Fresno, CA – According to KBAK, the family of 53-year-old Michelle J. Cruz lost her to a fatal car collision while she was riding her bicycle on the night of February 26, 2024, and is having difficulty managing the financial burden.
The crash occurred around 10 PM near Polk and Fairmount Avenues. Cruz was struck by 31-year-old Jennifer Fleishman, who showed signs of impairment but cooperated with authorities. She was cited and released. Meanwhile, emergency responders attempted life-saving efforts on Cruz without success.
In the following weeks, the Cruz family has had difficulty honoring her last request to be buried instead of cremated. They started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for burial costs.
Wrongful Death Claims
One of the options available to the family members of those who are killed in a vehicular collision is to pursue a wrongful death claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. They may not know that the driver does not have to face criminal charges. A successful wrongful death claim does not require a conviction.
The compensation provided by a wrongful death claim can go toward the financial burdens created by hospital fees, burial costs, and even the loss of potential earnings for any dependents of the deceased. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help grieving families navigate these issues and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure proper compensation for their loss
