Collision on Sheldon Lake Drive Kills Driver and Seriously Injures Passenger
A fatal accident occurred on August 9 in the Vineyard area that also caused severe trauma to a female passenger in the vehicle. The accident happened on Sheldon Lake Drive, where the roadway changes its name to Sunrise Boulevard and is intersected by Grant Line Road at around 2:30 a.m. Authorities with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) believe that alcohol and speed were factors in the cause of the accident.
Vehicle Overturned Multiple Times Before Ending Up in Empty Lot
CHP investigators believe the driver of a Honda was speeding along Sunrise Boulevard and went through the Grant Line Road intersection, where he failed to brake or negotiate the roadway curve along Sheldon Lake Drive. As a result, the vehicle went off the road into a drainage ditch, overturning a number of times. It then struck a fence and vehicle that was parked in a driveway, overturned more times and ended up in an empty lot.
Driver in Fatal Accident and Passenger Were Both From Elk Grove
Authorities stated that the female passenger in the Honda was thrown from the vehicle sometime during the crash, and the driver was pinned in his seat. Although personnel with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District extricated the driver and both patients were transported to the hospital, the male died there sometime around 4:00 a.m. The two people in the vehicle were identified as Elk Grove residents, both age 21.
Identity of Fatal Accident Driver Not Released Yet
The driver’s identity has not been released pending notification of the family by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office. The CHP reported that there were no witnesses to the accident. The CHP is continuing their investigation into the fatal accident.
Can I Claim Compensation if I Was a Passenger in the Vehicle That Crashed?
Yes, you can. Passengers in a vehicle have no control over what the driver is doing. If the fatal accident involved negligence on the part of the driver, the injured passenger may claim compensation. If the driver and passenger were friends, the injured party may not want to cause the grieving family more pain by filing a claim. However, medical bills are probably mounting quickly, and the reason motorists purchase insurance is to provide compensation in the event of an injury or death.
Contacting an Attorney Following Your Injury Accident
It may be advisable to contact an accident attorney to find out if you can place a claim to recover compensation for the injuries you suffered in a crash. If a personal injury claim is not possible, you may still be able to collect damages by using your uninsured/underinsured insurance policy. These policies cover you whether you are a driver or passenger in a vehicle, and many Californians have this type of insurance. If you do not have this add-on provision to your auto insurance but a family member does, you can use theirs. It won’t affect the rates in the future.
Vineyard Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Vineyard personal injury lawyer. Reckless behavior when behind the wheel of a car can have tragic consequences. If your loved one died or was injured by a negligent driver, you may be able to obtain damages. Contact us at (800) 404-5400 or at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice about your case. We can also be contacted online.
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