Things to Know When Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California? Under California wrongful death law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. These cases commonly arise from: Car accidents and motorcycle accidents Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles Pedestrian accidents Medical malpractice Defective products Workplace accidents Criminal acts such as assault or homicide In Sacramento and across California, a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action, separate from any criminal charges that may be filed. Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California? California law (Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60) limits who can file a wrongful death claim. The following people are typically eligible: The surviving spouse or domestic partner Children of the deceased Grandchildren (if the children are deceased ) If there are no surviving family members in the deceased’s direct line, others who would be entitled to inherit under California’s laws of intestate succession (such as parents or siblings) may file. In some cases, people who were financially dependent on the deceased—such as stepchildren or putative spouses—may also be eligible to bring a claim. What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case? Wrongful death claims in California may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including: Funeral and burial expenses Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided Loss of companionship, love, and affection Loss of household services Medical expenses incurred prior to death (via a survival action) In Sacramento wrongful death cases involving egregious negligence—like DUI crashes or distracted driving—your attorney may also explore whether punitive damages could apply. Why You Need a Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney Wrongful death claims are legally complex and emotionally charged. Proving fault, calculating damages, and dealing with insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming for grieving families. A skilled Sacramento wrongful death lawyer will: Investigate the cause of death thoroughly Gather key evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements Work with experts to determine long-term financial losses Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered At Frank Penney Injury Law, we understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. But we also believe in fighting for justice—and making sure families get the compensation they deserve. How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California? In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed entirely. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact a Trusted Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney With over 25 years of experience and more than 6,000 cases handled, Frank Penney Injury Law is one of Sacramento’s most respected names in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. We’ve recovered nearly $500 million for our clients and are committed to standing beside families when they need it most. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, visit www.penneylaw.com or call us for a free consultation . Remember, You Can Bank on Frank!

A devastating crash in Piedmont, California, that killed three young adults in November 2024 is now being further illuminated by toxicology reports. Nineteen-year-old Soren Dixon, the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck that slammed into a tree and wall at around 3:00 a.m., was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.195%—more than twice the legal limit—and had cocaine in his system at the time of the crash. The collision claimed the lives of Dixon and two of his passengers, Jack Nelson, 20, and Krysta Tsukahara, 19, all of whom were graduates of Piedmont High School. Dixon had been attending the University of Southern California, Nelson was a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Tsukahara was a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design. According to autopsy and toxicology reports, both Nelson and Tsukahara also had alcohol and cocaine in their systems. Nelson’s blood alcohol content was measured at 0.168%, while Tsukahara’s was 0.028%. All three were pronounced dead at the scene and suffered severe burns as a result of the crash. A fourth passenger, identified as 20-year-old Jordan Miller, was pulled from the vehicle by a passing motorist and was hospitalized in stable condition. Miller, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, survived the crash and was later identified by his mother. The tragic accident occurred during Thanksgiving break, and authorities believe the group was home visiting for the holiday. In a statement released on Facebook, Piedmont Police expressed their condolences, saying, “Our hearts remain heavy in the aftermath of the tragic vehicle collision,” and thanked the community for its support during a profoundly difficult time. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.