Tow Truck Operator Struck by Suspected Drunk Driver on I-5
A traffic fatality of a tow truck operator happened in Sacramento on March 27 when he was struck by a driver suspected of being intoxicated. The deceased driver was identified as Obinna Ugorji, who was a 40-year-old Sacramento resident. The accident was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as occurring along northbound Interstate 5 close to Seamans Avenue at about 11:40 in the evening.
Details of the Traffic Fatality Accident
According to the police report, Urogji was hooking up a disabled vehicle along the roadside, and the emergency lights on the tow truck were on when both the vehicle and tow truck operator were hit by a Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The tow truck operator was thrown into the road by the vehicle’s impact and died from his injuries. The driver of the minivan and of the disabled vehicle remained uninjured.
Sacramento Man Arrested in Death of Tow Truck Operator
The minivan driver, a Sacramento man, age 46, refused to offer a statement to police investigating the traffic fatality crash. Officers believe the driver was under the influence, and he was placed under arrest. The charges the man faces include gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI. He was taken to the Sacramento County Jail, where he was booked. The CHP is conducting an investigation into the traffic fatality accident.
Impaired Drivers
Impaired drivers continue to be a menace along Sacramento roads despite efforts to curtail them. The National Safety Council reports that around 10 percent of all traffic fatalities are due to motorists who have either been drinking, using drugs, or are taking medications that affect their ability to be behind the wheel of a car.
Obtaining Compensation Following a Wrongful Death
When a traffic fatality occurs because of a negligent driver, the family may be entitled to place a claim for compensation. My law office has helped many families over the years in obtaining the compensation that they deserve for the loss of their loved one by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. We understand the grief and sense of loss you feel and offer compassionate help to enable your family to move forward.
Recovery of Damages Following a Wrongful Death
The compensation that can be recovered following a wrongful death includes:
- Wages the decedent would have earned until the age of retirement can be recovered, which includes pension benefits, insurance, and other perks of the job.
- Loss of inheritance is recoverable as damages.
- Loss of consortium and the love and companionship the deceased provided to the spouse can be recovered.
- Loss of guidance, training, and other benefits provided to the children of the family is recoverable.
- Expenses for the funeral service and burial are included.
- Loss of household services is recoverable, which includes areas where the decedent helped around the home, such as mowing the lawn, caring for children, paying bills, and taking care of the family’s vehicle.
- Medical care costs for the decedent can be recovered through a survivor’s action if the person lived for a time before they expired.
- If the death was egregious or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are often much higher than those for wrongful death.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. Call me for my compassionate, free, and friendly advice if your loved one died as the result of another’s negligence. You can reach me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. An online contact form to message me is available also.
You can discover helpful information on how we’ve assisted others at the links below:
I’m honored to be a California member of the following: Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates.
Since 1982, my legal team and I have helped Sacramentans in obtaining the compensation they deserve for their cases involving wrongful deaths, traumas, government claims, and all types of traffic accidents.
Attributed photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/
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