Lake County Fatal Crash Claims Life of Middletown Man

Middletown Man Dies in Lake County Fatal Crash on Big Canyon Road

A Lake County fatal crash on July 20 resulted in the death of a Middletown man. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. According to the CHP, the deceased man has been identified as 45-year-old Samrat Kakkari. The driver, a 44-year-old man from Calistoga, was taken into custody following the solo-vehicle collision.

Vehicle Rollover Injures Driver and Kills Passenger in Lake County Fatal Crash

According to the incident report, at approximately 6:58 p.m., officers were alerted to the Lake County fatal crash involving a single-vehicle rollover on Big Canyon Road, north of Harbin Springs Road near Middletown. Upon arriving at the scene, officers determined that a pickup truck had overturned multiple times. The crash resulted in a passenger being ejected from the vehicle and sustaining fatal injuries. A radio report indicated that the deceased man was found beneath the bed of the pickup, which had landed on its side during the rollover.

Reckless Driving May Have Contributed to the Accident

Authorities reported that Kakkari was trapped beneath the overturned pickup truck, which had rolled onto its side, blocking Big Canyon Road. According to a preliminary investigation conducted by the CHP, the driver had been under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the Lake County fatal crash. The passenger, who was seated in the front of the vehicle, was ejected and pronounced deceased. Additional findings suggested that the driver had been speeding on the gravel and dirt roadway, which likely caused him to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in the rollover.

Driver Arrested Following Fatal Accident

The CHP reported that South Lake County firefighters tried to save the man’s life, but Kakkari ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the scene. It was noted that neither individual had been wearing a seatbelt. The pickup driver, who was injured, received medical treatment before being arrested. He was later booked into the Lake County Jail on charges of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Recoverable Compensation in a Claim for Wrongful Death

When pursuing a wrongful death claim, the recoverable compensation typically falls into several categories. These can include economic damages such as funeral and burial costs, and loss of financial support or benefits that the deceased would have provided to their family. Additional damages may also be recovered, encompassing the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance or nurturing. Additionally, in certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. 

In this video, accident attorney Ed Smith offers a detailed overview of filing a wrongful death lawsuit:

Compassionate Legal Assistance for Wrongful Death Cases

I’m Ed Smith, a Lakeport car collision lawyer. If your family is facing the loss of a loved one because of a negligent motorist, you may have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. Our experienced injury attorneys are here to provide free and friendly legal advice during this difficult time.

You can reach us at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for support. Alternatively, feel free to contact us online. We offer the opportunity for a skilled attorney to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and explore your options either in person or virtually. 

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Photo attribution: Pixabay

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