Single-Vehicle Accident on Bradshaw Road Claims a Life
A fatality accident was reported in Rancho Cordova on May 10 after a vehicle struck a pole during the evening hours. According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened on Bradshaw Road northbound shortly before 6:00 in the evening. Bradshaw Road was shut down between Folsom Boulevard and Gore Road while an investigation was conducted, and the accident site was cleared.
Accident Investigation Ongoing to Determine Cause
Drivers were asked to find an alternate route and avoid the area. It is unknown at this point why the fatality accident occurred. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedent as 59-year-old Lena Rose Watford of Sacramento.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatality Accident
It is shocking to lose a loved one but especially so when the person died in an accident. The family is consumed with confusion, grief, and many other emotions as they try to figure out what happened to cause the fatality accident and why. If the negligent actions of another individual or entity were the cause, the family may want to consider filing a wrongful death claim.
How We Can Help
For many years, we’ve helped Rancho Cordova families obtain the wrongful death compensation they deserve. Although it won’t help with the deep grief they feel, it can help address the financial repercussions of their loss and offer them a sense of justice by knowing the at-fault party is being held responsible.
Reasons a Fatality Accident Involving Only One Vehicle Happens
Most single-vehicle fatality accidents are the result of driver error. However, there are other reasons that can lead to a catastrophic accident of this type. They include:
- Mechanical failure: A defective tire that blows out, brakes that fail, or steering that suddenly freezes can result in a fatal accident. When a defective part causes a motor vehicle accident, the manufacturer, designers and others can be held responsible by filing an auto product liability lawsuit. Negligence doesn’t have to be proved as it does in other personal injury claims, only that the product was used as intended and not altered.
- Poor road maintenance: Potholes, fissures or upheavals in the pavement, overhanging branches, and traffic lights that malfunction can all lead to a fatal accident. The government entity in charge of maintenance can be liable in these cases. However, the timeline for filing against a government entity is much shorter, so enlisting the help of a personal injury attorney is a good idea.
Investigating a Wrongful Death
Just as in other personal injuries, a compensation claim for wrongful death has to be investigated to provide evidence against the at-fault party. Our investigators perform the following:
- Interviews are conducted with witnesses to the fatality accident. Some witnesses may have captured the accident on their cell phones, which provides compelling evidence.
- Area surveillance cameras are checked to see if the collision was captured on video. This type of evidence is often used by insurance companies and in court.
- The police report is examined for errors because mistakes may make it difficult for the family to place a claim.
- Accident reconstruction is performed. This shows the positioning of the vehicle, the path it took, and where it ended up.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Rancho Cordova
I am Ed Smith, a wrongful death lawyer in Rancho Cordova. The loss of a loved one may be compensated when a negligent person was the cause. Contact me for my compassionate, free, and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach me by sending me a message online.
More information about my law firm and how we’ve helped others is found below:
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We’ve helped Rancho Cordova residents and other Northern Californians since 1982 in acquiring the compensation they deserve for their traffic crashes, traumatic injuries, and wrongful death claims.
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/
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