Highway 50 Single-Vehicle Fatal Accident Claims One Life
A single-vehicle fatal accident occurred near Placerville on May 3 when a compact car left the roadway and became engulfed in flames. According to the County Fire Protection District, the accident happened along Highway 50 eastbound close to Newtown Road around midnight. When the fire was extinguished, firefighters found a deceased occupant in the vehicle. California Highway Patrol officers were present at the scene.
Identity of Deceased Person in Fatal Accident Being Determined
The gender and age of the deceased driver are unknown at this time. The Placerville office of the CHP Traffic Division is handling the investigation into the accident. The coroner with the County Sheriff’s Office is determining the deceased person’s identity. However, that name will not be released until family members have been notified of the fatality.
Wrongful Deaths That Aren’t Caused by Driver Negligence
Although speeding and other types of negligence can cause a collision, a fatal accident can also occur for the following reasons.
Government Negligence Can Lead to a Wrongful Death
When a governmental agency, department, or appointed official fails to do their job properly, it can lead to tragic consequences – including wrongful death. Examples of government roadway neglect that can lead to an accident may include:
- Failing to maintain a road or bridge correctly
- Placing inadequate signage
- Potholes that can cause a vehicle to go out of control
- Poor overhead lighting affects the driver’s ability to see clearly ahead
- Overgrown shrubbery or trees can affect the driver’s view
Although the government entity may be liable for the fatal accident, a claim must be filed within six months. Getting help from an injury lawyer can ensure paperwork is complete and filed on time.
How a Defective Auto Part Can Lead to a Fatal Accident
Defective auto parts can lead to tragic consequences if not identified and replaced in a timely manner. When an automobile part is defective, it can fail to perform its intended purpose, leading to a malfunction or breakdown. In the worst-case scenario, a faulty auto part can result in an accident that can be fatal.
For instance, a malfunction caused by defective brakes can result in a crash or even a vehicle rollover. Likewise, a defective airbag can fail to deploy in an accident, leading to more severe injuries for the car’s occupants. In some cases, a malfunctioning seatbelt can cause passengers to be ejected from the vehicle, leading to severe injury or death.
Retaining the vehicle involved in the fatality accident is important. In this way, it can be examined for defects. If it is found that a defect led to the accident, an auto product liability claim may be placed to recover compensation.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death
Recoverable damages in a wrongful death depend on a number of factors. However, the following is usually recoverable:
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages until retirement age
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Loss of household services
Below you will find a video produced by accident lawyer Ed Smith that provides helpful information about finding an attorney:
Placerville Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Placerville wrongful death lawyer. Accident fatalities aren’t always caused by driver error. You can contact us for our free and friendly advice if you have lost a loved one and would like to know if they can file a wrongful death claim by calling (530) 392-9400 or contacting our accident attorneys at (800) 404-5400. You can also send a message online.
Our Northern California membership includes the following:
To learn how our injury lawyers have helped others, please click on the following links:
Photo attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLQ8I1W1gR8&t=10s; Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
:cd llo [639]