Vehicle Exited West El Camino Avenue on-Ramp in Solo Vehicle Crash
A solo vehicle crash that killed a 19-year-old female driver was discovered on January 18 in Sacramento, however, authorities believe the fatal accident may have occurred days earlier. The accident occurred at the on-ramp for West El Camino Avenue that leads to Interstate 80 westbound when the vehicle, driven by a Woodland woman, struck a tree while at highway speeds. Because the crashed vehicle could not be seen from the road, officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are uncertain when it occurred.
Identity of Deceased Driver Not Yet Released
The on-ramp was shut down by authorities while an investigation was held to determine the cause of the solo vehicle crash. Drivers were told to use an alternate route because of the major crash. The identity of the deceased driver has not yet been released pending the notification of her family.
Losing a Loved One in a Solo Vehicle Crash
Many times, a driver dies in a solo vehicle crash and leaves the family wondering why it happened. In most cases, driver error such as speeding or distracted driving is involved but not always. There are times when the accident is out of the control of the driver and caused by the negligence of another person or entity. In these types of cases, the family may have grounds for filing a wrongful death claim. Some types of accidents that are not the fault of the driver include:
- Defective auto parts: Brake failure, an accelerator that sticks, or steering problems can lead to a solo vehicle crash. An auto product liability claim can be made against the manufacturer in these cases. Checking the vehicle for defects makes it important to retain the car.
- Hit-and-run drivers: A driver who crashes into another car and leaves the scene can appear like a solo vehicle crash. Investigators into the collision can determine if another vehicle was the cause of the accident.
- Government neglect: Ramps that have too sharp a curve, potholes, or other maintenance problems can lead to a collision. The government entity charged with maintenance can be liable for injuries or fatalities in an accident.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Since 1982, our legal team at AutoAccident.com has helped many families in recovering damages for the loss of a loved one caused by a wrongful death. Although filing a claim is probably the furthest thing the family thinks of when they lose a loved one, eventually they realize that the loss can cause financial distress, especially if the person who died contributed income for their support. By filing a wrongful death claim, the family members cannot only recover those financial losses but can achieve some sense of justice and closure for the loss of their loved one.
What Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?
The following damages are often recovered by family members or the representative of the deceased’s estate in a wrongful death claim:
- A deceased loved one’s wages, bonuses, and other job benefits are recoverable until they would have reached retirement age.
- Loss of inheritance can be recovered in some cases. This is the amount that beneficiaries would have inherited from the deceased if they had lived out their life.
- The surviving spouse can claim loss of consortium and the love and care they lost by the decedent’s death.
- The funeral and burial expenses can be recovered as long as it is a reasonable amount.
- The children in the family can recover damages for the loss of guidance and nurturing the decedent provided.
- Household services the decedent provided are recoverable. This includes things the decedent performed around the house that would have a monetary value, such as mowing the lawn, servicing the vehicles, tax preparation, cleaning the home, and caring for the children.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death attorney. When a loved one dies in an accident caused by another individual or entity, the family may be able to place a wrongful death claim. Contact us for our compassionate, free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can reach us online also.
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Photo attribution: Image by Netto Figueiredo from Pixabay
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