Woman Killed in Modesto Broadside Collision
A woman was killed, and a man suffered serious injuries in a Modesto broadside collision on the morning of April 30, 2019. The incident occurred shortly before 7:00 a.m. along the 2400 block of Yosemite Boulevard. A silver Chevrolet S-10 pickup was traveling westbound along Yosemite when the driver, for unknown reasons, allowed the truck to veer into the oncoming traffic lanes and onto the gravel along the side of the road. The motorist then crossed back onto Yosemite Boulevard and was broadsided by an eastbound Acura sedan. The two parties in the Chevrolet, identified as a man and a woman, were pinned in. Emergency crews extricated the two occupants and transported the man by ambulance for treatment of unspecified injuries. The woman was not able to regain consciousness at the crash site and succumbed to her injuries a short time later. Her identity has been withheld pending notification of her family members. We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the decedent in their time of grief.
Common Injuries in a Modesto Broadside Collision
Broadside collisions can result in traumatic injuries for those involved. These include:
- Abrasions: Flying shards of broken metal and glass can deeply cut into the areas of the body, particularly the face and arms. Airbags can also cause scalp and facial burns due to rapid deployment.
- Broken Bones: In a broadside collision, the force of impact can fracture a person’s arms, legs, collarbone or ribs. Fractures to the hips or pelvis usually require surgery to internally place screws, plates, and rods.
- Internal Trauma: Ruptured organs, aortic tears, and punctured lungs can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Spinal Cord Damage: Any trauma to the spinal cord can cause nerve damage, incomplete or complete paralysis, or even death.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: In a T-bone accident, a person’s head can hit the window or frame of the vehicle. This can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. The individual can suffer a concussion, traumatic brain injury or skull fracture, depending on the force of the impact.
- Wrongful Death: Trauma to the arteries and soft tissues can cause internal bleeding. This can cause shock, organ failure, or even death in some extreme cases.
Proving Fault in a Side-Impact Crash
To recover damages in a personal injury or wrongful death claim, it must be proven that the other driver was negligent for the crash. The first step in showing liability in a car wreck is to examine how the collision occurred. Some common forms of driver error in an accident include failing to yield, running a stop sign or red light, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. For more details on how fault is proven in a car accident, watch the below video.
Types of Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim is designed to compensate for financial losses experienced by surviving family members of the deceased. The damages available through these types of cases include:
- Any unreimbursed medical expenses for treatment after the accident that caused death, including hospital and emergency services
- Costs of a loved one’s funeral and burial
- Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the death
- Loss of future earnings
- Lost inheritance and benefits such as retirement the deceased would have received
- The loss of affection, care, guidance, and companionship of a family member
- The loss of consortium with a spouse
- The loss of household services that were provided by the decedent, including childcare, lawn maintenance, and tax preparation
Why You Need a Modesto Personal Injury Attorney
Depending on your case and the severity of your personal injury or wrongful death damages, complex litigation may often be involved. Handling the claim on your own may not result in a favorable outcome. This is due to insurance companies placing profit above your best interest. Having an experienced injury lawyer at your side after a severe or fatal car accident is critical to secure your right to fair compensation.
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. Dealing with the aftermath of a severe or fatal auto accident is not only frustrating but confusing and emotional at the same time. If you have been injured or lost someone you love in an accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your loss. Please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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Photo Credit: By “Counselling” via Pixabay
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