Pedestrian Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver on Stockton Boulevard
A pedestrian fatality caused by a hit-and-run driver occurred in Sacramento on January 2. The driver was located a short time later and placed under arrest. The fatal accident involving the pedestrian occurred near the intersection of Stockton Boulevard and Fruitridge Road around 1:20 a.m.
Pedestrian Declared Dead at Scene of Accident Involving Hit-and-Run Driver
Officers with the Sacramento Police Department responded. Upon arrival, they discovered a man who had suffered critical injuries. The pedestrian died at the scene despite efforts by the Sacramento Fire Department to save his life. Sacramento Metro Fire personnel declared the pedestrian dead at the crash site.
Hit-and-Run Driver Arrested and Facing Multiple Charges
A 33-year-old woman was arrested in the case and was driving a stolen car and reportedly intoxicated at the time the pedestrian fatality accident occurred. She was charged with DUI, vehicle theft, leaving the accident scene and vehicular manslaughter. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the number of arrests for suspected drunk driving has increased almost 8 percent since last year.
Loss of a Loved One in a Pedestrian Fatality
We all dread the pain associated with losing a loved one. However, when your family member dies due to a negligent driver, the grief, helplessness and anger you feel can seem insurmountable. The knock on the door or the telephone call you receive is unexpected and cruel to hear. Family members are caught in an abyss of sorrow and want to know how this could have happened. On occasion, some even feel that they could have done something to stop it.
How We Can Help
That is where our law firm can help. We share your sorrow, and many of us have experienced similar events. We investigate the accident in addition to police investigations to provide a definitive answer as to why your loved one died. Even accidental deaths have a story. If a hit-and-run driver caused the fatality accident, getting the facts can be convoluted and challenging since the injured party – your loved one – is no longer able to speak for themself. This is a crucial factor in bringing a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party.
On occasion, the evidence points to a criminal act also such as drunk driving. Even if criminal charges are filed against the at-fault party, civil lawsuits such as a wrongful death claim can still be filed against the driver.
What Criminal Charges Can Be Filed Against a Drunk, Hit-and-Run Driver
Both driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the accident can be the basis for a criminal charge. Both can involve hefty fines and even jail time. Since the evidence in a criminal case is based on proof beyond a reasonable doubt, it can be used in the wrongful death lawsuit the family may want to file.
Damages That Are Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
While the grief the family feels can never be undone, a wrongful death lawsuit can help them move forward after the loss of a loved one. The common damages filed in a wrongful death claim are:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages
- Benefits such as pensions and insurance
- Household tasks that will need to be paid for in the future, such as child care, taxes, and lawn care, among others
- The love and support and consortium the deceased provided
- The inheritance, support, and guidance the decedent would have provided
Please take a moment and look at the following video explaining a wrongful death lawsuit presented by attorney Ed Smith:
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When your loved one dies because of a negligent driver, the family may want to find out if they can file a wrongful death claim. We can offer you our free and friendly advice if you call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can reach us online also. We can set up a virtual or in-person consultation in which you can have your questions answered, find out whether you have a case and what options are there to collect compensation.
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Our team of injury lawyers has worked hard since 1982 to assist those who’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence in recovering the compensation they deserve in pedestrian and all other types of traffic collisions.
Photo attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-lg0clbRM; Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay
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