News Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Younglove Law Group

SUV Crash into Harry’s Coffee Shop Sends 2 to Hospital (La Jolla)

May 12, 2021 – La Jolla, California: An SUV crash into Harry’s Coffee Shop on Girard Avenue in La Jolla today resulted in the hospitalization of two people. Apparently, the elderly driver mistakenly pressed the gas when he intended to press the brake.

The SUV crash into Harry’s Coffee Shop happened at the back of the restaurant where the bathroom is located. Fortunately it was unoccupied at the time of the accident. The crash also caused a gas leak on the premises that resulted in the restaurant being temporarily evacuated.

As a result of the accident, three people required medical attention. Two of them were ultimately taken to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Being involved in an auto accident is a traumatic experience. Younglove Law Group extends our condolences to those who were unfortunately injured in this accident.

If you or a loved one were involved in this accident, or one similar to it, we know what it takes to help win your case. We understand each case is different and deserves full individual attention. We have seen the impact being involved in a severe accident can have on a person’s life. The road to recovery and obtaining compensation for your damages is long and complex. Our Newport Beach car accident attorneys are here to help.

Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are also available by online chat and text message.

For more information about this accident, please click here for help requesting a police report. Our team of attorneys is here to help you during this trying time.

Source: https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/suv-crashes-into-harrys-coffee-shop-in-la-jolla-2-taken-to-hospital

If a family member would like this article removed for any reason, please click here, complete the form, and the article will be removed.

May 13, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

Motorcycle Crash on Highway 51 near Howe Avenue (Sacramento)

May 12, 2021 – Sacramento, California: A motorcyclist was unfortunately severely injured in a Sacramento motorcycle crash with a semi-truck on Wednesday around 9:13 am. The Sacramento motorcycle crash occurred on Highway 51 near Howe Avenue, per the California Highway Patrol.

The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience. Younglove Law Group extends our condolences to those involved in this accident as well as their families. Unlike car accidents, motorcycle accidents almost always involve severe injuries because there is often little to no protection for the rider once they are impacted by another vehicle. Because of this, it is vital that any injured motorcyclist retains a diligent and experienced motorcycle accident attorney to advocate for them.

Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are also available by online chat and text message.

For more information about this accident, please click here for help requesting the police report. Our team of attorneys is here to help you during this trying time.

If a family member would like this article removed for any reason, please click here, complete the form, and the article will be removed.

May 12, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

Ferndale Truck Driver Dies, Ruben Sepulveda Suffers Major Injuries (Redcrest)

Legally Reviewed by Phillip Younglove, Esq. on August 11, 2026

In the early morning of May 10, 2021 a large tree fell across the US-101 near Redcrest. The tree blocked traffic in both directions and caused several traffic accidents in a short span of time.

A white 2011 Kenworth semi-truck pulling a trailer was traveling southbound on the US-101 in the rightmost lane when it collided into the fallen tree, causing it to cross into northbound traffic, and careen off the other side of the road where it eventually stopped after going down an embankment. The semi-truck’s driver was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Fresno’s Marc Alexander Reichle was driving a red 2020 Jeep Cherokee northbound on the US-101 when he likewise collided into the tree, eventually coming to a stop in the northbound traffic lanes. Fortunately, he was uninjured.

Shortly thereafter, Ruben Anthony Sepulveda of Redway, who was driving a white 2017 Toyota Tundra on the southbound US-101, also collided into the fallen tree, eventually coming to a stop in the southbound lanes of traffic. Just after coming to a stop, a 2018 Ford F-150 driven by Mark Allen Taylor of Fortuna collided into the tree and then the Toyota Tundra before rolling onto its side.

Ruben Anthony Sepulveda was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka with severe injuries. Mark Allen Taylor reportedly suffered minor injuries, but the investigation is still underway.

The US-101 was temporarily closed to traffic. The CHP Garberville Area is investigating this traffic collision. Why the tree fell across the US-101 remains under investigation.

Losing a family member in an auto accident is invariably a traumatic experience for those left behind. We at Younglove Law Group extend our deepest condolences to the family of the truck driver who unfortunately died in this incident, as well as to all of the other injured parties involved in this incident and their families.

What Happens When a Fallen Tree Causes a Multi-Vehicle Crash

A crash caused by a sudden roadway obstruction, like a fallen tree, raises different questions than a typical two-car collision. Depending on what the investigation ultimately finds, responsibility can fall on more than one party. If the tree stood on private property and showed visible signs of disease, damage, or instability that the owner knew or should have known about, the property owner may bear some responsibility. If the tree or the surrounding vegetation was within the state or county road right-of-way, the public entity responsible for maintaining that stretch of highway may be responsible instead. In some cases, an investigation concludes the tree fall was a genuinely unforeseeable act of nature that no reasonable inspection would have caught. Each of the drivers involved may also share some degree of responsibility depending on their speed, following distance, and reaction once the roadway was obstructed.

Because a single incident like this can involve several drivers, a private landowner, and a government entity all at once, sorting out who owes what to whom is rarely straightforward. That is exactly the kind of investigation an attorney handles on a family’s behalf.

Filing a Claim if a Government Entity Is Responsible

The US-101 near Redcrest is a state highway, and highway right-of-way maintenance, including hazard trees near the roadway, can fall to Caltrans or the county depending on the segment. If a government entity turns out to bear responsibility for a crash like this one, California law gives injured people and surviving family members far less time to act than they would have in a claim against a private party. Under Government Code section 911.2, a claim for personal injury or wrongful death against a public entity generally must be presented within six months of the incident, not the two years allowed in most other injury cases. Missing that window can permanently bar a claim against the responsible government entity, which is why it matters to get a case reviewed early rather than waiting to see how the investigation plays out.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in California

California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 gives specific people the right to bring a wrongful death claim, generally the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children of the person who died, or other relatives who depended on them financially. A wrongful death claim allows the family to pursue compensation for the financial support, companionship, and stability the death took from them, separate from any criminal investigation into how the crash happened. Our Newport Beach wrongful death attorneys walk families through that entire process, from identifying who qualifies to bring the claim to calculating what the loss is actually worth.

What to Do After a Serious Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving a Roadway Hazard

If you or a family member were involved in this accident, or in one similar to it, a few early steps protect your position while the investigation is still underway:

Request the official collision report. The CHP report will document the roadway conditions and each vehicle’s position, which matters once a hazard tree or road maintenance is part of the picture.
Photograph the scene if you are able to safely do so. Road debris, skid marks, and the tree itself can be cleared quickly after a highway reopens.
Avoid speculating about fault to insurers on either side. Multi-vehicle, multi-party crashes are exactly the kind of case where an early, informal statement can complicate a claim later.
Move quickly if a government entity may be involved. The six-month government claim deadline runs regardless of how long the CHP investigation takes.

We understand each case is different and deserves full individual attention. We have seen the impact being involved in a severe accident can have on a person’s life. The road to recovery and obtaining compensation for your damages is long and complex. Our Newport Beach car accident attorneys, Newport Beach truck accident attorneys, and Newport Beach wrongful death attorneys are here to help.

Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are also available by online chat and text message.

For more information about this accident, please click here for help requesting a police report. Our team of attorneys is here to help you during this trying time.

Source: https://kymkemp.com/2021/05/10/ferndale-man-dies-in-fatal-crash-early-this-morning-redway-man-with-major-injuries/

Frequently Asked Questions About This Type of Accident

Who is responsible when a fallen tree causes a car accident on a California highway?

It depends on what caused the tree to fall and where it was located. A private landowner can be responsible if a visibly hazardous tree on their property was not addressed, a government entity can be responsible if the tree or vegetation was within a state or county road right-of-way that was not properly maintained, and some tree falls are genuinely unforeseeable events that no party could have prevented. An investigation into the specific tree and its history is usually needed before responsibility can be determined.

Is there a different deadline to sue if a government entity like Caltrans is involved?

Yes. Claims against a state or local government entity in California generally must be presented within six months of the incident under the Government Claims Act, compared to the two years typically allowed for a claim against a private party. That shortened deadline is one of the main reasons to have a potential government-liability case reviewed as soon as possible.

Can more than one driver share fault in a multi-vehicle pileup like this?

Yes. California allows more than one party to share fault under its comparative negligence rules, and a chain-reaction crash involving a sudden road obstruction often does involve more than one driver’s actions being examined alongside the hazard itself. Each vehicle’s speed, following distance, and reaction time are typically part of that review.

How do I get a copy of the CHP traffic collision report?

You can request a copy directly from the investigating CHP area office, which in this case is the Garberville Area office, or you can have an attorney’s office request it on your behalf. Having the full report matters because it documents the roadway conditions and each vehicle’s position at a point when memories are still fresh and evidence has not yet been cleared from the scene.

What damages can a family recover in a California wrongful death claim?

Eligible family members can pursue both economic losses, such as the financial support and household services the deceased would have provided, and non-economic losses, such as the loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium. What a claim is actually worth depends heavily on the specific family’s circumstances, which is why an individual case evaluation matters more than any general estimate.

May 12, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

Khloie and Melanie Valdez Killed in Head-On Collision (Hilmar)

May 8, 2021 – Hilmar, California: Khloie and Melanie Valdez were killed in a head-on collision Saturday. Khloie, a 9-year-old from Stevinson, and her mother, Melanie Valdez, were killed on northbound Highway 165 per the Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office.

On Saturday, May 8 shortly after 11:00 am, California Highway Patrol said Melanie Valdez was traveling with her daughter in a 2006 Kia Rio when she attempted a right turn and lost control of her vehicle, swerving to the right, then overcorrecting back to the left before colliding into a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.

Neither Khloie nor Melanie were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident causing them to both be ejected by the impact. Unfortunately, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.

The Chevrolet’s occupants were all taken to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.

The crash remains under investigation.

Losing a family member in an auto accident is invariably a traumatic experience for those left behind. We at Younglove Law Group extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who unfortunately died in this incident.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim for a Child in California

When a family loses a child in circumstances like this, California law specifies who has legal standing to pursue a wrongful death claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, a child’s surviving parents, and in some cases other relatives who were financially dependent on the child or the household, may have the right to bring a claim. If a mechanical failure, road defect, or another vehicle is later found to have contributed to a crash like this one, that investigation can reveal parties beyond what is publicly known at the time reporting first occurs, which is one reason families sometimes revisit these questions well after the initial reports have faded.

If you or a family member were involved in this accident, or one similar to it, we know what it takes to help win your case. We understand each case is different and deserves full individual attention. We have seen the impact being involved in a severe accident can have on a person’s life. The road to recovery and obtaining compensation for your damages is long and complex. Our Newport Beach wrongful death attorneys are here to help.

Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are also available by online chat and text message.

For more information about this accident, please click here for help requesting a police report. Our team of attorneys is here to help you during this trying time.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page for Melanie and Khloie. Please consider donating here if you are able.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is legally allowed to file a wrongful death claim for a child in California?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377.60, a deceased child’s surviving parents generally have standing to bring a wrongful death claim, and in some circumstances other relatives who depended on the household may as well. An attorney can confirm who qualifies based on the specific family situation.

How can I get a copy of the police report for this accident?

Family members can request assistance obtaining the California Highway Patrol report through our contact form, or by contacting the CHP office that investigated the collision directly.

Does an ongoing investigation change who might ultimately be responsible?

It can. An open investigation may later identify contributing factors, such as a vehicle or roadway issue, that were not apparent from initial reporting. That is one reason families sometimes seek a legal review even after an incident has already been reported on and initially closed by law enforcement.

If a family member would like this article removed for any reason, please click here, complete the form, and the article will be removed.

May 12, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

Leonardo Enciso Arrested After a Crash (Victorville)

May 8, 2021 – Victorville, California: a 26-year-old Victorville man, Leonardo Enciso, was arrested after a crash with another vehicle that resulted from a high-speed chase.

A Victorville Police deputy observed the driver of a 2009 Infinity doing donuts in the Jocko’s Pub and Grill parking lot. Later identified as Leonardo Enciso, the driver failed to yield, which resulted in the pursuit down westbound Bear Valley Road. The driver was traveling at speeds of more than 90 miles per hour.

As the driver attempted to turn onto Highway 395 from Bear Valley Road, he collided into another car then exited his vehicle and began to flee on foot from deputies. The driver was quickly apprehended thereafter and taken into police custody. Leonardo Enciso was arrested after the crash for evading a Peace Officer with disregard for safety and is scheduled to appear in Victorville Superior Court on May 11, 2021.

It is unclear from initial reports whether the occupant of the vehicle Leonardo Enciso crashed into was injured in this accident.

Younglove Law Group extends their condolences to those involved in this accident and their families.

If you or a loved one were involved in the accident referenced in this article or in a similar accident, we understand the impact being involved in a severe accident can have on your life. The road to recovery and obtaining compensation for your damages is long and complex. Our Newport Beach car accident attorneys are here to help.

Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are also available by online chat and text message.

For more information about your accident, please click here for help requesting a police report. Our team of attorneys is here to help you during this trying time.

Source: https://www.vvng.com/victorville-man-arrested-after-high-speed-pursuit-that-ended-in-a-crash/

May 11, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

Child Suffered Life-Threatening Injuries in Accident (Topeka)

May 11, 2021: Topeka, California: On Sunday night, a young child suffered life-threatening injuries in a Topeka accident. The child was hospitalized after she suffered life-threatening injuries in a head-on accident on Sunday night, just after 6:45 pm. Police responded to the scene of the accident near the 3000 block of SE California where a a silver passenger car that was traveling on northbound SE California had collided head-on into a gray SUV that was traveling on southbound SE California.

Known occupants of the silver passenger car include one adult and the young child who was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, according to Topeka Police. The adult also suffered injuries, though their extent remains unknown.

Four occupants of the SUV were likewise taken to the hospital for emergency medical treatment. While their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the extent of their injuries also remains unknown.

Younglove Law Group’s car accident lawyers extend their deepest condolences to those involved in this terrible accident and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.

If you or a loved one were involved in this accident or one similar to it, we understand the impact being involved in a severe accident can have on your life. The road to recovery and obtaining compensation for your damages is long and complex. Contact Younglove Law Group to speak with dedicated Newport Beach car accident lawyers to obtain the justice, results, and attention you deserve.

Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are also available by online chat and text message.

For more information about your accident, please click here for help requesting a police report. Our team of attorneys is here to help you during this trying time.

Source: https://www.wibw.com/2021/05/10/tpd-investigating-two-vehicle-wreck-in-se-topeka-on-sunday-evening/

May 11, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

4 killed 1 airlifted in Crash Saturday Night (Apple Valley)

May 10, 2021 – Apple Valley, California: The Apple Valley Fire Department responded to the scene of a major auto accident on State Highway 18 near Sierra Pelona Drive on Saturday night around 8:30 pm. As a result of the head-on collision, 4 people were killed and 1 was airlifted due to critical injuries.

A white 1994 Chevrolet Suburban and a 2021 Toyota Tundra were located at the scene, both with major property damage.

The critically injured person was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

Tragically, four people were pronounced dead at the scene, three from the Suburban and one from the Tundra.

Younglove Law Group extends its deepest condolences to those involved in this terrible accident and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.

If you or a loved one were involved in this accident, we understand the impact being involved in a severe accident can have on one’s life. For those lucky enough to survive, the road to recovery and obtaining compensation for your damages is long and complex. For those who were not so fortunate, losing a loved one is an incalculable loss. While there is nothing that can be done to undo the past, Younglove Law Group can connect you with a dedicated Newport Beach wrongful death lawyer to help get you the justice, results, and attention you deserve. Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation.

Click here for help requesting a police report. An experienced wrongful death lawyer may be able to help you obtain a copy of the police report.

Source: https://www.vvng.com/4-killed-1-airlifted-in-apple-valley-crash-saturday-night/

May 10, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

One Person Dead 2 Injured on Foothill Boulevard (Sylmar)

May 10, 2021 – Sylmar, California: A crash left one person dead, 2 injured on West Foothill Boulevard near the 210 and 5 freeways in Sylmar on Sunday night around 9:30 pm.

When firefighters responded, they freed 2 people who were trapped inside a vehicle. Their condition remains unknown.

Another person was pronounced dead at the scene.

If you or a loved one were involved in this accident, we understand the impact being involved in a severe accident can have on your life. The road to recovery and recovering compensation for your damages is long and complex. Our Newport Beach car accident attorneys are here to help. Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation.

If you or a family member were involved in this incident and would like more information, please click here for help requesting a police report. Our team of attorneys is here to help you during this trying time.

Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/fatal-crash-in-sylmar-leaves-one-person-dead/

If a family member would like this article removed for any reason, please click here, complete the form, and the article will be removed.

May 10, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

Motorcyclist Airlifted from Crash on La Mesa Road (Victorville)

May 9, 2021 – Victorville, California: A severely injured motorcyclist was airlifted from a crash on La Mesa Road near Pacoima Road at 4:52 pm on Mother’s Day. Witnesses state the motorcyclist impacted the rear of a 2019 Honda Accord before bursting into flames.

Firefighters responded and extinguished the fire before requesting that the motorcyclist be airlifted from the scene.

The driver of the Accord and her two young daughters sustained cuts from the broken glass.

If you or a loved one were involved in this accident, we understand the impact being involved in a severe accident can have on your life. The road to recovery and recovering compensation for your damages is long and complex. This is particularly the case with California motorcycle accident claims because California is a pure comparative negligence jurisdiction. That means even if you are placed primarily at fault, you may still have a case. Our Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help.

Call Younglove Law Group at (844) 810-1800 for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are also available by online chat and text message.

If you or a family member were involved in this incident and would like more information, please click here for help requesting the police report. Our team of attorneys is here to help you during this trying time.

Source: https://www.vvng.com/motorcyclist-airlifted-from-crash-on-la-mesa-rd-in-victorville/

If a family member would like this article removed for any reason, please click here, complete the form, and the article will be removed.

May 9, 2021/by younglovelaw

News

Gerardo Mendoza Killed in Crash (Apple Valley)

Legally Reviewed by Phil Younglove, Esq. on July 30, 2026

Apple Valley, California: Gerardo Mendoza, a 26-year-old Barstow resident, was killed in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Stoddard Wells Road and Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley on April 22, 2021, at approximately 9:26 p.m. The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office identified Mr. Mendoza on April 23, 2021, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Losing a family member in a sudden crash is devastating, and the days that follow are often filled with grief, logistics, and unanswered questions. If your family has been affected by this collision or by a similar tragedy on California’s roadways, Younglove Law Group’s wrongful death attorneys and car accident attorneys are available to answer your questions and explain, at no cost, whether a claim may apply to your situation.

What Happened in the Apple Valley Crash

According to the Apple Valley Police Department, deputies who responded to the intersection of Stoddard Wells Road and Dale Evans Parkway determined that a 29-year-old Pacoima resident was driving a gray 2016 Nissan Altima eastbound on Stoddard Wells Road, while Mr. Mendoza was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro northbound on Dale Evans Parkway. Mr. Mendoza’s two passengers were transported to a nearby hospital, along with the driver and passenger of the Nissan.

Apple Valley Police Department officials stated they were investigating whether drugs or alcohol impairment were contributing factors in the collision. In fatal crash investigations like this one, officials often rely on accident reconstruction specialists and toxicology results to establish exactly how a collision occurred before any conclusions about responsibility are reached, and no findings have been finalized at this time.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It is based on publicly available reports about this incident, originally covered by the Victor Valley News Group. Families who need an official record of the crash can request a copy of the police report through Younglove Law Group, and if a family member would like this article removed for any reason, please submit a removal request and our team will address it promptly.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in California

Under California law, a wrongful death claim is a civil action that allows certain surviving family members to seek compensation when a death results from another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. A wrongful death claim proceeds separately from any criminal investigation or charges connected to the same incident, so a family does not need to wait for a criminal case to conclude before exploring its civil options.

Fatal vehicle collisions are one of the most common sources of wrongful death claims in California. While an investigation works to determine the cause of a crash, families are not required to establish fault on their own. An attorney can review the police report, witness statements, and other available evidence to help determine whether a claim may be appropriate once the facts are established.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California

California law generally limits who may bring a wrongful death claim to a defined group of surviving family members. In most cases, a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased may file. When none of those relatives survive, other dependents, such as parents or siblings who would inherit under California’s intestate succession laws, may be eligible instead.

Because eligibility depends on a family’s specific circumstances, it is common for more than one relative to have questions about their standing to bring a claim. Our detailed overview of who can file a wrongful death claim in California walks through these categories in greater depth, and our attorneys can help clarify where a specific family fits within them.

Compensation That May Be Available to Surviving Family Members

California law allows eligible family members to seek several categories of compensation in a wrongful death claim. The damages available can depend on the circumstances of the crash and the claimant’s relationship to the deceased, but they can include:

Funeral and burial expenses directly related to the death.
Loss of the financial support and household services the deceased provided.
Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support the family has experienced.

Insurance carriers representing an at-fault party will often attempt to minimize a wrongful death claim’s value or delay the process altogether. Our overview of how insurance companies typically handle wrongful death claims explains what families can expect and how an attorney can help protect a claim’s value from the outset.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims

California generally requires a wrongful death claim to be filed within two years of the date of death, according to the California Courts Self-Help Guide. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to seek compensation altogether, regardless of how strong the underlying claim may be.

This timeline can be shorter when a government agency, such as a city or county road authority, is a potential defendant, since claims against public entities are subject to separate and much shorter notice requirements. Because these deadlines can be easy to miscalculate, especially while a family is still processing a loss, it is generally advisable to consult an attorney well before any applicable deadline approaches.

Steps Families Can Take After a Fatal Crash

There is no single right way to grieve, and no family should feel rushed into legal decisions immediately after a loss. That said, a few practical steps can help preserve a family’s options while other matters are being sorted out.

Requesting and reviewing the official police report, saving any correspondence from insurance companies without responding in detail, and keeping records of funeral and related expenses can all help later if a family decides to pursue a wrongful death claim. None of these steps require committing to legal action right away, and consulting an attorney early can simply help a family understand what to expect if they decide to move forward.

How Younglove Law Group Can Help Families in San Bernardino County

Younglove Law Group represents families throughout Southern California, including San Bernardino County, in wrongful death and car accident claims arising from crashes on local roads and highways. Our attorneys are familiar with how these cases are investigated and litigated in the Inland Empire, and we work directly with families to explain their options in plain language.

We approach every wrongful death matter with the understanding that no legal outcome can undo a family’s loss. What our team can do is handle the legal and insurance-related burdens so a family has room to grieve, while working to pursue the compensation California law may allow.

Younglove Law Group is a California personal injury and wrongful death firm founded by Phil Younglove, Esq., who has focused his practice on holding negligent parties accountable after serious and fatal crashes throughout the state. Our attorneys work directly with families from the initial consultation through resolution, and we handle wrongful death and car accident claims on a contingency fee basis, so families are not asked to pay legal fees unless we recover compensation on their behalf.

If your family has been affected by this crash or by another fatal collision in California, we encourage you to reach out. Contact Younglove Law Group to speak with our team about your situation and learn more about your legal options during a free, confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Car Accident

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

California generally requires a wrongful death claim to be filed within two years of the date of death. Claims against a government entity, such as a city or county responsible for road conditions, are subject to much shorter notice deadlines. Because these timelines can be easy to miscalculate, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, even while a family is still grieving, so important deadlines are not missed.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Accident in California?

California law generally allows a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the deceased to file a wrongful death claim. When none of those relatives survive, other dependents who would inherit under California’s succession laws, such as parents, may be eligible instead. Because eligibility depends on a family’s specific situation, it is common for families to have questions about where they fit, and an attorney can help clarify who may bring a claim.

What Compensation Can Surviving Family Members Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the financial support and household services the deceased provided, and the loss of companionship and guidance the family has experienced. The specific damages available can depend on the circumstances of the crash and the family’s relationship to the deceased, so the value of any two claims is rarely the same.

Do I Need a Police Report to Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim?

A police report is not always required to file a wrongful death claim, but it is typically one of the most useful pieces of evidence available. It documents the responding officers’ initial observations, the vehicles and parties involved, and any citations issued at the scene. Families who need help obtaining a copy of the report for a specific crash can contact our office for assistance.

Can a Wrongful Death Claim Move Forward While a Police Investigation Is Ongoing?

Yes. A wrongful death claim is a civil matter that proceeds separately from any criminal investigation or charges connected to the same crash. Families do not need to wait for a police investigation or criminal case to conclude before speaking with an attorney about their options, although additional facts uncovered during an investigation can sometimes affect how a claim is evaluated.

What Should I Do if an Insurance Company Contacts My Family After a Fatal Crash?

It is generally best to avoid giving a detailed statement or accepting an early settlement offer before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies representing an at-fault party often contact grieving families quickly, and early offers can be lower than what a claim may ultimately be worth. An attorney can communicate with the insurance company on the family’s behalf while the family focuses on their own well-being.

About the Attorney

Phil Younglove, Esq.

Founding Partner, Younglove Law Group

Phil Younglove is the founding partner of Younglove Law Group, a California personal injury and wrongful death firm. He earned his degree from UCLA and his JD from USC Law, and he previously practiced at one of California’s largest personal injury firms before founding his own practice focused on serious and fatal accident cases throughout the state.

April 23, 2021/by younglovelaw