San Jose, CA – According to KRON, on September 13, 2024, just before midnight, Paulina Verduzco Mendoza, an 18-year-old woman from Gilroy, lost her life after falling out of a pickup truck performing reckless stunts in a San Jose parking lot along Camden Avenue.
Mendoza had been a front-seat passenger in a Ford pickup truck driven by a man believed to be intoxicated. According to the San Jose Police Department, the driver, with two other passengers in the vehicle, began performing dangerous maneuvers when Mendoza fell from her seat, landing hard on the pavement. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the driver accidentally ran over her.
Despite efforts to save her, Mendoza was rushed to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead from her injuries. The driver, who remained at the scene along with the other passengers, has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. His name has not yet been released, but he now faces serious charges that may bring some form of justice for Mendoza’s grieving family.
Mendoza’s death is the 37th traffic-related fatality in San Jose this year.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income that the family depended on.
However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve. So, having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death or injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities and negotiating with insurance companies, who always try to reduce payouts on claims they cannot deny.
