Woman Killed in Fresno County Pedestrian Accident
A woman was killed in a recent pedestrian accident in Fresno County, just east of Selma. The incident occurred on Floral Avenue around 10:30 p.m. A 49-year-old woman was driving in the area when her vehicle struck a woman walking along the edge of the roadway. Sadly, the pedestrian passed away from her injuries. Her identity has been withheld by officials until her next-of-kin has been notified.
Wrongful Death in a Fresno County Pedestrian Accident
It is never easy to lose a loved one. Your world may be turned upside down in an instant, particularly if the loss was caused by the fault of someone else. Such incidents may leave families financially and emotionally devastated. In times like these, a family may search for recourse by filing a wrongful death claim to hold negligent parties financially responsible. While no amount of money can make up for the wrongful death of someone you love, justice and compensation may help a family regain peace of mind and financial stability.
What Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?
When a family member passes away in a pedestrian accident, it may take a long time to recover from the loss. In addition to grief, you may be left with unexpected expenses and other damages. This is particularly true if you were dependent on your loved one for emotional and financial support. Speaking with a Fresno wrongful death lawyer is essential in receiving the insight you need to determine whether filing a wrongful death claim against a negligent party is the right decision for you and your family. Conversely, some of the recoverable damages in these types of cases include:
- Costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial
- Loss of future benefits and financial support for the family
- Loss of the decedent’s love, companionship, affection, and moral support
- Mental anguish resulting from the wrongful death of a loved one
- Medical expenses incurred for treatment received by the deceased before he or she passed away
- Punitive damages may be claimed if a wrongful death pedestrian accident was caused by egregious misconduct, such as excessive speeding or drunk driving
- Surviving children’s loss of training and guidance
- The value of lost household services, both present and in the future
For a brief overview of wrongful death cases, watch the below video.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death?
Following the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one, you and your family need to focus on mourning and processing your loss. However, it is essential to keep in mind that waiting too long may affect your ability to file a claim for damages. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a family has two years from the time of their loved one’s death to bring a claim. If a wrongful death action is not filed within this deadline, the family’s right to financial recovery may be lost.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased are entitled to wrongful death damages. If these parties are no longer alive, others who were dependent on the deceased may also be eligible to file for wrongful death. This includes the decedent’s parents, stepchildren, putative spouses, and children of the putative spouse. If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility requirements for a wrongful death claim, contact an experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney for assistance.
Wrongful Death Lawyers in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno wrongful death lawyer. When someone you love is lost unexpectedly in a car accident caused by someone else, this may leave surviving family members facing significant emotional and financial hardships. If this has happened to you and your family, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I am here to provide you and your family with compassionate, free, and friendly advice.
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Since 1982, we have helped families across Northern California, including the Fresno area, with their personal injury and wrongful death cases. If you would like to see how we have helped others in the past with their cases, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photo Source: By “Victoria_Borodinova” via Pixabay
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