Ridgecrest & Kern County | Wrongful Death
Ridgecrest Families Deserve Answers After a Wrongful Death
Colvin Accident Lawyers focuses on wrongful death claims for families who have lost a loved one because of someone else's negligence. Your first consultation is free, confidential, and without obligation.
By Donald Norman Colvin · Published November 6, 2026
A wrongful death lawyer in Ridgecrest helps a family decide whether to bring a claim after a loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence. Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield and handles these cases for families across Kern County, including Ridgecrest. This guide explains who can file, the deadlines that matter, and what happens after you reach out. It is written in plain language for families who are grieving and unsure where to start.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a case brought after a person dies because another party’s wrongful act or neglect caused the death. It differs from an injury claim the person could have brought while alive. California law describes this as a cause of action for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another (Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60).
The firm handles matters that can end in a death, including:
- Fatal car and truck crashes
- Motorcycle and bicycle collisions
- Pedestrian strikes
- Bus and train accidents
- Fatal dog attacks
- Premises incidents on unsafe property
- Catastrophic injuries that later prove fatal
Pedestrian cases often turn on right of way. California requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections (Vehicle Code § 21950). Pedestrians still must use due care for their own safety.
If your loved one died in a crash or dog attack near Ridgecrest, you may have a claim, and we can talk through your options with you. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
A surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child can bring the claim, along with certain other relatives. The statute names several groups (Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60):
- Certain dependent relatives, such as stepchildren or parents
- A minor who lived in the person’s household for the previous 180 days and relied on them for at least half of their support
- The personal representative, who may file on these people’s behalf
Some families need a probate step first. The firm reviews family relationships and estate papers at the first consultation.
California also has a survival claim. Under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30, the decedent’s cause of action passes to a successor in interest. The personal representative may bring it, or the successor if there is none.
What Can a Family Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death and survival claims cover different losses. The survival claim covers what the person lost before death, and the court decides how a wrongful death award is shared.
A survival claim covers losses the decedent sustained or incurred before death, such as medical bills from injuries that came before the death (Code of Civil Procedure § 377.34). It generally does not include pain, suffering, or disfigurement. The statute allows those damages for actions granted a preference under Section 36 before January 1, 2022, or filed on or after January 1, 2022, and before January 1, 2026. A new claim generally does not fall in that window.
A wrongful death award may include damages that are just under all the circumstances of the case, but it cannot include the survival damages, and the court decides how the award is shared among eligible family members (Code of Civil Procedure § 377.61).
When more than one party shares fault, each defendant generally pays non-economic damages only in proportion to its own fault (Civil Code § 1431.2). Judicial Council civil jury instructions cover how juries are asked to weigh fault and damages.
How much a family can recover depends on the facts of the case. Results will differ if the facts differ.
What Deadlines Apply to a Wrongful Death Claim?
The lawsuit deadline is generally two years, but a claim against a public agency starts sooner. An action for the death of an individual caused by another’s wrongful act must be brought within two years (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). The California Courts Self-Help Guide on personal injury cases gives an overview of these filing time limits.
Public agency cases need earlier action. If a city, county, or state entity may share responsibility, a claim for death must be presented within six months after it accrues (Government Code § 911.2). Notice also changes the deadline to file a lawsuit: under Gov. Code § 945.6, a lawsuit generally must be filed within six months after written notice is delivered or mailed under § 913, or within two years from the date the claim accrued if no such notice is given. A claim for death against a public entity must be presented under Government Code § 911.2 not later than six months after the cause of action accrues. The deadline to file suit is governed by Government Code § 945.6: if the public entity has not given written notice in accordance with Section 913, suit must be commenced within two years from accrual; if such notice is given, suit must be commenced within six months after the notice is personally delivered or deposited in the mail.
Evidence also fades. Vehicle data, surveillance video, and witness names can be lost over time. Early review helps protect these records.
How Does a Wrongful Death Case Work From the First Call?
A case usually moves through five steps, from the first call to resolution.
- First contact. The family shares the basic facts, who died, and who is asking for help.
- Records review. The firm looks at police reports, medical and coroner records, photos, vehicle details, and insurance information.
- Identifying parties. The firm looks for every party who may share responsibility, such as a driver, a vehicle owner, a trucking company, a property owner, or a public agency.
- Notice and claims. Required notices go out, claims go to insurers, and a lawsuit is filed when needed.
- Resolution. The case may end through negotiation, mediation, or trial preparation. The firm explains each step in plain language.
The timeline varies with the facts, the evidence, and how other parties respond.
Why Families Turn to Colvin Accident Lawyers in Ridgecrest?
Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, in Kern County. The firm handles wrongful death matters for families in Ridgecrest and nearby communities. Donald Norman Colvin is the responsible lawyer for this page. The firm also has assistants and office staff who help families with scheduling and records requests.
The firm’s case work covers car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, bus, dog bite, premises liability, and catastrophic injury matters, along with wrongful death. Each family’s situation is reviewed on its own facts.
Donald Norman Colvin, Colvin Accident Lawyers, Bakersfield, California — responsible for this site.
Not sure what your next step is?
Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Common Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
Most families ask who can file, how much time they have, and whether the victim’s own fault matters.
Can a family file if the other driver was impaired?
Impairment can bear on fault. Driving under the influence is unlawful under Vehicle Code § 23152.
How long does a family have to sue?
The lawsuit window is generally two years. A claim against a public agency has a six-month first step.
Does a family member have to be the personal representative to file?
Not always. Certain surviving family members may file under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60.
Talk With a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Ridgecrest About Your Next Step
If your loved one died in a crash, a pedestrian strike, or a dog attack, you may have a claim and a deadline to protect. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.
Here is what happens next. You share the basic facts and any papers you have. The firm explains which deadlines and parties may apply. You then decide your next step at your own pace.
Call Colvin Accident Lawyers or contact us online to request your free first consultation.
How We Approach a Wrongful Death Case
Compassion First
We understand that a death in the family is more than a legal matter. We listen, answer your questions plainly, and give you room to grieve.
Careful Investigation
We work to gather the records, reports, and evidence that show how the death happened and who may be responsible.
Advocacy for Your Family
We press for accountability on your family's behalf, whether that means negotiation with insurers or a lawsuit in court.
Clear Communication
We keep you informed about each step so you understand where your case stands and what decisions lie ahead.
Every Case Depends on Its Facts
The outcome of any claim depends on the facts and law of that particular case, and results will differ when the facts differ. Reach out to learn how the circumstances of your family's situation apply.
Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Vehicle Collisions
Fatal car and motorcycle crashes caused by driver negligence, distraction, or impairment.
Commercial and Public Transportation
Deaths involving commercial trucks, buses, and trains, which often involve multiple potentially responsible parties.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Fatal collisions involving people on foot or on bicycles who were struck by a vehicle.
Property and Animal Incidents
Deaths linked to unsafe premises conditions or dog attacks, where an owner or property holder may share responsibility.