Woman Killed in St Helena Pedestrian Accident
A woman was killed in a St Helena pedestrian accident on the night of August 5, 2019. The incident occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Highway 29 at Mee Lane, just south of St Helena. A woman was walking in the area when she was struck by a sedan driven by a 28-year-old Winters woman, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said. Another vehicle traveling directly behind the first car also reportedly crashed into the woman. Crews from Napa County Fire Department were called to the scene to free the woman who was trapped under the vehicle. Sadly, she was declared deceased at the scene. Officials have identified the decedent as 25-year-old Samantha Lin of Raleigh, North Carolina. I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to the family of Ms. Lin during this difficult time.
Losing a Loved One in a St Helena Pedestrian Accident
When a loved one is lost in a preventable accident, it may take an overwhelming emotional and financial toll on the family. In the days following such devastating losses, it is understandable to feel uncertain about what will happen next. However, a family should not feel overwhelmed at this challenging time in their lives. Retaining an experienced St Helena wrongful death lawyer is critical in times like these. An attorney can help a family secure their future while they focus on grieving and recovering from their loved one’s unexpected passing.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
In a wrongful death claim, surviving family members may hold the negligent party financially responsible for a loved one’s death in a fatal accident. Through these types of cases, the family may seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for damages incurred. These include:
- Benefits the deceased would have received and provided to the family such as pension or health insurance
- Loss of household services, including caring for children, cooking, cleaning, and other everyday contributions to the family
- Loss of intangible support, including attention, encouragement, affection, and love
- Lost future earnings, including the decedent’s potential for raises, promotions, and other income adjustments throughout the remainder of their employment years
- Reasonable costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial services
The damages available to claimants in a wrongful death case vary. This is based on the relationship that they have with the deceased.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, specific relatives are entitled to wrongful death benefits. These include children, domestic partners, or spouses. However, others may be eligible to file if such parties are nonexistent. These include putative spouses, parents, and stepchildren. For more details on who can bring a wrongful death action, watch the below video. To determine your eligibility for a wrongful death case, consult with an experienced attorney.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
After losing someone you love, taking the time you need to grieve in peace is essential. However, having to deal with unsympathetic insurance claims adjusters may make matters even worse. This is especially true when insurance companies try to take advantage of your family’s vulnerable situation. An experienced St Helena wrongful death lawyer can help in these times by assisting grieving families in receiving a fair settlement in their wrongful death case. While no amount of money can bring a loved one back or change what happened, compensation from a wrongful death claim may help relieve the financial and emotional hardship a family has experienced.
Personal Injury Lawyers in St Helena
I’m Ed Smith, a St Helena personal injury lawyer. The loss of a loved one is challenging, even more so when it was caused by the wrongdoing of someone else. A lost loved one cannot be brought back. However, compensation from a wrongful death claim may help those affected by managing the financial and intangible harms they have suffered. If this has happened in your family, you may benefit from the insight of an experienced attorney. Please call me anytime at (707) 564-1900 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my compassionate, free, and friendly case advice.
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I am a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates. This forum showcases a selection of attorneys that have won over $1 million for a past client. I am also a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This organization encompasses the top one percent of attorneys nationwide who exhibit high standards of legal excellence.
Since 1982, I have helped families of St Helena and surrounding areas recover the compensation they need for their personal injury and wrongful death claims. To see how our law office has handled cases for our former clients, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Credit: By “41330” via Pixabay
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