Single-Vehicle Accident Near Dixon Off-Ramp Results in Fatality
A fatal accident in Dixon was reported involving a single vehicle on August 16. The collision occurred along Interstate 80 close to the off-ramp for Dixon sometime around 5:00 a.m. The report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) noted that the vehicle struck the center divider and passed onto the shoulder of the highway.
Fatal Accident Under Investigation to Determine Cause
Although emergency responders with the fire department administered CPR, the individual in the vehicle did not survive and was pronounced dead by the county coroner. The accident is being investigated to determine why the driver lost control.
Investigating the Loss of a Loved One
The loss of a loved one is a traumatic experience for the family and leaves them not only deep in grief but wondering how and why the accident happened. Although most single-vehicle collisions are because of driver errors such as speeding or distracted driving, not all of them are. If an outside influence caused the death of your loved one, the family might wish to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation with the help of an accident attorney.
Over the years, our law firm has successfully recovered compensation for a number of grieving families. Although it will not ease your pain, it can help bring closure and justice for the loss.
Causes of a Fatal Accident Outside of Driver Error
There are several ways in which fatal collisions happen that are not the fault of the driver. These include:
- Poor roadway maintenance or design: If a road design is faulty, it can lead to a fatal accident. For example, a curve that is too tight can cause a car to go off the roadway or lines are not properly drawn for a pedestrian crossing. In others, maintenance is the problem. Overgrown trees and shrubbery that obscures stop signs, poor overhead lighting and other critical issues can cause a fatal accident. The government entity in charge of design and maintenance can be held responsible in these cases. Since the statute of limitations for filing a government claim is only six months, enlisting the services of a personal injury lawyer is a good idea to meet deadlines. Otherwise, the court will refuse to hear the case.
- Aggressive drivers: An aggressive driver is intimidating to others using the roadway with actions ranging from shouting at another motorist to tailgating, cutting another person off or even forcing them off the road. This can be determined by accessing roadway surveillance cameras to see if the fatal accident was captured on tape.
- Defective auto parts: When brakes suddenly stop working, the accelerator pedal sticks, a tire experiences a blowout or the steering wheel freezes, a single-vehicle collision can occur. Retaining a vehicle following an accident is necessary, so it can be examined for defects. If one is found that led to or contributed to the fatal accident, an auto product liability claim can be filed against the manufacturer.
Dixon Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Dixon wrongful death attorney. There are times when a loved one dies in an accident that wasn’t their fault. When this happens and the true cause is discovered, the family may place a wrongful death claim to recover damages. Contact us today at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice offered by one of our injury lawyers. In addition, we can be reached online. We can arrange an in-person or virtual consultation for you to speak with one of our lawyers, have your case reviewed and discover options moving forward.
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