DUI Accident in Rancho Cordova Leaves One Dead
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova wrongful death lawyer. An arrest was made in a May 24 drunk driving accident in Rancho Cordova following a collision that killed the other driver. The man, who is unidentified as of yet, was described as a Stockton resident, age 41. He was found walking away from the accident scene and detained by local police.
I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the friends and family who lost their loved one in this tragic accident.
What Happened
The crash was reported by several people shortly after 11:00 p.m. According to Rancho Cordova police, they discovered the two crashed vehicles, both with severe damage, near South White Rock Road and International Drive. A woman in one vehicle was discovered not breathing and unresponsive. She was pronounced dead by personnel from Metro Fire. The identity of the deceased woman hasn’t been released yet.
Accident Investigation
While the accident was being investigated, it was determined by officers that the man found walking away was the driver of the other vehicle and that he was under the influence of alcohol. He was also hurt in the accident and was treated for injuries. No further details about the crash have been released at this time.
Drunk Driving Causes Many Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 10,497 motor vehicle accident fatalities caused by drunk drivers in 2016 alone. This number represents 28 percent of the fatalities in car accidents. The CDC also reported that more than one million people around the nation were arrested for DUI/DWI in 2016. However, that one million person statistic only represents 1 percent of those who have said they have driven drunk. Rancho Cordova, in 2015, showed 132 DUI arrests and 25 accidents where someone was either killed or injured due to a drunk driver. In Sacramento County, there were 1,193 fatalities or injuries reported in 2015 that involved a drunk driver.
Wrongful Death
In California, an individual who dies as a result of the negligence of another individual or entity is considered a wrongful death. When this happens, family members who were supported by that loved one may place a claim for financial damages. This includes the spouse or putative spouse, children and any other individual, such as parents or stepchildren, who received at least half their support from the decedent. Damages that may be claimed are as follows:
- Funeral and burial expenses are included.
- Income that has been lost, including the income the decedent would have earned in the future.
- Household services may be claimed and include the normal things the decedent did around the home, including child care, lawn care, etc.
- Loss of the inheritance expected by beneficiaries.
- Loss of affection, comfort, moral support, etc.
- The spouse or partner may claim loss of consortium.
- Loss of parental guidance, care and future training for children may be claimed.
Those placing a wrongful death claim for the loss of a loved one must prove that negligence was involved. When it involves a drunk driver, the conviction stands as proof. An experienced personal injury lawyer can explain what rights the family has and the steps involved in filing for a wrongful death. In addition, the attorney can investigate the accident and other evidence to build a strong case for fair compensation.
Rancho Cordova Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova wrongful death lawyer. The loss of a loved one is devastating and compounded when the accident was caused by a negligent driver. If you have lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, I can offer you a sympathetic ear along with free, friendly advice. Phone me at (916) 921-6400 if you live around Sacramento or (800) 404-5400 for out-of-area callers.
I’ve assisted Rancho Cordova residents with their personal injury claims, including serious injuries and wrongful deaths, for over 36 years.
As a Million Dollar Forum member, I join other trial attorneys around the country who have won verdicts/settlements of at least $1 million for a former client.
Check out the following links to see how my law firm has served prior clients and what others have had to say:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/drink-driving-drunk-alcohol-808790/
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