Cyclists in Bakersfield must sometimes ride in close proximity to traffic, and that puts them at risk for dangerous and life-threatening collisions. A driver’s careless mistake can cause a tragic, fatal accident. There will be little anyone can say or do to help families with their grief, but there are a few situations our attorneys want to make sure families are never placed in:
- Having to give up their desire to earn justice for a loved one killed due to the mistake of a reckless motorist.
- Struggling with funeral costs and meeting their normal monthly bills now that the deceased can no longer provide income to support the family.
Demanding support for families after a tragedy is an important mission that Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Bakersfield is proud to take on. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation for all family members in Kern County. It’s a chance to find out how to hold insurers fully responsible and get the most to protect the family’s future.
Should My Family Contact a Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Lawyer?
When a driver causes a fatal accident involving a cyclist, California empowers families to seek justice and support through a wrongful death claim. The driver and the driver’s car insurance provider are asked for help with things like funeral bills and replacing the income the loved one had supported the family with.
Wrongful death lawsuits are potentially very high-value cases, and unfortunately, this prompts many insurance companies to get stingy with support at the worst possible time for the family. Insurers may even try to shift blame in the accident to the deceased as a heartless way to deny responsibility.
Your Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer is a safeguard against these and other insurance tactics meant to leave your family with very little. Your attorney fully investigates the accident and has the evidence ready to make sure the facts of what happened don’t change. With a strong case prepared, a skilled lawyer can often secure much more in support for families than they could secure for themselves.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
California usually gives the closest family members the first opportunity to file a wrongful death claim.
A spouse or registered domestic partner, or the victim’s adult children, would usually file a claim on behalf of the entire family. A personal representative or executor named in a will could also help settle the estate and file a claim for the family.
If the victim had no spouse, children, or executor, other parties who were financially dependent on the deceased may be allowed to file:
- Parents of the deceased (and in cases involving the tragic death of a child)
- Siblings of the deceased
- Grandchildren of the deceased
A skilled fatal bicycle accident wrongful death lawyer can also help file a claim and fully investigate the accident. The evidence recovered would be used to protect the claim and put more pressure on insurance companies to provide the family with everything required to avoid bankruptcy and rebuild their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of support should be included in a wrongful death claim?
Families must demand help in paying for a service and burial. They must get assistance in paying for any hospital bills built up if the victim didn’t pass away immediately after the accident. The ambulance fees and emergency response expenses should be completely taken care of. Families must get help replacing the income the deceased may have supported them with each month. The love, security, and guidance that can never be drawn from again must earn support. The precious life moments that can’t be shared in the future, such as wedding moments and the birth of children, should earn support.
What can parents earn in a wrongful death claim after a child is killed in a bicycle accident?
Parents can earn most of the benefits listed above. They should also be compensated for the loss of companionship they’ll have to cope with in the years ahead. Any wrongful death settlement must include enough in support to pay for any grief counseling that parents and all family members may require.
How long can my family wait to file a wrongful death claim in California?
Two years. Families generally have two years from the date of the death of a loved one to file a wrongful death claim. Waiting isn’t advised, though. It may be hard to think of the financial security of the family right after a tragedy, but acting quickly is best. Evidence in the accident can disappear, and eyewitnesses to what happened may be harder to find if months or years pass. Contact a Bakersfield wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Our compassionate lawyers strive to handle every aspect of the case, with as little disruption to the family in mourning as possible.
Contact a Fatal Bicycle Accident Lawyer Serving Families in The Bakersfield Area
Families who lose a loved one to someone’s careless accident can count on a free and confidential case review from a skilled Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer. There’s no obligation for this informational meeting.
We want to know what your family has been put through and how we can help your family members recover. We also understand that the loss of a loved one can cause major financial upheaval. It’s why we don’t expect any upfront money if you need to hire us. We work under a contingency agreement, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win the case for your loved ones. Then our fee comes out of the settlement money that an insurance company must provide.