I-80 Shut Down in Truckee Area After Fatal Crash
A fatal crash occurred on December 15 near Truckee in the vicinity of Cisco Grove along westbound Interstate 80 in the early evening hours. A representative of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Truckee said a vehicle hit a Caltrans truck precipitating the fatal crash injuries. The accident necessitated the closure of all westbound lanes at Truckee in addition to those near the Nevada state line.
Additional Details About the Fatal Crash
The Cal Fire’s Grass Valley Command Center described the scene and reported that one person was fatally injured with no other injuries. The authorities warned that chains were still required in the area and that drivers needed to decrease their speed on the treacherous roads.
Losing a Loved One in a Fatal Crash
Everyone dreads losing a loved one, but finding out that a family member died in an accident can be overwhelming. When this happens, the family experiences grief, anger, loneliness, and a sense of helplessness and disbelief. In some cases, especially when the deceased provided for the financial support of the family, there is an uneasiness that they will be able to meet their expenses.
That is where a wrongful death lawsuit can help. If the person’s demise was due to negligence on the part of another person or entity, it is possible to file a claim against the at-fault party. The wrongful death claim is filed by the family and is often carried out by an attorney.
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
When someone dies due to negligence on the part of another person, the death is considered a wrongful death. A lawsuit filed by the spouse, children, step-children or other family members against the at-fault party is a civil matter. This can be done by the estate representative but is usually filed by an attorney since it is important to file the court documents properly and in a timely manner.
Is There a Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Yes, there is. Every personal injury lawsuit has a deadline associated with it beyond which the case will not be heard. In California, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years. Your attorney will ensure that this is done.
Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Under California Code of Civil Procedures 377.61, the damages are:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses associated with the accident prior to the person’s demise through a survivor action
- Loss of the financial support the decedent provided, including wages, benefits, and other monetary perks of the job calculated until the time the deceased would have retired
- Money that will need to be spent on household jobs usually done by the deceased
- Loss of love, guidance, and support
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of inheritance
How We Investigate a Wrongful Death Case
At our law firm, we dispatch our investigators to the scene of the fatal crash. They look for evidence that will prove that negligence occurred. We do accident reconstruction to determine liability and interview witnesses who saw the fatal crash occur. Our investigators use different means of gathering this information, depending on the case and when it happened.
In the event that the person died due to an intentional act, a criminal case may already be filed against the at-fault party. When this happens, the evidence in the criminal case may be used in the civil one. Since the former is proof beyond a reasonable doubt, it is stronger than that needed for a civil case.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Truckee
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a wrongful death attorney in Truckee. If a family member was killed by a negligent or intentional act, please call me at (530) 392-9400 or at (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. You can also contact me online.
My team of injury lawyers and I have helped numerous clients in Truckee and the surrounding area obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of car crashes, pedestrian and motorcycle accidents, and other traumas.
Learn about my practice by using the following links:
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Photo attribution: Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay
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