Single-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Elk Grove Under Investigation
A single-vehicle fatal crash occurred in the early morning hours on East Laguna Boulevard in the vicinity of Haussman Street in Elk Grove on November 12. The accident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m., according to an Elk Grove Police representative. The driver of a pickup died at the scene of the accident. The pickup was found in the slow lane with major damage to the operator’s side with metal sticking out where the impact occurred. It appeared as though the pickup traveled across the road from the fast lane to where it came to rest. The placement of the vehicle and damage led police to question if another motorist might have been involved. Authorities are asking the community for help requesting that anyone who saw the crash or might have additional information to call their headquarters. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as Nickolas Bustillos, 27, of Elk Grove.
Coping with a Loved One’s Sudden Death
Family members are often overwhelmed when a sudden death claims a loved one. Their capacity to cope is majorly strained leading to physical and emotional turmoil due to shock. From the first phone call alerting them to the person’s demise to the funeral and beyond, the family’s ability to cope is severely affected. In addition, the sense of security they once had is destroyed, leaving them feeling vulnerable. There are ways others can help:
- Be there: It is important the person does not feel alone. Family members and friends need not feel afraid of intruding. The bereaved person needs the support and the comfort of their presence.
- Listen to them: Visiting friends and family members do not necessarily need to give advice. They simply have to listen. It is important to let the bereaved talk about their anger and disbelief as well as the accident.
- Let them grieve in their own way: Grief does not come in one size fits all. Rather, it varies from person to person. It is important not to tell a grieving person how to feel.
- Offer to help: The bereaved person may not ask for help, but in most cases, it is needed. General offers of help are often not taken simply because it is too broad a question. It is important to be specific, such as asking for a grocery list or when the children have to leave for school each day and working out a way of doing the chore.
- Don’t stop helping after the funeral: It may seem that things settle down after the funeral, but this is far from the case. The immediate end of life tasks might, but the grieving person does not miraculously recover.
Questioning How a Fatal Single-Vehicle Accident Happened
Since the deceased driver cannot speak for themself to say how the accident happened, it is necessary for police to use a variety of methods to discover the cause. On many occasions, a single-vehicle accident is caused by driver error. However, other reasons, such as a hit and run driver, a medical emergency, or an automotive defect may be responsible.
Please view the following video presented by attorney Ed Smith on wrongful death claims:
How Your Attorney Can Help
At our firm, we know the need the family has to learn what happened to their loved one. Our investigative team is sent to the accident site to determine just that. We use accident reconstruction techniques to recreate the crash. Our investigators interview any witnesses, obtain video footage from traffic surveillance cameras, and review police reports for mistakes. If the evidence points to a fleeing driver, we work to locate him or her. In some cases, there are roadway problems that might have caused the accident. If so, we file a claim against the local government agency in charge of roadway maintenance. Leaving nothing to chance, our investigators accumulate an abundance of data and release it to our lawyers for use in your wrongful death case.
Elk Grove Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove wrongful death lawyer. Wrongful death claims do not ease your grief. They do relieve the financial stress that accompanies a death in the family. I am here to help you. Call me at (916) 694-0002 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online if that is more convenient for you.
I’ve assisted residents of Elk Grove since 1982 in car accidents, pedestrian injuries, and motorcycle crashes claim the compensation they deserve.
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If you would like to learn about my firm, please go to the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-lg0clbRM; https://pixabay.com/photos/boy-child-sad-alone-sit-1666611/
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