Fatality Occurs in Vehicle Crash on Grass Valley Highway
A solo vehicle crash in Auburn on April 10 resulted in a fatality. The accident occurred along southbound Grass Valley Highway at Hummingbird Lane around 5:05 a.m. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) report said that a Toyota 4Runner went off the roadway and collided with power lines.
Accident Under Investigation to Determine Why It Happened
A dead deer was found in the number two lane, which was dragged off the roadway. The driver might have struck the deer, causing them to lose control of the vehicle. The county coroner was called to the scene to declare the driver deceased. The motorist’s identity will not be released until the family has been notified. The CHP is investigating to determine what led to the crash.
Causes of a Solo Vehicle Crash
Although most of the time, a solo vehicle crash is due to driver error such as speeding, it can also happen for other reasons. Having a deer jump out in front of your car causes up to 200 fatalities a year. Still, in other instances, government neglect of a roadway or a defective auto part can lead to a vehicle crash.
Retaining the vehicle after a fatality or injury accident is essential, so it can be examined for defects, in which case the family may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. In cases where government negligence is found, a claim may be placed against that entity. However, the time limit to file is six months, so getting legal help may be advisable.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in California
In California, a wrongful death claim can be filed even in a solo vehicle crash when a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions. These claims are designed to provide financial compensation for the deceased’s surviving family members for the economic and emotional damages that resulted from the death. The following requirements must be met:
- A legal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the claim. This typically includes an immediate family member (e.g., a spouse or child). In rare cases, a court may appoint someone as the representative if none of the immediate family members are willing or able to do so.
- The claim must be filed within two years of the person’s death unless otherwise specified by a court.
- The claim must prove that the deceased’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions. This includes proving that the responsible parties failed to exercise adequate care in preventing the death.
- The claim must seek compensation for damages resulting from the death, such as funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and future income.
If you believe your loved one’s death in a solo vehicle crash was caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions, then discussing the matter with an attorney is highly recommended.
Auburn Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney in Auburn. A wrongful death claim might be possible for your family after a run-off-road accident if the crash was determined to have been caused by negligence. Call (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, friendly, and free advice. You can speak with a member of our team of accident attorneys at no cost to review your case. We can explain how you can recover damages and answer your questions during a free consultation, whether it is online or in person. Please feel free to contact us using our online form as well.
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Photo attribution: Image by Netto Figueiredo from Pixabay
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