Cause of Motorcyclist Fatality Crash Being Investigated
A motorcyclist fatality was reported in Sacramento on May 12 after crashing on westbound Highway 50. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the accident happened close to 59th Street. Two lanes of Highway 50 heading westbound were closed to traffic as the collision site was cleared and the accident investigated. Motorists were advised to use an alternate route because of heavy traffic, and the lanes weren’t reopened until around 2:00 p.m. No additional details about the motorcyclist fatality accident were released.
A Motorcycle Fatality Resulting in a Wrongful Death
While it is always tragic to lose a loved one, when someone else’s negligent actions were the cause, it can be an overwhelming experience for the family. Family members are shocked, confused, and angry, in addition to being overwhelmed with grief. Also, they often seek justice for the loss of their loved one.
Financial problems coping with the death of a loved one are common. Handling household bills in addition to the funeral and burial costs as well as the loss of income, if the loved one contributed financially, can be devastating. A wrongful death injury attorney can assist the family in placing a wrongful death claim to cover those losses.
How Filing a Claim for Wrongful Death Can Help the Family
In addition to giving the family a sense of justice and closure for the loss of their loved one, filing a claim for wrongful death helps financially. Some of the areas where compensation can be sought include:
- Filing a wrongful death claim can recover the cost of the funeral and burial.
- The loss in wages the decedent would have earned until the age of retirement is recoverable. This includes bonuses and pensions.
- The value of household tasks performed by the decedent is recoverable, such as child and lawn care, auto maintenance, and bill paying.
- Loss of consortium and the love and companionship between partners can be recovered.
- Loss of the guidance, nurturing, and care of the parent is recoverable for the children of the family.
Causes of a Motorcyclist Fatality
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5,000 motorcycle accidents caused the deaths of riders in the United States in 2018 along the nation’s roads. Some of the ways in which drivers of passenger vehicles cause accidents with motorcyclists include:
- Vehicles that are turning left can pull in front of a motorcycle.
- Dooring accidents occur when someone parked at a curb opens the door before checking for an oncoming motorcyclist.
- Defective tires, brakes, or other motorcycle parts can lead to a motorcyclist fatality or serious injury.
- A motorist who slams on their brakes can cause a motorcyclist fatality to a rider behind them. Striking the rear of a vehicle often causes the rider to be ejected.
- Lane-splitting, although legal to perform in California, can be safe, but if a negligent motorist attempts to change lanes and doesn’t know a motorcyclist is approaching, it can end up causing an accident.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Sacramento
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a wrongful death lawyer in Sacramento. Motorcycle collisions can happen for a number of reasons. When a negligent motorist or other entity was the cause, I am here to offer you my compassionate, free, and friendly advice. You can reach me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I can also be messaged by using the online contact form.
I’m honored to be a member of the associations that follow:
Discover more about how my legal team and I have assisted others in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries at the following links:
Since 1982, we’ve assisted numerous people around Northern California in cases that involve all types of traffic accidents, motorcycle crashes, and wrongful deaths, as well as others.
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/candles-tealights-flame-tea-candles-209157/
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