A Crash on Watt Avenue Claimed the Life of a Scooter Rider
A scooter rider fatality happened in North Highlands on December 11 following the rider’s collision with a three-axle dump truck. The accident was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) around 6:12 in the morning along southbound Watt Avenue just south of Roseville Road. The driver of the dump truck remained at the accident scene and tried to assist the scooter rider as well as calling 911 for help.
Scooter Rider Fatality Being Investigated to Determine Cause
The Sacramento County Coroner arrived at the scene to declare 49-year-old John Philbrook of North Highlands deceased. A tow truck arrived to remove the scooter. The roadway remained shut down for about two hours while an investigation ensued by the CHP. It is still unknown how the scooter rider fatality accident occurred, and the incident is being investigated by the CHP to determine the cause. However, neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be factored in the fatality accident.
Dangers of Being in an Accident With a Dump Truck
The primary danger to smaller vehicles when they collide with a dump truck is the truck’s larger size and weight. Generally, the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the impact and damage. A dump truck’s load generally weighs from 13,000 to 15,000 pounds, increasing the risk to a smaller vehicle or can lead to a scooter rider fatality. The majority of accidents involving a dump truck occur at construction sites or when the vehicle is traveling from one location to another. The cause of most accidents are:
- The dump truck operator fails to operate the vehicle properly, which can cause a scooter rider fatality.
- The operator does not check to see if other vehicles or individuals are nearby, especially scooters, which have a low profile.
- The operator is not adequately trained on operating the dump truck.
- The dump truck operator is fatigued, impaired by alcohol or drugs, or is distracted and not focusing on the road.
- The dump truck is defective, or the bed and hydraulics are not working properly, or the vehicle was not inspected recently.
- The driver or his/her employer fails to make repairs.
- The truck’s brakes have not been checked or are not working poorly.
- The operator of the dump truck fails to use signals to indicate a turn or does not obey local traffic laws.
- Drivers lose control, leading to a rollover.
Losing a Loved One in a Dump Truck Accident
It is always hard to lose a loved one, and the pain and grief are even worse when it is due to negligence by another. This can lead to feelings of anger, worry, and a need for justice for their loved one. In addition, the family may experience financial difficulties that compound their loss. That is where an injury attorney can help by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party.
What a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Can Do to Help
A wrongful death lawsuit takes into consideration the financial burden caused by the loss of a family member, especially if they were a breadwinner. After their demise, remaining family members may wonder how they can pay household bills, provide for their loved ones and cover the expenses for the funeral and burial. A wrongful death lawsuit covers all of these and others. While it will not bring back the loved one, it will help the family going forward.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When your family has lost a loved one because of negligence, they may place a claim for wrongful death with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Call for my free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach me online.
I’ve helped Sacramento and North Highlands residents since 1982 to recover compensation involving all types of car accidents, motorcycle crashes, wrongful deaths, and other claims.
Look over the following to discover more information about my law practice:
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