Business 80 Site of Fatal Scooter Accident
Multiple vehicles struck an electric scooter rider, age 21, on I-80, killing him. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident happened at about 3:00 a.m. on July 3 on northbound I-80 south of the American River Bridge.
Police Alerted to Accident by Nissan Driver
The electric scooter rider was struck by a Nissan Altima in the northbound lanes of Business 80. The driver, who called authorities after pulling over to the side of the road, said the electric scooter rider swerved in front of his vehicle. The Nissan driver remained at the scene of the crash. He was joined by several other vehicles.
Toyota Driver Hits Body
A motorist driving a Toyota 4-Runner traveling toward Thunder Valley Casino approached the accident site at about 3:19 a.m. The female driver said she saw the vehicles on the side of the road and felt as if her pickup had run over a bump. The police found the vehicle and later determined that she ran over the decedent. An investigation into the accident is continuing. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has identified the scooter rider as 21-year-old Carlos Chavez of Sacramento. A GoFundMe page has been established on behalf of Mr. Chavez to help his family cover final resting expenses.
Scooter Riders in Sacramento
Scooter accidents have increased since they have become more plentiful in Sacramento. Because of the dangers of riding on a scooter, the number of serious injuries and fatalities is increasing as well. Between 2014 and 2018, The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported around 39,000 injuries to scooter riders, with head trauma prominently suffered.
Types of Head Injuries Occurring in a Scooter Accident
Because of their lack of protection, such as bicycle riders and pedestrians, the risk of suffering a head injury is high in a scooter collision. Scooter rental companies do not provide helmets, even though they lower the risk of head trauma. Some of the more common head injuries suffered in a traffic collision by an electric scooter rider include:
- Scalp lacerations commonly occur and can cause profuse bleeding.
- Face injuries may include broken teeth and facial fractures, which may require plastic surgery to repair.
- A subdural hematoma, which is bleeding inside the skull, may be life-threatening.
- A subarachnoid hematoma refers to bleeding in the space between the brain and a surrounding membrane and frequently requires surgery to treat.
- In extremely serious cases, coma and death can occur.
Liability Caused by an Electric Scooter Accident
Liability can depend on fault and whether the scooter is owned by the rider or rented. Those who rent electric scooters have to sign an agreement that the company cannot be held liable in the event of injuries. However, if a defect in the electric scooter results in an accident, the rider who has been injured may want to file a claim against the manufacturer through a product liability lawsuit. Negligent drivers who cause an accident involving an electric scooter rider may also be held liable for injuries or fatalities.
Losing a Family Member
Losing a loved one is never easy, but doing so because of negligence makes it harder for a family to come to terms with it. The grief they feel is often compounded by disbelief and anger. One way to provide the loved one with justice and closure for themselves is for the family to file a wrongful death claim. In this way, the at-fault party must pay for their wrongdoing, and the family will be able to cover the high cost of funeral and burial expenses along with routine household bills.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California
Any of the following are able to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The spouse
- The putative spouse
- Natural children
- Stepchildren
- Children of the putative spouse
- Siblings
- Parents
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The wrongful death claim can consist of the following:
- The wages the decedent would have earned in the present and future had he/she lived
- Work bonuses and retirement funds
- Cost of medical care if a survivor action is filed
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of the emotional support and guidance the decedent provided
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. If you lost a member of your family due to the negligence of a person or entity, let me help you. Call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online.
I’ve helped many families who have lost a loved one in Sacramento from car and truck accidents as well as other traumatic events.
Learn more about my firm below:
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