Vehicle Plunges Off I-80 Causing Two Fatalities
Two accident fatalities were reported in West Sacramento on December 13 when a vehicle went out of control and plunged off the highway, striking a tree. The crash happened around 10:00 in the morning along Interstate 80 westbound when the driver of a dark blue Infinity was allegedly going around a curve just past Reed Avenue, according to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The CHP is conducting an investigation into a cause for the accident and is seeking any witnesses who might have seen it happen to contact them.
Accident Fatalities in West Sacramento Crash
Two people were killed in the crash. They were identified as an individual in their 40s and a teenager, both from Vallejo. They were both declared dead at the accident fatality scene. Their names have not been released yet, pending notification of the family. The fast lane on westbound I-80 remained shut down for hours as the investigation continued.
Losing a Loved One Due to Negligence
Losing a loved one is an emotional, grief-ridden event for the family. Suddenly, they are facing life without a dear one who provided not only support but guidance and love. Facing life going forward is a mixture of many emotions, including anger. Other family members and close friends may be able to help by:
- Calling the family and offering your sympathy. If you want to visit, ask before you go.
- Either order take-out or bring homemade meals to the family’s home. It is always a good idea to ask first about their meal preferences and if any foods are problematic for them.
- Offer to chauffeur them to any appointments they have lined up. This includes doctor’s visits or going to the funeral home to make end-of-life arrangements.
- Offer to do necessary tasks around the house such as mowing the lawn, taking and picking up children from school or walking the family dog.
- Don’t disappear after the funeral service. This is a time when family members may need you most of all.
Run-Off-Road Accidents
Many but not all run-off-road accidents are caused by driver error. Some of the reasons a vehicle may run off the road that doesn’t include driver error are:
- Inclement weather: Weather conditions such as sleet, rain, snow, or fog can result in accident fatalities. While most present no liability, if the government entity in charge of roads leaves dips where ice or water accumulates, they may be held responsible.
- Inadequate or absent clear zones: The absence of clear zones is a major cause of run-off-road accidents.
- Aggressive drivers: Unfortunately, some drivers are aggressive and exhibit that behavior by tailgating or even forcing another vehicle off the roadway.
- Hazard removal: The government in charge of the roadway is responsible for keeping roads clear of debris and other hazards that could lead to accident fatalities.
- Lack of signage: The city or state is responsible for speed-limit signs and those indicating the driver should slow down before a curve. If they are absent, liability rests with a government agency.
How an Injury Attorney Can Help
For some families, it is not only the personal loss but the financial stress the person’s demise caused. An injury attorney can help following a wrongful death by gathering the accident evidence needed to support a family’s claim, gathering the information necessary and presenting it either to the insurance company or in court. In this way, the family can go into the future without the financial difficulties they may have faced otherwise.
Investigating a Fatal Accident
Our firm sends investigators to the accident scene to gather pertinent evidence. They examine the roadway for defects, including ample signage warning of an upcoming curve, adequate clear zones, and road hazards. They talk to witnesses and obtain videos of the crash if available.
Our team also performs accident reconstruction to determine liability. They search the area to see if another vehicle ran the car off the road. They give this to our legal team for inclusion in a robust brief to support a wrongful death claim.
West Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. If your loved one was lost to you because of negligence, you may be able to file a claim for wrongful death. Please call for my compassionate, free, and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or using the long-distance line at (800) 404-5400. Some prefer to use the online message form.
It is an honor for me to belong to:
I’ve helped West Sacramentans since 1982 in obtaining fair compensation for their traffic accidents, government claims, and wrongful death cases, among others.
Discover more about my law firm at the following links:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/
:cd llo [cs 813]