Tragic Loss on Interstate 5
On August 15, 2021, Sunday evening, a 68-year-old Sacramento man was killed in a fiery I-5 wrong-way car crash. The tragic incident occurred in Woodland, California, on Interstate 5, according to representatives from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Details of the I-5 Wrong-Way Crash
The crash happened shortly after 7:30 p.m. A 27-year-old Elk Grove woman was driving a sedan northbound on I-5 in the vicinity of the overcrossing at Kentucky Avenue when she veered to the left for unknown reasons. Her vehicle crossed the center divider and was on the wrong side of the freeway. Her sedan was almost immediately hit head-on by a pickup truck traveling south on the highway.
The three occupants of the southbound pickup truck were trapped inside their vehicle when flames ignited. The truck’s passengers – a 14-year-old boy and a 51-year-old woman – were rescued. Sadly, the driver was not able to be extricated prior to the vehicle becoming fully engulfed in flames. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The wrong-way driver of the sedan sustained major injuries and was transported to U.C. Davis Medical Center. The rescued truck passengers were taken to other area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to moderate, according to authorities.
Watch the YouTube Video. Below is a news clip from CBS13 reporting on the tragic incident.
I-5 Wrong-Way Crash Investigation
Following the deadly incident, traffic on I-5 south was diverted as investigators studied the scene. The detour stretched into the late-night hours.
The investigation remains open and CHP officials have requested that any witnesses or those with further information call (530) 662-4685.
Finding the Right Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Claim
When the death of a loved one is caused by the negligence of another person or entity, the grief suffered by those left behind is often compounded by feelings of anger, frustration, and helplessness. This is known as complex grief. Along with heartbreak, a sudden and unexpected loss of a family member can also bring financial problems, especially if the deceased was a primary breadwinner.
Wrongful death claims can be complicated. Negligence must be proven, and after that is accomplished, the task of documenting the damages suffered by the grieving family begins. Often this is a painful process. While it is impossible to erase the grief, a compassionate attorney can help to carefully guide your family through the difficult steps required by the legal process. Thoroughly documenting the lost future income of the deceased is important, but so is presenting the full value of the loss of companionship and love that the absence brings to those left behind.
No amount of money can ever erase the pain of losing a loved one to wrongful death. When negligence, rather than criminal behavior, is the cause of the tragedy, a civil claim is the only legal avenue through which the wrongdoer can be held responsible. A monetary settlement will also help the bereaved family deal with the unplanned expenses and income loss caused by the untimely death.
Woodland Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Woodland, California wrongful death lawyer. We are always saddened to report on traffic fatalities in our area. Our firm puts an emphasis on handling personal injury and wrongful death cases with expertise and compassion. If your family has experienced the loss of a loved one due to negligence, reach out to us for free and friendly legal advice. Our phone number is (530) 392-9400. For Northern Californians outside of the local area code, we also provide a toll-free number: (800) 404-5400.
We are proud of our client reviews, which may help you make a decision when searching for the right attorney. They can be found on Avvo, Yelp, and Google. Please also see our verdicts and settlements page.
Photo: Pixabay
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