Investigation Proceeds Into Pedestrian Accident Near Arden Arcade High School
A teenager was killed in an Arden Arcade pedestrian accident on March 13 along Sunnyvale Avenue close to Becerra Way near Mira Loma High School. According to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) representative, Officer Greg Zumstein, the crash site was across from the high school, although the minor was not a student. He said the minor was struck by an Infiniti Coupe that was operated by a 17-year-old driver. Witnesses who saw the accident happen reported that the 14-year-old jumped onto the Infiniti’s hood and immediately fell off. He was then struck by the Infiniti. Personnel from the Sacramento Fire Department arrived shortly after the pedestrian accident, however, despite efforts to help the teenager, he expired at 3:29 p.m. at the scene. The CHP, who is responsible for the investigation, said that there was no indication at this point that drugs or alcohol were involved. The Infiniti driver was not charged.
Losing a Loved One Unexpectedly
For parents, there is probably nothing that will compare with losing a child. Aside from deviating from the natural order of things, this loss permeates every aspect of their life. Nothing prepares them for this, and it makes no sense to have their child’s life end first. The most important thing the immediate family can do is to cling to and support one another. Although members of the family may seek time alone, the support they give one another will help them get through their overwhelming grief.
In some cases, the loss may put a strain on intrafamily relationships. It is good to sit down together and talk, examining each other’s feelings and needs. It may be beneficial to seek professional counseling for the family if needed.
How a Family Can Help Themselves
A family facing the death of a loved one may be helped by doing the following:
- Accept help: It is important to accept help from friends and extended family members. This includes offers to do household chores and grocery shop.
- Face the ongoing nightmare together: Long after the immediate shock, families must cope with life without their loved one. Pull together and help each other through this. Keep communication lines open.
- Be open to professional help: Depression is a real issue after the death of a loved one for both adults and children. Teen depression may reveal itself with falling grades or changes in personality. Family counseling can also be of enormous help.
- Support groups: Such groups help families know they are not alone. By connecting with others who have experienced similar catastrophes, it provides the family with a safe place to vent their feelings.
Liability in a Pedestrian Accident
Appearances are often deceptive when a pedestrian accident occurs. This can cause witness accounts to be misleading or police reports to contain inaccuracies. It is necessary to carefully examine the accident to determine what happened. If it occurred in a location where traffic or security cameras are located, it gives investigators a clear view of the circumstances.
How Our Law Firm Helps
Pedestrian accidents where someone is killed are challenging simply because the person can no longer speak for themselves. This makes it all the more necessary to investigate the accident to determine precisely why it happened. Our investigators are sent to the site where they carefully interview witnesses, examine official reports for mistakes, and obtain video footage. Our investigators look for road defects that may have led to a pedestrian falling or tripping in the path of a car. If this occurred, then the liability may shift to the public agency responsible for road maintenance. Once we have all the evidence we need, our lawyers work hard to help the family through this difficult time by structuring a wrongful death case.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Arden Arcade
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Arden Arcade. Losing a loved one is devastating for a family. All of us in my law firm empathize with your pain and loss. Call me for free and friendly advice. You can reach me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 or online by filling out my convenient contact us form.
I’ve been helping residents of Arden Arcade for more than 38 years in traumatic injuries, car accidents, and wrongful deaths.
I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Learn more about my practice on the following pages:
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