Man Dies After Being Hit by Multiple Vehicles
A pedestrian fatality occurred when a 57-year-old man was hit by two vehicles in the Foothills Farms area while attempting to cross the road in a poorly lit area. According to a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the pedestrian was not using the crosswalk when the accident happened.
The incident occurred at Hillsdale Boulevard and Greenholme Drive at about 6:20 in the evening. According to authorities, the pedestrian was first struck by a Subaru Impreza, causing him to fall. The second vehicle, a Jeep Patriot, hit him after falling to the road.
Further Details of the Pedestrian Fatality
According to the CHP, the drivers of both vehicles remained at the scene. Authorities said they were not exceeding the posted speed limit when the pedestrian fatality occurred. At this time, there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident. The CHP is continuing to investigate the crash.
Pedestrian Accidents in Poorly Lit Areas
The incidence of pedestrian fatalities increases as the daylight dims. Even areas designated as pedestrian crossings are not safe without ample lighting. Dusk is difficult for pedestrians since more vehicles are on the road, drivers may be tired and often speed to arrive home after work.
Some crosswalks lack adequate lights, which is usually caused by negligent roadway maintenance or poor design. If this is the case, the city agency charged with the care and construction of a pedestrian crossing could be liable for the person’s demise in a wrongful death lawsuit.
The Loss of a Loved One
It is bad enough to lose a loved one, but unexpectedly finding out a family member died due to negligence can be overwhelming. Family members experience grief, anger, and a sense of helplessness. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help the family survive the financial hurdles the loved one’s demise brought about and give justice to the decedent.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Family members could file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party if their loved one died due to negligence or an intentional act. This type of lawsuit does not seek compensation for the loved one but rather aims to recover the damages the family experiences.
However, another type of claim, called a survivor action, is filed concurrently with a wrongful death lawsuit, which seeks damages experienced by the decedent before they died. In this claim, the purpose is to seek compensation for the decedent’s suffering from the time they were injured until they died. If the accident was especially egregious, a request could be made for punitive damages that usually exceed the compensatory amount in a survivor action.
Please watch the following video presented by attorney Ed Smith explaining wrongful death lawsuits:
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in a Pedestrian Fatality
The following family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The decedent’s spouse
- The putative spouse of the decedent
- The decedent’s children
- The stepchildren of the decedent, if the deceased provided a minimum of 50 percent of their support
- The parents of the decedent, if supported by the deceased
- Siblings of the decedent if the deceased helped them
What a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Can Provide
The wrongful death lawsuit can provide:
- The funeral and burial expenses
- Other end-of-life costs
- The financial support the decedent would have provided had they lived, including lost wages earned in the present and future until retirement age is reached
- Perks associated with the decedent’s work
- The guidance and comfort the decedent provided for family members
- The love and loss of consortium given the decedent’s spouse
- Lost benefits and inheritance the decedent would have provided
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. If you lost a loved one due to the negligence or intentional act of another person or entity, let my legal and investigative teams provide justice for your family. Call us at (916) 921-5400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to us online.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Foothill Farms and the Northern California area in all types of car crashes, pedestrian accidents, wrongful deaths, and other forms of trauma obtain the compensation they deserve.
Learn more about my firm by using the following links:
I am pleased to be a member of the organizations listed below:
Photo attribution: Image by Ich wünsche allen eine besinnliche Advents- und from Pixabay ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-lg0clbRM
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