Bicycle Accident in Fresno
Bicycle Accident legal information specific to Fresno — California law, local courts, and deadlines.
Fresno bicycle accident guide →Legal Information Notice
This page provides general legal information about wrongful death cases in Fresno, California. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed California attorney for guidance specific to your case.
Wrongful Death in Fresno
Fresno wrongful death cases reflect Highway 99's status as one of California's most dangerous corridors, the surrounding agricultural community's highway fatality rates, and the Central Valley's higher-than-average uninsured driver exposure. Highway 99 commercial truck fatalities involve FMCSA minimum $750,000 liability coverage and potential Caltrans infrastructure claims requiring state tort claim procedures.
California Law That Applies
CCP § 377.60 heirs standing. Two-year SOL from date of death. Six-month state tort claim for Caltrans highway infrastructure (Highway 99, Highway 41). Six-month city tort claim for City of Fresno or FAX government vehicles. No non-economic cap for private defendants.
A cause of action for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another may be asserted by the decedent's surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and issue of deceased children.
Courts and Procedures in Fresno
B.F. Sisk Courthouse, 1130 O St, Fresno. 12–18 month trial timelines — the fastest major California court and a practical advantage in net present value of future earnings calculations.
Primary Courthouse
B.F. Sisk Courthouse
1130 O St, Fresno, CA 93721 · Unlimited Civil Division
FAQs — Wrongful Death in Fresno
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Fresno?
Under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60, the decedent's surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and the issue of deceased children have standing to bring a wrongful death claim in Fresno. If there are no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children, persons entitled to inherit under intestate succession may file. Financial dependents who were not intestate heirs may also have standing if they can establish financial dependency on the decedent.
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Fresno?
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in Fresno is two years from the date of death under CCP section 335.1 — measured from the death date, not the accident date. Claims against the City of Fresno, FAX, or Fresno County require a government tort claim within six months of death under Government Code section 945.4. Missing either deadline permanently bars the claim.
What damages can heirs recover in a Fresno wrongful death case?
Heirs in a Fresno wrongful death case can recover the present value of the financial support the decedent would have provided, the monetary value of household services, funeral and burial expenses, and non-economic damages including loss of love, companionship, affection, guidance, and moral support. California does not cap non-economic damages for private party defendants. Government entity defendants are subject to a $250,000 non-economic cap under Government Code section 985.
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Fresno car accident guide →Find a Wrongful Death Attorney in Fresno
This page is educational. To find a licensed California attorney who handles wrongful death cases in the Fresno area, use these verified directories.