Automobile Sales Lot Sustains Major Damage on Auburn Boulevard
A major accident that resulted in the death of the driver occurred in Citrus Heights on July 17. It happened when a driver, who was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed and intoxicated, crashed into the sales lot of M3 Motors around 11:41 p.m. Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Citrus Heights Police as well as responders with Sac Fire arrived at the scene of the crash on Auburn Boulevard and Manzanita Avenue. Police discovered that the solo vehicle had exited the roadway and severely damaged about a dozen cars before ending up hung on a fence.
Further Accident Details
The driver of the vehicle was not using seat restraints and was ejected from the vehicle. Although he was taken by emergency responders to Mercy San Juan Hospital, he died from his injuries. An investigation is ongoing to determine exactly how the accident occurred.
Losing a Loved One
Losing a loved one causes emotional and physical pain. When that person dies unexpectedly, the grief is compounded by the lack of preparedness. The family members are overwhelmed and need the help of close friends and extended family. Here are a few things you can do:
- Let family members know you are there for them. Visit or call and tell them that. Express your sorrow at hearing the news. Don’t use cliches.
- Offer to help with routine chores. Realize that the family will say they have everything covered. It’s a routine response, and it is important to be specific when offering. Ask who is picking up the children at school or request a grocery list.
- Bring easily reheated meals to the residence. Check to see if there are food items they cannot or won’t eat.
- Offer to take them to doctor appointments or to make arrangements at the funeral parlor.
- Don’t forget to call or visit after the funeral is over. This is a difficult transition period for family members, and your presence will be welcome.
Reasons That Drivers Lose Control
Losing control of a vehicle can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. There are multiple reasons this happens:
- Defective auto parts: Brakes, tires and steering systems can be defective. When this occurs, the driver will be unable to control their vehicle. The manufacturer or mechanic who recently serviced the vehicle can be held responsible.
- Road defects: Large potholes or debris on the road can cause the driver to lose control. It is the responsibility of the government agency in charge of road maintenance to keep the road clear and free of defects. If injured by this, an individual can file a claim against the city. The time limit to file is much shorter than with other personal injury cases. Your attorney will ensure that all documents are filed in a timely manner.
Investigating a Fatal Major Accident
A major accident where the driver loses control is complex and requires an in-depth investigation to determine why it happened. That is why our investigative team reviews every aspect of the crash. When the driver dies, he or she can no longer speak out and explain what happened, so it is up to the investigators.
At our firm, our investigators begin by looking at the path the accident covered. We look for roadway defects that may have caused the motorist to swerve to avoid hitting an obstacle. We look for the presence of adequate signage and lights. The investigators also interview witnesses.
Our investigators check the brakes, accelerators, steering system and tires for defects. We leave no stone unturned in our examination of the vehicle. For this reason, it is important to preserve the vehicle until our investigation is finished.
The investigators also use accident reconstruction techniques to see the position of the vehicle before, during and after the crash. If video security cameras are available, we obtain a copy of the footage to see the accident as it happened. Once all of this data is gathered, we release it to our legal team. They use it to build a strong case for our clients.
Sacramento Auto Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento auto accident lawyer. If you lost a loved one or were involved in a major accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You will receive free and friendly advice. You can also use my contact form if you wish.
I’ve helped numerous Sacramentans in car accidents, wrongful deaths and traumatic injuries.
I am a proud member of the following organizations:
Learn more about my practice on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/auto-automobile-blur-buildings-532001/
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