Accident on Highway 50 Results in Fatality
A fatal accident occurred in Sacramento on March 24 that caused the death of one person. The collision happened along eastbound Highway 50 close to the exit for 59th Street at around 4:15 a.m. The crash involved two SUVs, which initially blocked the eastbound lanes, according to the activity report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The eastbound lanes of the highway were blocked until one lane was reopened at about 5:30 a.m. After 7:45 a.m., all the lanes had been cleared and reopened.
Fatal Accident Resulting From Wrongful Conduct
Many families have sought our help over the years after losing a loved one in a fatal accident due to wrongful death. It probably is not the first thought that comes to mind when a family loses a loved one. The loss of the deceased, however, can eventually cause a financial strain, especially if the decedent provided for them. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, family members will not only be able to recover their financial losses, but they may also be able to gain closure and justice for their loved one.
What Can Be Recovered by Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Accident?
As a result of wrongful death, the family of the deceased or the representative of the estate may be able to recover compensation for the damages that follow:
- Wages and additional employment benefits such as bonuses that a deceased loved one would have gotten until they reached the age of retirement are recoverable. This includes insurance and pension benefits, tips and other monies. If the individual who died was self-employed, tax returns and other records can be used to support the claim.
- The amount beneficiaries were entitled to receive in inheritance if the decedent had lived can be claimed.
- Recovery of damages from the loss of consortium, care and moral support caused by the loved one’s death can be claimed by the surviving spouse.
- Expenses associated with the burial and funeral arrangements can be recovered.
- Children in the family have lost the guidance and mentoring provided by the deceased and can recover damages as a result of the fatal accident.
- Services such as lawn care, vehicle maintenance and tax preparation that were normally performed by the deceased can be recovered since people will have to be paid to do that work.
- If the decedent didn’t die right away, compensation may be sought by filing a survival action. A survival action is not filed on behalf of the family but for the individual who passed away. Recovery of damages not only includes medical bills that occurred after the accident but for the deceased’s pain and suffering.
- If an especially egregious action caused the loved one’s fatal accident or it was intentional, the family may ask to be awarded punitive damages. Although rarely awarded, punitive damages are meant to punish the person who caused the fatal accident and prevent further actions of this type.
Who Can Recover Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Either the representative of the estate or the immediate family members may place a wrongful death claim. However, only one claim can be filed. Family members who may join together to file a claim include:
- The surviving spouse or putative spouse may file.
- Minors in the family may file, including natural and adopted children. If stepchildren received at least half their support from the decedent, they may file too.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When negligence by another person or entity caused the death of your loved one, your family may wish to find out about placing a claim for wrongful death. You are welcome to contact us for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. We can also be contacted either online or by calling (800) 404-5400. By setting up a free consultation, one of our injury lawyers can look over your case, answer your questions and let you know about options to recover compensation.
You can find out how our team of injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com have assisted others in obtaining the compensation they deserve below:
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Photo attribution: Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay
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