Bakersfield, CA – According to KSBY with additional reporting from KBAK, the identity of the man killed in the Highway 99 accident on January 3, 2024, has just been released as 43-year-old Victor Smith of Atascadero.
The crash occurred around 3:25 AM, just south of Taft Highway. Smith was driving a 2008 Toyota Prius when the driver of a big rig truck struck him from behind, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. Smith succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
While the investigation into the collision continues, the California Highway Patrol has indicated that they are treating Smith’s death as an accident.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even in cases where criminal charges are not brought to bear, families who have lost a loved one in a fatal collision may be able to file a wrongful death claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver.
The compensation provided by a wrongful death claim can relieve the financial burdens created by medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of income to support any dependents of the deceased.
Insurance companies will work to reduce any claim they cannot deny, which is where the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can prove invaluable by negotiating on behalf of victims and their families to ensure they receive proper compensation.
