Tragic Solo Vehicle Crash Occurs at Barandas Drive Intersection
A solo vehicle crash occurred in Sacramento on June 7 that killed an adult and injured four others, including a minor. The accident happened in a residential area at the Barandas Drive intersection with Sweet Maple Way at about 2:20 p.m. when the vehicle slammed into a tree. Neighborhood residents and good Samaritans tried to assist those involved in the crash, including blocking the busy road while they waited for emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department.
Multiple People Transported to Hospitals Following Solo Vehicle Crash
In addition to the fatality, others involved in the crash suffered serious injuries and were transported to hospitals. The accident is under investigation by the Sacramento Police Department, who were at the scene for hours to determine how the accident took place.
Officials have recently identified the decedents as 27-year-old Marryam Naeem and a 16-year-old girl, both Sacramento residents. The teen succumbed to injuries during hospitalization just a week after the incident, Sacramento PD said.
Injuries and Fatalities in a Head-On Crash With a Fixed Object
When a vehicle strikes a fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole head-on, the impact force can be significant enough to cause severe injury and even death. This type of crash is typically more common in rural areas, with fewer guardrails and other safety features than those found on highways and interstates.
The impact force is often so great that the front of the vehicle may be completely destroyed while the back end remains relatively intact.
A solo vehicle crash of this type can cause passengers to be thrown from the vehicle or crushed inside, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. In addition, due to the strength of a fixed object such as a tree or utility pole, head-on collisions with them often result in a complete loss of control for the driver.
Safety Features Might Not Be Enough to Protect Passengers
Safety features such as seatbelts, airbags and roll-over protection are essential for reducing the severity of injuries in any car accident; however, they may not be enough to save lives in a solo vehicle crash with a fixed object. The best defense against these crashes is to take extra caution when driving in rural areas and intersections and be mindful of speed limits, as a single moment of distraction or misjudgment can have life-altering consequences.
Getting Compensation for Traffic Accidents
Following a traffic accident, a variety of compensation can be recovered for you or a loved one. You may be able to recover the following damages, depending on the extent of your injuries:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering, including psychological and emotional trauma
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in a Solo Vehicle Crash
A wrongful death claim in California can be filed by immediate family members who have lost a loved one. Damages for wrongful death can include both financial and non-economic losses, including:
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Instead of close family members or dependents of the deceased, the administrator of the decedent’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. However, only one claim may be filed.
When hiring a lawyer, accident attorney Ed Smith shares some tips on what to look for:
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith. I’m a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. In the event that negligence caused injuries or fatalities, the families or injured parties might want to ask whether they are entitled to compensation. Please call us at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice from one of our experienced accident attorneys. It is also possible to reach out to us online.
The following are some examples of how our skilled injury lawyers have assisted others:
The fact that we are members of these groups shows how hard we work to provide our clients with the most compensation possible:
Photo attribution: Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay
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