Accident on Georgetown Road Occurs When Vehicle Leaves Roadway
A traffic fatality was reported in El Dorado County north of Placerville on December 27 in a single-vehicle accident. A report issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that a single vehicle had gone off the roadway in the snow along Georgetown Road just north of Shoemaker Road around 7:41 p.m. near Georgetown. The driver inside was reported as a fatality. However, no additional information was provided. The CHP is investigating to determine how the traffic fatality occurred. The name of the deceased will not be released until the family has been notified by the El Dorado County Coroner.
Causes of a Traffic Fatality in a Single-Vehicle Accident
Most injury and fatality accidents are the result of driver error such as speeding, distracted driving, or undue fatigue. However, other outside causes can result in a traffic fatality where the family can file a wrongful death claim. These outside causes include:
- Auto defects: When brakes fail, the accelerator sticks, a tire experiences a blowout or other mechanical problems, it can lead to an injury or traffic fatality, it may be due to a defective product. The manufacturer and others in the production line can be held responsible financially by filing an auto product liability claim. This is one of the reasons it is so important to retain the vehicle following a traffic accident.
- Problems with roadways: A vehicle can hit a pothole, fissure, or upheaval in the road, or an oil slick that can cause a traffic fatality accident. In addition, insufficient overhead lighting, misplaced or missing signs, and other problems can lead to an accident. The government entity may be held liable for injuries or fatalities that occur due to poor maintenance. Because the time limit for filing against a government entity is much shorter than other personal injuries, asking for the help of an injury lawyer may be a good idea.
- Aggressive or hit-and-run drivers: An aggressive driver can crowd another vehicle, tailgate, or commit other maneuvers that cause the other motorist to lose control of their vehicle and crash. A hit-and-run driver simply leaves the scene. An injury lawyer can investigate to determine if another vehicle caused the traffic fatality accident and locate them to hold them responsible.
Filing a Claim for Wrongful Death
Those who lose a loved one suddenly in a traffic collision are often not only grief stricken but confused and angry. Filing a claim for wrongful death often doesn’t enter their minds until they are faced with the cost of the funeral and burial as well as the lost income the loved one contributed. However, by filing a wrongful death claim, the family members can achieve justice and a feeling of closure that the at-fault party is being held responsible. Some areas where compensation can be sought include:
- The cost of the funeral service and burial can be recovered.
- Income and benefits the decedent would have earned until the age of retirement is recoverable, including pension, insurance, and bonuses.
- Loss of inheritance may be claimed.
- Loss of consortium and companionship may be claimed by the spouse.
- Loss of parental guidance and nurturing may be claimed by the family’s children.
- Loss of household services such as lawn care, tax preparation, and others may be claimed.
- A claim may be made for the emotional damage caused by the loss of the loved one.
Placerville Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Placerville wrongful death lawyer. When a loved one dies in a tragic accident caused by negligence, the family may wish to find out if they can place a claim to recover damages. Contact us for our compassionate, free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. We can be reached online also.
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Since 1982, my team of injury lawyers and I have helped numerous El Dorado County residents to get the compensation they deserve in cases involving wrongful deaths and all varieties of car accidents.
Discover how we have assisted others in obtaining fair compensation below:
Photo attribution: Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay
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