Driver Crashes Through Bike Trail Gate and Causes Critical Injuries to Bicycle Rider
A suspected drunk driver has been placed under arrest by authorities in Sacramento following the death on June 29 of a senior bicyclist on a bike trail. The driver in question was identified as a 25-year-old, who is being held in Elk Grove at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center. He is facing charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, hit-and-run, causing an injury or death while intoxicated, and driving on a revoked or suspended license.
How the Drunk Driver Accident Happened
At the time the accident involving the drunk driver occurred, 76-year-old Michael Dodson, a Sacramento resident, was bicycling on the bike trail near Tribute Road along the American River Parkway’s north side. Officers with the Sacramento Police Department were called to the scene sometime after 9:00 a.m. after receiving a report of the accident. The older man was discovered to have suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he died.
Additional Details of the Fatal Accident
Police reported that the hit-and-run driver of the vehicle passed through the gate to the bike trail, apparently attempting to get on the path. This is where Dodson was struck by the vehicle. According to police, the drunk driver left the accident scene and was arrested later. He appeared to be intoxicated, according to authorities. The drunk driver appeared for his arraignment in court in early July, and bail has not been granted.
Placing a Claim for Wrongful Death Following an Accident
Losing a loved one because of the negligent actions of a drunk driver is always shocking and leaves family members not only grieving but angry and confused as to how this could happen. By filing a claim for wrongful death, the family not only receives the means to avoid the financial repercussions of that loss, but it also gives them a sense of justice and closure, knowing that the at-fault party is being held responsible.
What Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Many families face financial distress when a loved one dies suddenly, especially if that person contributed to household expenses. Some of the areas in which compensation can be sought by filing a wrongful death claim include:
- The family can recover the cost of the funeral and burial, which can easily run into the $1000s.
- The salary the decedent earned can be recovered, including pension benefits, insurance, bonuses, and other areas of financial compensation.
- Loss of inheritance can be recovered.
- Loss of consortium, affection, and love can be recovered by the surviving spouse.
- Loss of nurturing, affection, and guidance can be recovered by children in the family.
- Financial compensation for the loss of the decedent’s contribution to household tasks can be recovered. These are areas where the loved one performed tasks around the house, including mowing the lawn, car care, cooking and others.
- A survival action can be filed if the decedent lived for a while before expiring. This action is one the deceased could have filed themself had they lived. Under a survival action, the cost of all medical expenses associated with the accident can be recovered.
- In some cases, the family may ask for punitive damages, which are awarded as punishment for especially egregious actions that lead to injury or death. Your injury lawyer can tell you whether you can pursue this course of action.
Our investigators collect the evidence needed to support a client’s claim for wrongful death. When it has been compiled, our injury attorneys use it to construct a strong claim.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When a loved one has died because of the negligent actions of another, the family may want to consider filing a wrongful death claim. For our compassionate, free and friendly advice, you can contact us at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. We can be reached online also by sending us a message.
Since 1982, our legal team at AutoAccident.com has helped many grieving families obtain compensation for the loss of their loved one. We handle all types of traffic collisions, government claims, and other types of personal injuries.
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