According to Bakersfield Now, a driver was killed in January of 2017 in an accident involving multiple vehicles, in multiple crashes. The crashes briefly closed the eastbound Highway 58 in the Towerline Road area.
California Highway Patrol said traffic had stopped because of two crashes. One crash involved two pickup trucks and the other involved a jackknifed big rig truck. The driver of a Mazda, who died in the third accident, crashed into the rear of the big rig truck. At the time, the truck had stopped because of the prior auto accident.
Besides the driver, three passengers were also in the Mazda. The California Highway Patrol reported that two of the passengers were minors, but did not disclose their ages. One juvenile suffered major injuries.
Another driver operating a Volvo also crashed during the series of auto accidents. The driver was not injured. In total, the accidents impacted 19 vehicles. The highway was shut down for more than three hours.
In 2014, the number of traffic-related deaths increased. That year, 35 people died in auto accidents, which was the highest number since 2006. Approximately 11 of those deaths were caused by drunk driving accidents.
A Fatal Bakersfield Auto Accident Can lead to a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death occurs in California when a person dies because of someone’s negligence. Negligence refers to an individual not acting or acting in a way that prevents a person’s death. For instance, a driver may have failed to stop at a red light or drank alcohol prior to driving.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Bakersfield
Individuals who can file a wrongful death claim in California are those in the victim’s immediate family, such as a:
- Spouse
- Domestic partner
- Children
- Financially dependent individual like a stepchild or parent
Compensation in a Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A family member can receive compensation or money damages by settlement or trial award. A settlement occurs out of court. The wrongful party pays the victim’s family in a lump sum or a series of payments. In exchange for the settlement, the family gives up all rights sue the wrongful party for their loved one’s death.
A trial award depends on a favorable verdict from the jury or judge. If the family wins this award, the amount of money they will receive depends on the expenses related to the victim’s death, such as:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
- Lost income
- Medical and hospital bills
Let Us Help You Get Financial Justice for Your Loved One
Bakersfield has seen a high number of auto accident fatalities in recent years. If you have lost someone you love in an auto accident Bakersfield, contact the Law Offices of Mickey Fine. No amount of money can replace your loved one, but you should not have to financially suffer because of someone’s negligence. We are dedicated to getting you the compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death. Contact us immediately.