Copperopolis Man Killed in Crash on SR-108
A report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) revealed that a man from Copperopolis was killed in a crash on SR-108 just west of Oakdale on the afternoon of Monday, October 11, 2021. The fatal crash occurred around 2:50 p.m. on eastbound State Route 108 near Brady Road.
Details on the SR-108 Crash That Killed a Copperopolis Man
A press release by CHP traffic officers revealed that a Chevrolet pickup truck was heading eastbound on SR-108 when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle allegedly veered off the roadway. The Chevrolet reportedly struck a metal pole, and the impact of the collision caused the vehicle to come to a rest on its roof.
Officials also reported that an electrical line fell on top of the truck as a result of the car accident. However, the hazard did not prevent first responders from extricating the Chevrolet driver from the vehicle. The motorist was transported by ambulance to an Oakdale hospital. Sadly, authorities reported that he succumbed to his injuries during hospitalization. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has recently identified him as 90-year-old Floyd Matheny of Copperopolis.
What Survivors Should Know About Fatal Single-Vehicle Accidents
It is never easy to lose someone you love in an accident. Coming to terms with the loss may be challenging with the knowledge that it could have been prevented and was the result of someone else’s negligence. In the case of a single-vehicle accident, there are factors that must be considered outside of driver error. Surviving family members deserve answers in such situations, and an experienced accident attorney may help them find them by investigating the incident for the following possible contributing factors:
- Phantom Vehicle: A single-vehicle accident may often be the result of a phantom car. This term is often used to describe a vehicle that did not make contact with another car but played a role in causing another driver to lose control and crash. Some of the scenarios that may include phantom vehicles include run-off-the-road accidents where negligent drivers may speed, make unsafe lane changes, and engage in other reckless conduct that may endanger the lives of other motorists on the road. An uninsured motorist (UM) claim may be brought in such situations so long as there is substantial evidence establishing that another vehicle was involved in the incident but did not make physical contact with the car involved in the crash in question.
- Roof Crush Resistance: A rollover accident may result in catastrophic consequences, particularly if the roof of the vehicle collapses inward. Such situations may occur due to improper testing, poor manufacturing, inadequate design, and other reasons. When a car roof fails to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216 on roof crush resistance, injured parties and families of decedents may seek compensation from the manufacturer of the vehicle that should have kept them out of harm’s way. An experienced injury attorney may evaluate the wreckage from the incident with expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction experts to determine whether the vehicle’s roof failed to meet this standard and whether the faulty roof contributed to an exacerbation of injuries from a rollover.
- Unsafe Roads: When we travel on public roadways, we expect that the roads are suitable for safe travel. This includes proper warning signage, sufficient street lighting, free of debris and potholes, and more. The unfortunate reality is that not all public roads meet such standards, and factors outside of a driver’s control may contribute to a motor vehicle accident. Such factors may include unsafe roadway design, lack of road maintenance, a work zone that does not provide sufficient warning signage to drivers approaching the area, and other reasons. Bringing claims against public agencies for road defects is not always a straightforward process as various filing criteria and deadlines must be met, including the six-month statute of limitations, as outlined in California Government Code Section 911.2.
Fatal single-vehicle accident cases may be challenging to navigate and should be left to an experienced wrongful death lawyer to handle. For information on how to select the right attorney for your wrongful death case, watch this video.
Working with an Attorney on a Fatal Car Accident Case
While the news of losing a loved one in an accident may be heartbreaking and overwhelming, you may take comfort in knowing that our legal team is available anytime to help you and your family through this difficult time. Here at AutoAccident.com, we have over three decades of experience representing surviving family members who have lost close relatives due to the negligence of others. We work diligently to obtain the justice and fair compensation survivors deserve so they can take the time to focus on what really matters. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Car Accident Lawyer in Copperopolis
I’m Ed Smith, a Copperopolis car accident lawyer. After losing a loved one in an accident, it is understandable that this may be a trying time for you and your family. However, it is essential to keep in mind that California law governs the amount of time that survivors have to take legal action against those responsible for their loss. For this reason, do not delay speaking with one of our experienced attorneys regarding your case. We are available anytime to go over the details of your story and provide free, friendly advice on how to move forward. Get started today by giving us a call at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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Our team of accident attorneys has the experience, skills, and resources to handle the most challenging of personal injury and wrongful death cases. In recognition of the work and results we have delivered to our past clients, we have been awarded membership into the following groups:
Car accident claims may be challenging, but our legal team has handled such cases and obtained favorable outcomes on behalf of our clients since 1982. See some of the many results we have secured over the years by visiting our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Credit: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
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