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.
