New Details on Rancho Cordova Minor’s Death
The recent death of a young girl in Rancho Cordova has left the residents of Sacramento shocked and saddened. The child died on June 13 at the intersection of Coloma Road and El Manto Drive when she was struck by a car.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and her friends for this tragic loss.
What Happened
The accident happened when the girl, Leah Callison, age 12, was walking to Cordova High School early in the morning with a 12-year-old friend to attend summer school. As she started crossing the street at the crosswalk, she was struck by a motor vehicle. According to witnesses, the boy who was with Leah stopped on the sidewalk before entering the crosswalk. The child died shortly after she arrived at the hospital. The accident is currently under investigation by authorities to determine the official cause.
Update on the Accident
In a taped interview with the child’s father, he expressed his sorrow that he and his wife had lost their only child. He also expressed his view that his daughter was hit by the car because the driver was attempting to go through a light before it turned red. Officials from the Rancho Cordova Police Department have not confirmed that the motorist was trying to pass through the light before it changed. A police official confirmed that the child was walking with her friend on her way to the high school. The family had moved from Oklahoma to California, and Leah was attending Mitchell Middle School in the area.
Father’s Advice to Parents
In closing the interview, Leah’s father said that parents should give their kids a hug and kiss at night and to make sure they are still there. He said he and his wife could not go home and hug their child because she was at the morgue.
Pedestrian Accidents in Rancho Cordova
In Rancho Cordova, there were 15 pedestrian accidents resulting in either death or injury in 2014, the latest year for statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Of those accidents, two involved kids under 15.
Wrongful Death
When a family member dies due to the negligence or wrongful act of another, the family can file a wrongful death claim. In civil wrongful death cases, the lawsuit is brought forward by the decedent’s survivors or a representative of his or her estate. A civil lawsuit can proceed concurrently with criminal charges against the negligent party if applicable. If the criminal case is won, the conviction can be used to verify facts in the civil case.
In California, the following parties can file a wrongful death claim:
- The decedent’s surviving spouse or domestic partner
- The decedent’s children
- The decedent’s putative spouse and his or her children
- Stepchildren if you contribute to their support
- Parents
- Siblings
Damages in a Wrongful Death Suit
Common damages in a wrongful death lawsuit are the following:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Lost income, including the income the deceased person may have earned in the future
- Hospital and medical bills if the decedent was hospitalized prior to death
- Punitive damages under certain circumstances
- Loss of affection
A personal injury action can also be filed against the defendant for the decedent’s pain and suffering experienced prior to death. It is called a survival action because it survives the person’s death. Factors that are considered include the person’s level of consciousness prior to death, level of pain, and the knowledge of impending death. If you have questions concerning a wrongful death lawsuit, an experienced Rancho Cordova car accident lawyer can answer them.
Related Links:
What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death?
How Long Do Wrongful Death Cases Takes?
Attorney Ed Smith
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When you have lost a loved one through the negligence of another, please call me at 916-921-6400 for free and friendly advice. Outside the area, I am available at (800) 404-5400.
Find past client reviews at Google, Avvo, and Yelp. My Verdicts and Settlements page can give you an idea of how I have assisted others.
I am also a member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group that only allows members who have obtained settlements or verdicts of at least $1 million.
I have worked as a California personal injury lawyer since 1982, upholding the rights of the injured and obtaining fair settlements for their traumatic injuries and losses.
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