Charter Bus Crash Claims Five Lives
USA Today reported that a charter bus crashed just north of Fresno, CA between Atwater and Livingston killing five people and sending several others to the hospital. According to the report, the crash occurred in California’s Central Valley on Tuesday morning around 3:30 on Highway 99. The bus swerved and collided with the pole of a highway sign. The pole sliced through the bus until it reached a rear axle. The catastrophic accident resulted in some passengers being thrown from the bus while other passengers suffered severed limbs.
Accidents Resulting in a Wrongful Death
It is unknown why this tragic accident occurred; however, for the families who lost loved ones, discovering the reason for the accident will not change the fact their loved one was taken from them far too soon. If the bus crash was due to negligence, the families may have a wrongful death claim. In some accidents, the driver may be at fault; however, that is not the only reason why a family may have a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death claims can arise from almost any type of personal injury case, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, defective product accidents, and medical malpractice cases. If your loved one has been killed because of the negligence of another person, company, or entity, you have the legal right to receive compensation for your loss. Money will not ease your suffering; however, you can fight for justice for your loved one by holding the person responsible for your loved one’s death accountable for his or her actions.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In California, the law limits who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Because there are circumstances that may allow someone other than the following individuals to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you should always consult with an experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney to determine your rights under California’s wrongful death laws.
California’s Civil Code allows the following individuals to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings
- An individual who is financially dependent on the deceased person
What Damages Are Available in a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Losing your loved one can be debilitating. It is difficult to think about taking legal action. Putting a price on your loved one’s life is unthinkable. Unfortunately, the only way the law can try to make this “right” is to order the person to pay monetary compensation for your loss. Examples of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit include compensation for:
- Burial, cremation, and/or funeral expenses
- Medical expenses from the date of injury until the date of death
- Lost wages
- Loss of support and emotional guidance
- Loss of companionship, love, and sexual relations
- Loss of household services (i.e. chores, help with raising children, etc.)
A Fresno wrongful death lawyer can explain the damages you are entitled to receive based on the facts of your wrongful death claim.
Call a Fresno Wrongful Death Law Firm
Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. You and your family deserve to have someone stand up for your rights when another party causes the death of your loved one.
Categories: