North Highlands Fatal Accident Occurs When Man in Wheelchair Killed

Man in Wheelchair Dies in North Highlands Fatal Accident on Watt Avenue

A North Highlands fatal accident occurred on Watt Avenue, resulting in the tragic death of a man in a wheelchair who was struck by a sedan on November 15. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred around 5:29 a.m. when a driver in his 40s, traveling southbound on Watt just north of Roseville Road, collided with a pedestrian. The pedestrian was in his late 20s. The injured man in the wheelchair was transported to the hospital with severe injuries but was later pronounced dead.

North Highlands Fatal Accident Investigation Ongoing

Authorities indicated that the driver is cooperating fully with the investigation. There is no suspicion of drug or alcohol involvement. The details surrounding the collision and the reason for the pedestrian being in the traffic lane are still under investigation by the CHP traffic accident unit.

Why Wheelchair Users Use the Street to Travel

Navigating through urban environments can often pose significant challenges for wheelchair users and can lead to a North Highlands fatal accident. One of the main reasons wheelchair users may opt to travel using the street rather than the sidewalk is the lack of accessibility features. Sidewalks may have uneven surfaces, narrow pathways, or obstacles such as poles and improperly parked bicycles, which make maneuvering a wheelchair difficult or even impossible.

Additionally, curb cuts and ramps may be absent or poorly designed. This further necessitates using the street as a more level and obstacle-free alternative. This choice, however, introduces safety risks, as wheelchair users may encounter traffic and other hazards.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

The individuals eligible to file such a claim after a North Highlands fatal accident caused by another’s negligence are family members of the deceased, which often includes spouses and their children. Individuals financially dependent on the deceased or who can demonstrate a significant loss due to the death may have standing to file a claim. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate may also be eligible.

Compensation in a Claim for Wrongful Death

In a wrongful death claim, compensation can encompass several categories to address the losses incurred by the deceased’s family and dependents. Damages typically include the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of inheritance. Additional damages may cover emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and the pain and suffering endured by the deceased before their death. 

California may also allow for punitive damages if the death resulted from particularly egregious or intentional conduct. It is vital to seek legal counsel to understand potential outcomes and to prepare a comprehensive claim.

Watch the video below to listen to accident attorney Ed Smith discuss wrongful death lawsuits:

North Highlands Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a wrongful death attorney in North Highlands. If your family has endured the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in a fatal North Highlands accident, our experienced team is available to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly legal advice regarding your case. Our injury lawyers are prepared to address your questions, assess your situation, and guide you through obtaining fair compensation. You can also reach out using our online message form or by calling (800) 404-5400.

To see how we’ve effectively assisted others in similar situations, explore our page on Settlements & Verdicts, check our reviews on Yelp, and read client feedback on Google. Our dedication to achieving maximum client compensation has earned us memberships in the Top 1 Percent and the Million Dollar Advocates.

Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

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