Fatality Reported on Highway 273 Involving Road Rage Driver
A road rage driver in Anderson caused a fatality on June 4 when a woman was killed in an intersection by his speeding pickup. The collision occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. along Highway 273 near its intersection with Pinion Avenue, according to the Anderson Police Department. The fatal accident occurred due to a road rage incident between a truck and a motorcyclist, which began in Redding.
Road Rage Crash Incident Began in Redding
Authorities said a Redding resident, age 31, was chasing the motorcyclist. Police reported both vehicles as moving at speeds close to 100 mph and running through stoplights. When they approached the intersection where the woman was driving, the motorcycle rider stopped at the red light.
Road Rage Driver Hits Vehicle Near Intersection at High Speed
The pickup driver did not stop and slammed into the woman’s car at high speed. Although the injured woman was transported to a hospital nearby, she succumbed to her injuries. The Shasta County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the deceased as Redding resident Susan Betty Young, age 61.
Arrested Driver Determined to Have Been Impaired by Drugs
The pickup driver was placed under arrest. A DUI test was performed on him, and it was determined that he tested positive for drug use when the collision occurred. The charges pending against the road rage driver have not been released.
What Causes Road Rage?
Road rage is a term used to describe the aggressive and often violent behavior people exhibit while driving. It can range from honking horns, flashing headlights, shouting obscenities and rude hand gestures to physical assaults or even homicide. While there is no single cause of a road rage driver, there are several factors that can contribute to it. Some common causes include:
- Frustration and impatience with traffic
- Stress and anxiety
- Inability to express anger in a healthy way
Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims can be made when someone is killed due to negligence or wrongdoing by another party. The laws in California allow family members to file a wrongful death claim if a loved one has died because of another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. An injury lawyer can aid the grieving family place a wrongful death claim, which can help them obtain a sense of justice for their loss as well as assist them in avoiding the financial stress that often accompanies the untimely death.
Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim can be brought against a person, company, or other entity. Recovery of damages commonly includes funeral costs, loss of companionship and consortium, financial support until the decedent’s retirement age, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in California is two years from the date of death.
Punitive Damages in California
In California, punitive damages may be available in a wrongful death claim when a defendant’s conduct is egregious or intentional. Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent individual or entity. These damages also serve the purpose of detering similar conduct in the future.
Listed below are some tips from AutoAccident.com’s Ed Smith on what to look for when hiring a lawyer:
Anderson Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m an Anderson wrongful death lawyer. You may be able to get legal guidance from an injury lawyer if your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence. Please call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 to schedule a free and friendly case review with one of our accident attorneys. If you prefer, you can contact us online.
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Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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