Fiery Accident on I-880 Kills USPS Driver
A Postal Service driver of a big rig died recently in Oakland in a hit-and-run due to racing cars. The accident happened at about 1:05 a.m. along southbound Interstate 880 near Broadway. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a Ford and black sedan were racing when the first vehicle’s driver lost control and struck the big rig’s side.
Big Rig and Vehicle of Racing Driver Catch Fire
As a result, the big rig driver also lost control, and the truck struck a concrete barrier, overturned and burst into flames. The racing vehicle that struck the big rig also burst into flames. The CHP believes that the driver of the Ford was picked up by another vehicle and fled from the scene.
USPS Driver Dies at Scene of Hit-and-Run
The USPS driver died at the accident scene. Lanes along the southbound side of the highway reopened before 8:00 a.m. The Postal Service released a statement saying that the big rig was on its way to the airport to deliver packages that were to be shipped out of state. The fleeing driver accident is under investigation by the CHP, and anyone with information is asked to phone them at (510) 457-2875.
Speeding Can Cause Catastrophic Accidents
High-speed driving is a serious problem on the roads. It is also a severe threat to the safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users, causing catastrophic accidents and leading to severe injuries or even death. Speeding also increases the severity of impacts in collisions due to increased kinetic energy. In short, speed kills and is frequently involved in a hit-and-run. It also causes the driver to lose the ability to stop quickly in an emergency or for other motorists to avoid impact. This type of reckless behavior can be used as a pivotal point in a personal injury case.
Wrongful Death in an Accident
When a family loses their loved one in a hit-and-run accident that was the fault of someone else, they may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. Even if the driver who caused the death fled the scene, we have a good record of locating these people to hold them financially accountable. Immediate family members (spouse and children of the deceased) may recover the following:
- Wages the decedent would have earned until retirement age, including benefits
- The cost of the funeral and burial
- The spouse may recover the loss of consortium, affection and love they have not lost
- The family’s children may recover compensation for the loss of affection, guidance and nurturing
- Loss of household services may be recovered, which includes areas such as auto and yard care and others because they may now have to pay for these services
Punitive Damages
The family may be entitled to ask that punitive damages be awarded when the loved one’s death was grossly negligent, reckless or exhibited a high degree of intentional misconduct. This type of award is intended to punish individuals for their actions.
It is important to note that the amount of compensation available to you in a wrongful death case after a hit-and-run accident may vary depending on a variety of factors. Be sure to seek legal advice and guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney in order to ensure you are fully compensated for your damages.
California Personal Injury Attorneys
I am Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney. Call today to receive free and friendly advice at (510) 631-0200 or at (800) 404-5400 any time, or contact us online if it is easier for you. We will be able to review your case during a free consultation, answer your questions and give you your options moving forward.
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