Woman Killed After Hit by Car in Merced
A 25-year-old woman was killed after being hit by a car in Merced, CA, on the morning of January 16, 2020. The pedestrian accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Ashby Road and Fern Street, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). A woman was walking in the area when she was reportedly hit by an oncoming vehicle headed about 35 miles per hour. Sadly, she was pronounced deceased at the scene by officials. Her name has been withheld by the Merced County Coroner’s Office as they are working to notify her family.
What to Do After a Loved One is Hit and Killed by a Car?
There is nothing as traumatic in life, like the death of a loved one. The grief and pain that we feel with their unexpected passing may be amplified if their death was caused by the negligence of someone else. While there will never be any amount of money that can replace the life of a close relative, it is essential to understand the relief and benefits that can come from bringing a wrongful death claim. Such cases may be handled by a Merced wrongful death attorney who can provide surviving family members with the compassionate assistance they need when dealing with anger, frustration, and confusion. An attorney can ensure survivors that their case is in good hands so they can receive the time they need to focus on grieving and recovering from their loss.
Types of Compensation Available Through a Wrongful Death Case
The losses can be significant in a wrongful death case. Loved ones left behind can file a claim to obtain compensation for these economic and noneconomic damages:
- Costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial services
- Loss of companionship, affection, and protection for the family
- Loss of parental advice, guidance, and training for surviving children
- Lost future financial resources, such as wages, health insurance, and pension
- Medical expenses incurred before a loved one’s wrongful death (this may be recovered by filing a survival action)
- The value of household services that survivors received from the deceased
Who Can File for Wrongful Death After a Loved One is Hit and Killed in Merced?
The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60 states that parties who are entitled to recover damages in a wrongful death claim may include the deceased individual’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children. Parents and putative spouses are potential wrongful death claimants if they can prove that they were dependent on the deceased for financial support. The same requirement applies to children of a putative spouse or stepchildren. For more information on who is eligible to file for wrongful death, watch the video below.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death action is governed by the statute of limitations found in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. This is the amount of time a family has to file a lawsuit, which is two years and starts from the date of loss. However, wrongful death suits based on government entity negligence are subject to the deadlines outlined in California Government Code 911.2. Under this section, a family has six months or 180 days from the date of a loved one’s death to present a notice of claim to the appropriate government agency.
Do You Need an Attorney?
Pedestrian accidents such as this one may happen for a wide array of reasons, including driver error and road defects for lack of pedestrian crossings and street lighting. In these types of cases, it is essential to hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer from Merced to conduct an independent investigation of the incident as soon as possible. Evidence may be covered up by negligent parties, and not having it may result in the loss of leverage needed when negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies for a loved one’s wrongful death.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced wrongful death lawyer. No one is ever prepared for the loss of a loved one. What you do after losing someone you love is in your hands. Start moving forward from your loss by holding negligent parties accountable with the help of a compassionate and experienced wrongful death attorney in Merced. If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
At our personal injury law firm, we are dedicated to providing each and every family we represent with the compassionate care and assistance they need. To see how we have helped others, read our client reviews on:
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Image Credit: By “Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas” via Pixabay
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