Elkhorn Boulevard Location of Accident Fatality
An accident fatality occurred in Antelope on November 17 when a vehicle drifted into the center median and struck a tree. The accident was so violent that the Chevy Impala the driver was in was torn apart. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that the accident happened around 1:00 in the morning on eastbound Elkhorn Boulevard near Don Julio Boulevard.
How the Accident Fatality Occurred
According to police, the Impala entered the center divide and struck an oak tree, which caused the passenger side to wrap itself around the tree. The remainder of the vehicle was broken into pieces. The driver and the driver’s seat were ejected from the vehicle. Investigators into the crash believe the driver died immediately. His identity has not been released pending notification of the family.
More Information About the Crash
The car’s front half was found around 25 yards away. The rear end and additional parts were found in the middle of the roadway. CHP Sergeant Troy Rivers believes the Impala was moving at more than 90 mph when the driver lost control, which led to the accident fatality. Three tow trucks equipped with flatbeds were required to collect and remove the pieces of the Chevy. The roadway remained closed for cleanup and investigation until shortly before 5:30 in the morning.
Causes of Off-Road Accidents
Many off-road accidents are caused by driver error such as speeding, distracted or drunk driving, or fatigue. There are other reasons an off-road accident can occur. These may include:
- Mechanical problems: Tire blowouts, problems with steering or suspension, bad brakes, or an accelerator that sticks can all cause an accident fatality. The manufacturer, parts supplier, and others can be held legally responsible through a product liability lawsuit. For this reason, it is vitally important to retain the vehicle following a crash, so investigators can check it for problems that could have caused the accident fatality.
- Another driver: An aggressive or other driver can cause an accident fatality by tailgating, crowding the vehicle or by improper passing. In some cases, a hit-and-run driver can cause an accident, which is why collisions involving one vehicle should be investigated.
- Government negligence: Potholes, poor road design, and other problems can cause a traffic collision with injuries or fatalities.
Recovering Damages Following a Wrongful Death
When negligence by an entity or individual causes a loved one’s demise, the family may wish to file a claim for wrongful death. Compensation that can be recovered includes:
- The cost of the funeral and burial
- Future income losses
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of support, care, love, and comfort
Losing a Loved One Due to Negligence
A death in a family is devastating, but when it is due to negligence, it can be catastrophic. Not only have you lost your loved one, but you are left trying to figure out how it happened. That is where our law firm can help. We take every accident and break it down in our effort to determine liability and if negligence was involved. We understand that grief must be tempered by justice as we search for the cause of the accident.
Things You Can Do to Help a Grieving Family
There are several things that you can do to help a grieving family:
- Send a card or call to let them know that you are thinking of them.
- Families beset by grief often do not even think about eating properly. You can help by bringing prepared meals or sending food to the house.
- Pitch in and help around the home by doing dishes, walking the dog, mowing the lawn, or taking children to school.
- Offer to take the family members to doctor appointments or accompany them when they need to make the end of life funeral arrangements.
- Be there after the funeral is over. This is a time when they need you most of all.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Give me a call at (916) 921-6400 if you would like free and friendly advice from an injury lawyer about filing a wrongful death claim. You can also reach me at (800) 404-5400 or by messaging me online.
I belong to:
Look over previous cases my firm handled and comments by clients on how we helped them at:
I’m honored to have helped Northern California residents with their wrongful death claims, traffic accident injuries, and other types of cases since 1982.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-open-candle-candlelight-1926414/
:cd llo [cs 767]