why is a Lawyer Needed for a Wrongful Death Pedestrian Accident?
When a driver’s negligence leads to losing a loved one, the insurance company representing the at-fault party may contact surviving family members to offer a lowball settlement. Insurance claims adjusters may use defense tactics to back up such unreasonable settlement offers by placing fault on a lost loved one who is no longer alive to provide their personal account of the incident. In these situations, it is best to seek the assistance of an experienced wrongful death lawyer from Fresno. An experienced attorney will review surveillance footage in the area of the accident, interview witnesses, and hire crash reconstruction experts to successfully prove fault. An attorney will also determine whether the family has other sources of recovery, such as a loved one’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, for a wrongful death pedestrian accident. This way, the family can rest assured that their future will be protected as they grieve and recover from their loved one’s wrongful death.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death lawyer. If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver’s actions, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for intangible and financial losses incurred. Please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly advice. I am available anytime to review the details of your case and determine whether a wrongful death claim is appropriate for your situation and your family.
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Go to our Verdicts and Settlements page to view a selection of our past case summaries and results.
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