Tragic Death in an Elk Grove Rear-End Collision on I-5
An Elk Grove rear-end collision on November 17 ended in the passing of a driver whose vehicle crashed into the back end of a tractor-trailer along Interstate 5 southbound. The accident happened shortly after 9:00 in the evening just south of Elk Grove Boulevard. When officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrived at the accident scene, they discovered that a Freightliner pulling a trailer had stopped because of an earlier crash south of that location. The driver of a Nissan Versa was going south in the number two lane at around 70 mph. The driver of the Nissan reportedly neither slowed down nor stopped and crashed into the rear end of the trailer being pulled by the Freightliner. Both the driver and a passenger in the Nissan sustained injuries that were fatal, while the driver of the semi and another passenger in the big rig were uninjured.
Details of the Accident
As a result of the deadly rear-end collision, the number two lane on southbound I-5 was shut down for around two hours as the CHP conducted an investigation into what caused the crash. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has identified those who were killed in the accident as Cierra Wallace and Mariah Alvarado, both 19-year-olds and residents of Stockton. Separate GoFundMe pages have been set up for the families of Mariah Alvarado and Cierra Wallace to help cover their final expenses.
Losing a Family Member Unexpectedly
Losing a loved one unexpectedly in an accident can result in one of the hardest challenges a person can face. For many, the world as they knew it is turned upside down. They deal not only with the overwhelming grief and questions about why it happened but also with the financial uncertainty that results. It becomes difficult to maintain a schedule, which is problematic, especially if children are involved. Interest in eating and the ability to sleep without a thousand questions running through the grieving mind seems impossible. There are things that friends and family can do to help in this tragic time:
- Help with basic needs: Bring prepared meals to the family. If you are not certain what menu items they are able to eat or enjoy, it is best to ask first. Otherwise, offer to go to the store for them and request a grocery list.
- Share time with them: Usually, grieving people need to talk about what happened. Stopping by their home and listening is a great help. Don’t impose your version about what happened or how they should feel. Everyone reacts differently when coping with a sudden death.
- Make sure they have needed items: Ask the family if they need you to pick up medication prescriptions at the pharmacy. This will serve a dual purpose. It will remind them to check their scripts to see if they are going to run out. It will also remind them not to forget to take their meds as ordered by their doctor.
- Help with funeral arrangements: Planning a funeral can be a heavy task for anyone who lost a loved one. Offer to help with that. If they need to visit the funeral parlor, offer to take them.
Rear-End Collisions With a Truck
Trucks have the obligation of installing rear guards. These are important since a passenger vehicle can slip underneath, razing the roof on the smaller car. Truck owners who do not comply with this obligation can be held liable for the person’s death.
What Our Law Firm Can Do for You
Our teams are ready to help when an accident happens. We dispatch our investigators to the scene of the accident to uncover evidence as to fault. With a big rig accident, they look to see if the truck was outfitted with lights along the sides and rear that tell a motorist driving at night that a vehicle is ahead of them. Due to the configuration of a truck, it is sometimes difficult to see in the dark without the reflective lights, especially if the vehicle is stopped. They also check to see if the underguards meet federal requirements. Our investigators will also talk to witnesses and obtain video footage of the accident, if possible, from traffic surveillance or security cameras in the area. Our investigative team also checks police reports for errors. When this work is finished, we provide the data to our legal team, who use it to build a strong case for our client.
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Elk Grove
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove wrongful death lawyer. One of the most difficult things to face is losing a family member to an accident caused by someone’s negligence. If this happened to your family, I can offer you my free and friendly advice. Give me a call at (916) 694-0002 of (800) 404-5400 for your free consultation. You can also connect with me online by sending me a message.
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During my 37 plus years as a personal injury lawyer, I’ve helped many Elk Grove residents obtain compensation for their accident injuries. Among the areas I work in are all types of traffic accidents, government entity claims, and traumas such as brain injuries.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/cementerio-flor-cemetery-death-948048/
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