Major Collision in Sacramento Results in Two Deaths
Fatalities were reported in a major collision that occurred along Interstate 80 in Sacramento on August 27. It happened when a Chevrolet Monte Carlo left the Capital City Freeway for unknown reasons, rolled over and crashed into a wooded area east of Watt Avenue. The single-vehicle accident happened before 2:00 a.m. between the exits for eastbound Auburn Avenue and Watt Avenue, according to the Sacramento Highway Patrol (CHP). Two fatalities were reported.
Additional Information on the Accident
The two men were identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office as Gilbert Benamati, 30, and Sean Powers, 29. The vehicle was heavily damaged with one of the tires and a door torn off when it landed in the Arcadia Creek bed. The number three lane of I-80 was closed down while authorities investigated the major collision and the vehicle was removed.
What an Attorney Can Do
In a solo vehicle accident where both the driver and passengers are killed, it is more difficult to say why the crash occurred. It is necessary to use an array of investigative techniques to determine what happened. This is why we dispatch our investigative team to the scene of the accident. We scour the area for evidence and interview witnesses if anyone saw the crash occur. We also review police reports for accuracy. In some cases, it is necessary to check black box data or other parameters that might shed light on the crash. Once the information is complete, we turn it over to our legal team to build a case based on negligence. In cases where a single vehicle was involved, it is possible that a defect in the car or truck caused the crash. In this case, a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer may be filed. Other reasons can be that an aggressive driver forced the vehicle off the road or the roadway itself was poorly designed or maintained.
Crashworthiness
Crashworthiness as a concept focuses on passenger and driver protections that are able to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a crashworthiness program that is used to update testing for safety. Some of the main areas that are involved are design, equipment and safety devices. For instance, if the design of the vehicle decreases its level of crashworthiness, it is possible for your attorney to file a claim for product liability even if the design flaw did not actually cause the accident. It is important to show that the problem did cause or increase the injury. It is also important to show that the defect could have been replaced with another design. One area where crashworthiness is implicated is in rollover accidents where a crushed roof is involved. In this case, the strength of the roof must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the vehicle. If it isn’t, the vehicle has serious crashworthiness issues.
Dealing With Grief After a Major Collision
Hearing the phone ring and being told that someone you love has died is one of the hardest things a family can face. Sudden death leaves no time for final goodbyes. The grief that a wrongful death usually brings is compounded by this. Grief is different for everyone, but there are some emotions that are common. These include:
- Anger: This is more common in a sudden wrongful death, although it can appear for a number of reasons. This emotion usually occurs when someone we love dies due to a reckless act.
- Agitation: This can be felt as the inability to relax.
- Fear: Worrisome feelings often predominate when the family is left without the support the decedent provided. Financial problems can include end-of-life expenses and inability to pay bills. In some cases, a wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of the family by an attorney can help alleviate monetary problems.
- Helplessness: Family members may feel helpless after a loved one’s death.
- Loneliness: A feeling of loneliness or isolation may ensue after a family member dies. This is especially true when a spouse dies.
- Lack of appetite: Many lose their normal appetite after a loved one dies. In order to stay strong, it is vital to sleep and eat properly.
- Lack of concentration: Sometimes, the immediate family may focus so much on their loss that it is difficult to concentrate on anything else.
- Fatigue: Due to the circumstances, family members may feel excessively fatigued. It is important to get a good night’s sleep.
Watch the following video presented by attorney Ed Smith that explains what a wrongful death claim is:
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. Major collisions resulting in injuries or fatalities can occur for many reasons involving a single-vehicle. If negligence caused the accident, the family may be able to obtain compensation for the loss of their loved ones. If your family was affected by this accident, I am available to discuss it in a free case review. Please call me for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. You may also reach out to me at (800) 404-5400 or online too.
Over the many years I’ve worked as a Sacramento injury lawyer, I’ve handled numerous cases. This includes all kinds of traffic accidents, traumatic brain injuries, and other types of traumas.
At the following pages, you can look over my clients’ reviews and cases that my law firm has handled previously:
I belong to the following organizations:
- The Million Dollar Advocates Forum awards membership to attorneys who have won more than $1 million for a client.
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel invites a select group of lawyers to join who exhibit the highest levels of excellence in their practice.
Photo Attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-lg0clbRM; https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
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