Driver Dies After Crashing on State Route 50
A solo-vehicle accident on April 21 ended in a fatality on a Sacramento highway. The crash happened shortly after 5:30 in the morning along eastbound State Route 50 just east of the 16th Street on-ramp when the vehicle crashed into the center divider. The vehicle, identified as a black Audi, ended up in the number one lane. The driver’s identity has not been released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office pending notification of the family.
Solo-Vehicle Accident Fatality Being Investigated
The vehicle’s front end was demolished in the crash, and a tow truck with a flat-bed trailer was required to remove it. Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and medics with the Sacramento Fire Department were on scene. A CHP investigative team is looking into the cause of the collision.
SigAlert Following Accident
A SigAlert was issued, stating that the left lane was blocked due to the solo-vehicle accident, and the estimated time of clearing was unknown. Motorists were advised to expect traffic congestion and delays. The roadway was finally cleared around 8:03 a.m.
Causes of a Wrongful Death
A wrongful death occurs when a family member dies from some other person’s or entity’s negligence. Even though driver error such as speeding causes most accidents, other factors may come into play. Some wrongful deaths involving a solo-vehicle accident include:
- Vehicle defects: A defect in a vehicle, such as in the brakes, tires, steering, accelerator, or engine, can cause the driver to crash. In addition to a sticking accelerator or blown tire, there are several reasons these defects can lead to a single-vehicle accident. An auto product liability claim against the manufacturer, designer, and others can recover damages. This is why it is vital to retain a vehicle following a crash, so our engineers can check it for potential defects.
- Roadway defects: Road debris, unsafe turns, lack of warning signs, potholes, and other defects can affect a driver’s safety. If it turns out that a road defect or design flaw caused a solo-vehicle accident, a claim may be placed against the government agency. Government claims are different than those of other personal injuries, and the timeline for filing is much shorter. Enlisting the help of a personal injury lawyer can ensure that all documents are filed on time; otherwise, the case will not be heard in court.
Losing a Loved One in a Wrongful Death
The loss of a loved one is a heart-wrenching experience. Family members are left in shock and grief, wondering how it could have happened to someone they love. Ways in which friends, coworkers, and other family members can help include:
- Phone, send a sympathy card or flowers, or you can make a donation to the decedent’s favorite charity.
- Offer to run errands such as to the grocery store or pharmacy.
- Send over a meal that you’ve prepared. Another option is to send over food from a restaurant. People who are deep in grief don’t take the time to cook and may not eat unless it’s something easy.
- Offer to help, such as mowing the lawn, babysitting, or other chores.
- Remember that grief doesn’t stop once the end-of-life services are over. The family will need your empathy and support just as much afterward.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. If your family lost a loved one in a solo-vehicle accident, negligence on the part of another person or entity might have been the cause. For my free, friendly advice about whether you can claim compensation, contact me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. If you prefer, an online message form is available also.
You will find helpful information about my law firm and how we’ve helped others at the links that follow:
I am honored to belong to:
My law firm has been around since 1982, helping Sacramentans and other Northern Californians in collecting the compensation they deserve for all kinds of traffic collisions, traumatic injuries, and wrongful death claims.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/
:cd llo [cs 711]