Two Killed in Amador County Accident
I’m Ed Smith, an Ione personal injury lawyer. An auto accident in Amador County claimed the lives of two parties and left one with serious injuries on June 8, 2018. At approximately 9:30 in the night, a 30-year-old man from Laytonville, Utah, was driving his 1996 Toyota westbound along Highway 16 in the vicinity of Greilich Road. For unknown reasons, the driver of an eastbound 2008 Honda veered over the double solid yellow lines and in the direct path of the Toyota, resulting in a serious head-on collision. The Toyota driver was transported via air ambulance to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Sadly, the driver and passenger of the Honda were declared deceased at the scene.
I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to those mourning the loss of their loved ones during this difficult time.
Identity of Victims
Officials have not yet named those fatally injured in the accident due to pending family notification. However, the two parties were both said to be residents of Sacramento.
What is a Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is defined as a negligent or wrongful act resulting in the death of an individual. A person may be held financially responsible for the wrongful death of another despite not being found guilty of murder. Some common causes of wrongful death include defective product use, medical malpractice and car accidents.
Proving a Wrongful Death
A necessary element in a wrongful death lawsuit is proving negligence. A link between the death of a decedent and negligence must be shown. In order to prove negligence on part of a defendant, a wrongful death attorney must show:
- The defendant failed in his or her duty of care to the decedent. In the case of a head-on collision, the defendant would be liable for driving on the wrong side of the road;
- The defendant breached or violated that duty. Documents showing that the defendant was driving recklessly would support evidence of the offense;
- The action of the defendant led to the decedent’s passing such that reckless driving caused the accident.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Losing someone you love is devastating, especially when that loss was caused by wrongful death. If a loved one suffered fatal injuries in an accident, individuals directly related to the decedent may be able to file a wrongful death claim against a negligent party under California Code of Civil Procedure section 337.60. Those who may file these claims include:
- Children and/or grandchildren of the decedent
- Parents, stepchildren or other dependents who relied on the decedent for at least 50 percent of their financial support
- Domestic partner or spouse
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
For those who have lost someone they love, understanding wrongful death is crucial as these lawsuits are complex and often misinterpreted. Wrongful death claims vary in duration. Insurance companies often dispute the value of the claim. This can be emotionally disturbing for the family of the decedent as they are trying to rebuild their life without their loved one by their side. A skilled wrongful death lawyer understands the high value that is placed on a late loved one and how the loss drastically affects the decedent’s family. By contacting an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Ione, you can be assured that your right to fair compensation will be protected while moving forward after your loved one’s death.
Ione Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Ione personal injury lawyer. The loss of a family member due to the actions of a negligent driver is heart-wrenching. If this has happened in your family, I am here to provide compassionate, free and friendly legal advice. Contact me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
If you would like to learn more about my practice, go to:
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates as a member of California. This forum is a nationwide group of trial lawyers with million dollar settlements or verdicts for clients.
Peruse our Verdicts and Settlements here.
Photograph Source: By “Stock Snap” via Pixabay under CC0 Creative Commons
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