Copperopolis Man Killed in Auto Accident
A Copperopolis man was killed in an auto accident in northernmost Stanislaus County on the morning of May 6, 2019. The incident occurred shortly after 4:30 a.m. along Highway 4 just east of Milton Road. A man was driving his 2016 Chevrolet Sonic eastbound along the highway. At the same time, a 61-year-old woman was headed west in a 2018 Subaru Outback. For unknown reasons, both vehicles collided head-on. The Subaru driver, a resident of Sonora, suffered serious injuries to her left leg and chest. She was airlifted to a hospital in Modesto. Sadly, the Chevrolet driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He has been identified by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office as 26-year-old Zackary David Hoover of Copperopolis. I would like to send my thoughts and condolences to the family of Mr. Hoover in their time of loss.
Common Head-On Collision Injuries
A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles strike each other. These types of crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the violent nature of the accident. Some of the injuries commonly suffered in these crashes include:
- Abdominal Trauma: These are common in frontal impacts. The organs most vulnerable to suffering damage in an accident include the spleen and liver, with the diaphragm and kidneys also at risk.
- Cervical Sprain: Depending on the severity of the crash, the shoulders and neck can extend well outside their normal range of motion. This can cause the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and back to stretch and tear. Symptoms of a cervical sprain include weakness, headaches, numbness, and pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.
- Chest Injury: The chest and ribcage can be injured by rapid airbag deployment, the body being thrown into the dashboard or steering wheel, and the force of the seatbelt. In some cases, the force can cause trauma to the ribs and break them, causing damage to the lungs.
- Lower Extremities: The feet and legs are the first to be affected in a head-on collision. These areas of the body often absorb much of the impact. Possible lower extremity injuries include ankle and foot injuries, crushed legs, bone fractures, and torn anterior cruciate ligaments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a head-on collision can severely compress the discs in the spinal cord. If the impact is severe, the vertebrae can become damaged or cracked, and the discs can become ruptured or herniated. In some cases, paralysis can occur from damage to the spinal column. This can include a partial or complete loss of sensation and control over certain parts of the body.
- Wrongful Death: Penetration or blunt trauma in a car wreck can cause internal injuries. These can cause organ damage and massive bleeding. If not treated in time, it can lead to fatal consequences.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is a death that could have been prevented and resulted from the intentional, reckless, or negligent conduct of someone else. Various parties may face liability for wrongful death. These include the driver responsible for the crash, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, and contractors and government entities responsible for road maintenance and repair. The law recognizes that the loss of a loved one results in high financial damages that should not be shouldered by survivors of the deceased. Instead, the surviving family members of the decedent may be able to file a wrongful death claim for compensation against the party responsible for their loved one’s death.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death?
Specific members related to the deceased may be able to bring a claim for wrongful death under California law. Persons identified with standing include the surviving spouse, domestic partner, or children of the decedent. If such parties do not exist, then individuals who financially relied on the deceased person for at least 50 percent may be eligible to file. These include the putative spouse, stepchildren, or parents of the decedent. To learn more, watch the below video:
Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Compensation awarded in a wrongful death claim is intended to compensate the surviving family of the deceased for tangible and intangible losses. These include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Bills for medical treatment received by the decedent before he or she passed away
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of inheritance and benefits such as retirement
- Reasonable and necessary costs of household services provided by the deceased
- The lost income of the deceased
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Coping with grief and adjusting to life without your loved one can be overwhelming. Taking legal action may be the last thing on your mind during this difficult time. However, holding negligent parties accountable for your loss can help bring a sense of closure and justice to you and your family. If this has happened to your family, do not feel afraid to ask for help when it is needed.
Copperopolis Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Copperopolis personal injury lawyer. Suffering injuries or losing someone you love in an auto accident is one of the most painful experiences. If this has happened to you or a loved one, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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