Fatality Accident on Highway 4 Caused by Wrong-Way Driver
A Pittsburg wrong-way driver caused a fatality accident on December 13. A public information officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the driver was in a Dodge Durango SUV going eastbound along Highway 4 close to the off-ramp for Railroad Avenue in the wrong direction at about 11:00 a.m. The wrong-way SUV allegedly crashed into a Honda sedan.
Struck Vehicle Hit Several Times, Resulting in Death of Driver
After it was hit by the wrong-way driver, the Honda was struck by a Toyota Highlander SUV and a tanker truck. The driver, who was going the wrong way, reportedly tried to flee from the accident on foot. The Honda driver, 50-year-old James Kuang of Fremont, died at the accident scene. A passenger in the Honda was seriously injured in the collision. The other SUV and tanker truck drivers reportedly suffered minor injuries.
The wrong-way driver was apprehended a short time later. A CHP spokesman recently announced that this driver was arrested for driving with a suspended license. driving the wrong way causing bodily injury or death and on suspicion of murder. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has not yet released additional details regarding the case.
Wrong-Way Driver Accidents
There are many reasons an accident occurs because a driver is going the wrong way. Most are caused by drunk drivers, but others can occur due to misplaced or confusing signage, unfamiliarity with the roadway, and for other reasons. If you have lost a member of your family because of a wrong-way driver, you might be able to place a wrongful death claim to recover damages. Although it won’t ease the grief your family feels, by filing a claim, you may obtain a sense of justice and closure for your personal loss.
Recovery of Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
The help of an experienced wrongful death lawyer may allow you to recover a range of damages if your claim is successful. The following are some examples:
- It is possible to recover funeral and burial expenses.
- If a survival action is filed because the deceased lived for a time before expiring, medical expenses relating to the decedent’s injury can be recovered. Discussing whether to file a survival action with your attorney is a good idea because he/she can advise you on the best way to recover compensation.
- A claim may be made for the loss of income and benefits, including future earnings until retirement age.
- It is possible for the surviving spouse to claim loss of consortium, companionship, and support.
- The beneficiaries of the decedent’s will may be able to claim a loss of inheritance in some instances.
- Among the household services that may be compensated are gardening, auto care, childcare, and others that the decedent normally performed around the house.
Punitive Damages Recovery
In some cases, the family may request punitive damages in addition to the wrongful death claim. Punitive damages can be awarded as punishment for the at-fault party’s actions and as a deterrent to similar conduct in the future. Only egregious or intentional acts are eligible for these damages. Because punitive damages are seldom awarded, you should discuss this with your accident lawyer.
Pittsburg Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Pittsburg personal injury lawyer. When a loved one is killed by a negligent driver, the family may be able to file a claim for wrongful death. For compassionate, free and friendly advice, please contact us at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400. We can arrange a free, no-obligation consultation for you, either in-person or virtually, to discuss your case, answer any questions you might have, and let you know what options are available for you to recover compensation. If you prefer, we can also be contacted online.
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Photo attribution: Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay
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