Highway 99 Southbound Site of Motorcycle Accident
An accident fatality happened along Highway 99 southbound in Sacramento on May 1 after a motorcycle collided with a pickup. The accident occurred near the connector for Highway 50 at around 5:30 in the morning, as reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The details of the accident and identity of the individual who died have not yet been released by authorities. The accident is under investigation by the CHP to determine what happened.
Traffic Affected by Accident Fatality
About an hour after the accident fatality occurred, Caltrans reported that the Cap City Freeway was backed up for around one mile, along with the ramps that take motorists from Highway 50 to Highway 99 because of blocked lanes. Because the merge lanes remained open, traffic was able to keep moving beyond the accident area.
Placing a Claim for Wrongful Death
When a family member dies in a motorcycle accident, the family may claim fair compensation if the death was caused by negligence. While this will not ease the grief family members feel, it may help alleviate the financial stress caused by the accident. Family members are entitled to the following compensation:
- Recovery of salary for the number of years the decedent may have worked
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Damage to the family from their emotional trauma such as loss of love, companionship and consortium.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, are vulnerable to serious injuries and fatalities because of their lack of protection. A motorist in a much larger, enclosed vehicle with built-in safety devices such as airbags and seatbelts, is much more likely to walk away from an accident with less severe injuries. A negligent driver is the common cause of a motorcycle accident fatality. Some of the reasons why include:
- Speeding: A motorist who is speeding needs more time to stop in an emergency and is less likely to spot a motorcyclist sharing the roadway.
- Distracted driving: Using a cell phone to text or talk while driving takes the driver’s eyes and concentration from the road. Other distractions include eating or drinking while driving, checking GPS and other activities. Taking one’s eyes from the road while driving increases the risk of an accident fatality.
- Fatigue: Drivers who work on changing shifts, don’t get enough rest or are out partying late can find themselves a danger on the road. Falling asleep while driving is not uncommon, which can lead to an accident fatality.
- Failure to yield: A common accident fatality to motorcyclists happens when a driver turns in front of a rider. This failure to yield causes many injuries and deaths each year.
Helping After Loss of Life
There are many ways in which a friend, coworker or another family member can help out when others are grieving the loss of a loved one. Some of those ways include:
- Phoning to express sympathy and sending a card, flowers and food
- Helping out around the house such as mowing the lawn or babysitting
- Being a good listener because someone going through a period of grief needs to talk
- Accompanying a grieving person on errands or taking them out to eat so they have a break
- Offering to go along to make funeral arrangements
- Being there afterward for the family by visiting, calling and helping wherever it is needed
In the following video, attorney Ed Smith discusses proving fault in a wrongful death case:
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a wrongful death lawyer in Sacramento. When negligence leads to the death of a loved one, fair compensation may be sought by the surviving family members. You can reach me for my free and friendly advice about your case at (916) 921-6400 or on the toll-free line at (800) 404-5400. Others prefer to connect with me by sending a message using the online form.
Look over cases handled by my firm at Settlements and Verdicts. Client reviews can be found at:
I’m a member of Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
During the past 38 years, I’ve successfully handled many claims for compensation for traffic accidents and injuries of all types.
Photo Attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-lg0clbRM; https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
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