Woman Dies in Elk Grove Rear End Collision
A July 8 rear-end collision in Elk Grove resulted in the death of a female driver along Sheldon Road’s center median, according to the police. Officers responded to the collision near Springhurst Drive eastbound shortly before 5:00 in the afternoon. Upon arriving, they discovered the accident involved a Chevy Spark, an older model BMW and a Mazda CX-5. The woman was found inside the Chevy Spark and was unconscious. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
How the Accident Happened
According to the initial investigation of the rear end collision by the Elk Grove Police Department, the Mazda crashed into the rear of the Chevy, which was slowing. The Chevrolet struck the BMW and then came to rest in the center median. The name of the woman who died will not be released to the public until the coroner’s office has notified the family. Those who might have information about the crash are encouraged to contact the traffic bureau at the Elk Grove Police Department by calling (916) 478-8148.
Determining Cause In Fatal Collisions
When someone passes away in an accident because of the negligence of another individual or entity, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer right away. A good attorney has investigators that can take the time to inspect every aspect of the crash scene. These investigators have the training, experience, and ability to gather the needed and sometimes hidden evidence. With the evidence in hand, an attorney can pinpoint a cause to prove that negligence occurred. Early representation is important because evidence can disappear, witnesses may move or not recall the event clearly and insurance companies might try to avoid their responsibility to pay. A good attorney can be the voice as to what happened in the crash since people who have passed away can no longer speak for themselves.
Following a Wrongful Death
A family who has lost a loved one is in shock and grieving. Thinking about a wrongful death claim is probably the last thing going through their minds. However, their financial situation may become shaky, especially if the loved one was the main provider of income. By placing a claim for wrongful death, the family may be compensated for the future income that is now lost. In addition, they face the financial cost of funeral and burial expenses and others, both economic and noneconomic A spouse must also deal with the loss of consortium from a partner. A wrongful death claim also holds the party who acted negligently responsible for their actions, which can help bring some closure.
Staying Within the Statute of Limitations
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) Chapter 3, 335.1, the deceased’s family has two years to file a claim for wrongful death from the date of the person’s demise. When the claim isn’t filed in time, the court will probably dismiss it. This means that the family loses their right to compensation.
If the case involves a government entity such as a city vehicle, the timeline is much shorter and more complex. In this situation, the claimant has 180 days to file, and the government entity has 45 days to respond. If the claim has not been rejected or responded to, the family has two years to file a lawsuit. If it is rejected, the window to file is six months. Breaking through government immunity in a wrongful death case is complicated. Finding a lawyer who is experienced in handling these types of cases can determine whether or not the family obtains the compensation they need and deserve.
Elk Grove Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove wrongful death lawyer. When a loved one is lost through the negligent actions of another driver or government entity, the family may be able to claim fair compensation. Although this action will not bring that loved one back, it can help the family recover the financial loss that was provided. Contact me for my free and friendly advice at (916) 694-0002 in the Elk Grove area. You can also contact me at (800) 404-5400, the toll-free line or through my online contact form.
I have been an injury lawyer for 37 years, helping Elk Grove residents and other Northern Californians obtain fair compensation for their personal injuries. I work in areas such as many types of motor vehicle crashes, traumatic brain injuries, and pedestrian accidents.
Two groups that I belong to are the Million Dollar Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first is for trial lawyers who have obtained more than one million dollars for a client. The second includes only those lawyers with a recognized standard of excellence in their legal practices.
If you would like to find out more about my law practice, visit the following pages:
Ed Smith: Woman Dies After Rear End Collision in Elk Grove
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
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