Accident on U.S. 50 Kills One Person and Injures Others
A traffic fatality was reported in Rancho Cordova on June 19 following a two-vehicle accident along U.S. 50. The collision occurred around 11:10 p.m. along westbound U.S. 50 just west of the Zinfandel Drive off-ramp between two vehicles, one of which was hauling a trailer, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). One of the vehicles overturned in the collision. Drunk or drugged driving was not ruled out as a factor in the accident, and a phlebotomist was called to administer a blood test on one person.
Vehicles Retained as Evidence in Traffic Fatality Accident
Sac Metro Fire transported at least one person to UC Davis Medical Center, while another was taken to Mercy Hospital of Folsom. Authorities called for the long-term closure of lanes four through six as an investigation was conducted and while they awaited the arrival of the county coroner. Both vehicles and the trailer were towed as evidence in the traffic fatality crash.
Losing a Loved One
The loss of a loved one is a difficult time for the family, especially if it involves a traffic fatality. Family members are left wondering why it had to happen and if there was anything they could have done to have prevented it. When a negligent driver was involved, they often want the at-fault party to be held responsible, which is only right.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
In California, the estate of the deceased or immediate family can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages if the traffic fatality was due to negligence. It won’t ease the family’s sense of loss and grief, of course, but it can provide them with closure and a sense of justice. Even if the negligent party isn’t held criminally liable, by filing a wrongful death claim, the family can hold them financially responsible for their loss and recovering damages can help them avoid financial stress.
What Kind of Damages Are Recoverable in a Wrongful Death?
All cases are different, however, the recovery of compensation by the family can include the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses for a loved one are often high, and those can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Wages the decedent would have earned until retirement age can be recovered, including any pension and insurance benefits, bonuses and other areas where they were compensated at work. If the decedent was self-employed, those funds can be recovered also by using 1099s and tax returns.
- Loss of consortium, emotional support and love can be claimed by the deceased’s spouse.
- Loss of nurturing of the family’s children can be claimed.
- Lost prospects of inheritance can be claimed by beneficiaries in the decedent’s will.
- Loss of household help such as tax preparation, servicing the vehicles and other chores is recoverable.
If the decedent had no immediate family, the parents and siblings may file a claim.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Rancho Cordova
I’m Ed Smith, and I am a wrongful death lawyer in Rancho Cordova. When your loved one died because of someone’s negligence, your family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. You are welcome to contact our injury lawyers for compassionate, free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or from long-distance at (800) 404-5400. We are available to contact online also.
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Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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