Man Identified After Fatal Accident in Fresno
A fatal accident in Fresno on May 17 claimed the life of a 58-year-old local man. The County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Larry Charles Mitchell from Fresno.
The Fresno Police Department was alerted to the situation following a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a shopping center near Blackstone and Dakota avenues. According to officials, Mitchell was involved in an altercation that led to a severe accident. Upon arrival, police found Mitchell with moderate to major injuries, which they believe were caused when he was run over by a vehicle. Despite being transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, Mitchell succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities have disclosed that the driver of the vehicle was a woman driving a red car who left the scene immediately after the incident. It remains unclear whether Mitchell was run over intentionally. The Fresno Police Department continues to investigate this incident.
How a Lawyer Handles a Fatal Accident in Fresno
To prove a wrongful death claim following a fatal accident in Fresno, a lawyer must gather substantial evidence to support the case when negligence was the cause. This evidence can include medical records, police reports, eyewitness testimonies, photographs of the accident scene, and expert testimonies. In addition to this, the lawyer needs to establish a clear connection between the defendant’s negligent or intentional actions and the victim’s death. This often necessitates the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals who can provide insights into how the incident occurred and the extent of the defendant’s liability.
Furthermore, a lawyer must calculate the damages incurred by the surviving family members. These damages can encompass both economic losses, such as funeral expenses and lost wages, and non-economic losses, like emotional distress and loss of companionship. By meticulously building a compelling case, the lawyer aims to secure fair compensation for the bereaved family.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death
When pursuing a wrongful death claim, it is essential to understand the types of recoverable damages that may be awarded to the surviving family members after a fatal accident in Fresno. These damages are typically categorized into economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses directly resulting from the death of a loved one. They include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs incurred from the deceased’s medical care prior to death.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses associated with the funeral and burial services.
- Lost Wages and Benefits: Compensation for the income the deceased would have earned, including potential future earnings and benefits.
- Loss of Inheritance: The financial loss of the inheritance that the surviving family members would have received if the deceased had lived a normal lifespan.
- Value of Services: Estimation of the value of household services the deceased provided, such as childcare or home maintenance.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses experienced by the surviving family members, including:
- Pain and Suffering: The emotional distress and mental anguish suffered due to the loss.
- Loss of Companionship: The loss of love, comfort, society, and companionship that the deceased provided.
- Loss of Consortium: The deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship, including affection, solace, and sexual relations for a surviving spouse.
- Loss of Guidance: The absence of the deceased’s guidance, nurturing, and care, particularly for surviving children.
Torem & Associates: Wrongful Death Attorneys
At Torem & Associates, we provide the expertise and empathetic support you need after losing a loved one due to a driver’s negligence in a fatal accident in Fresno. For a free consultation about your case, you can reach out to us anytime, day or night, by calling (559) 257-3588 or (800) 500-5000. We also offer an online contact form. Our dedicated attorneys strive to secure the maximum compensation for your accident-related injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing until your case is successfully resolved.
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