Hit and Run Driver Involved in Fatal Accident
A bicyclist was killed in South Sacramento recently, and police are searching for a hit and run driver implicated in her death. According to authorities, the accident happened at approximately 10:30 at night in the vicinity of 24th Street and Florin Road, where police found the woman lying in the road with life-threatening injuries. First responders were called in, but the bicyclist was declared dead at the accident site. After an investigation, police confirmed that she was riding a bicycle when she was struck and that the hit and run vehicle was a white or silver sedan. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as 38-year-old Jerrameka Colbert. Crimestoppers said that anyone with information should call 916-443-4357. Their identity will remain anonymous, and they may qualify for a reward.
Losing a Loved One in a Hit and Run Accident With a Bicyclist
Losing a loved one is never easy. However, when the person’s death is caused by a negligent individual or entity, the grief is compounded by feelings of anger and disbelief. Oftentimes, the bereaved family members will have a hard time believing they will never see their loved one again and be distraught they did not have a chance to say goodbye. Close friends and other family members can help by:
- Offer to do the shopping: Be proactive in this. A general offer to help may not suffice since the grieving person often won’t be able to supply particulars. Instead, ask them for a grocery list or items they might need from the pharmacy.
- Assist with family responsibilities: Offer to pick children up from school or sit with an aging parent.
- Drop off dinner: Another practical way to help is to drop off an easily warmed up meal. You might want to ask ahead of time if there are any foods the person can’t eat.
- Help with burial and funeral arrangements: Some of the most difficult and time-consuming tasks the bereaved has is to make final arrangements for their loved one.
- Assist with housework: Make it clear that you are there to help. Depending on your relationship with the bereaved, offering to pitch in with housework such as cleaning and laundry can be useful.
A Wrongful Death Lawsuit Can Help
When a loved one dies, the grief of losing them is often compounded by financial worries, particularly if the person contributed to the support of the family. Suddenly, family members find themselves worrying about how they will pay for household expenses as well as burial and funeral costs. A wrongful death lawsuit can help with that. The lawsuit will be filed against the negligent party or their insurance company. Your personal injury lawyer can give you valuable insight into filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
What Happens When the Negligent Party Cannot Be Located
While many hit and run drivers are found, some are not. When filing a wrongful death lawsuit, it is important to establish negligence. Our firm helps clients by searching for a fleeing driver. We dispatch our investigators to the scene of the accident. If the driver left the scene, we not only work with police, but our investigators question anyone who saw the accident about the type of vehicle. Witnesses can often lend insight into the make and model of the vehicle and give a description of the driver as well as the direction it headed when the car left the scene. Video footage of the accident captured on traffic surveillance cameras is also useful in tracking down the hit and run driver.
Using Uninsured Motorist Protection
If the hit and run driver cannot be located, it is possible to use uninsured motorist protection. Drivers in California are offered the chance to purchase this type of policy. It ensures that their bills will be paid if a driver does not have automobile insurance. It also covers them if they are a bicyclist or a pedestrian. In the event that the injured or deceased person does not have uninsured motorist protection, but another family member does, they will also be covered.
South Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a South Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. Losing a loved one due to someone’s negligence is never easy. Let me offer you free and friendly advice. Just call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach out to me online if that is more convenient for you.
I’ve helped clients in South Sacramento for over 38 years with wrongful deaths, car accidents, and other traumatic injuries.
I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Learn more about my practice at:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/death-funeral-coffin-mourning-2421820/
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