Interstate 5 Big Rig Accident Costs Life of Pedestrian
A big rig accident on February 14 took the life of a pedestrian on Interstate 5 in Sacramento. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. close to the off-ramp for West El Camino Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), as the person was walking along the shoulder of the roadway. Paramedics with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived and attempted life-saving efforts on the pedestrian, but she died.
Driver Remains at Scene of Big Rig Accident Fatality
The big rig driver remained at the accident scene and cooperated with CHP traffic collision detectives investigating. One lane remained blocked for some time afterward. However, the highway and off-ramp remained open. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the name of the deceased.
What Causes Truck Accident Collisions With Pedestrians?
The following are some examples of negligence that cause a big rig accident:
- Backing up unsafely: A truck driver cannot see pedestrians in the way when backing up.
- Making a wide turn: Trucks often make wide turns by swinging out into opposing lanes or onto sidewalks, where pedestrians may be crossing.
- Speed: If a pedestrian suddenly appears in front of a truck while driving too fast for the current conditions (e.g., weather, traffic), it may not be possible for the truck to stop in time.
- Distractions: A distracted truck driver may not see pedestrians in time if he or she is texting or talking on the phone.
- Impairment: The risk of hitting pedestrians increases if a truck driver is impaired by over-the-counter or illicit drugs, impairing their judgment and reflexes.
In addition to their size and weight, pedestrians are especially vulnerable to being hit by trucks because the driver can’t always see them. A big rig accident can cause devastating injuries and fatalities when they hit pedestrians. Getting the compensation you deserve after your loved one dies in a pedestrian versus truck accident can be difficult without the help of an experienced accident lawyer.
Damages Recovered When a Loved One Dies Because of a Wrongful Death
You go through a tough time when your loved one is killed in a pedestrian accident. If someone else was negligent, you may have a much more difficult time coping with the accident. You may wonder what legal options you have for recovering damages. A wrongful death claim may be filed by the surviving family members of a person who has died due to another’s negligence. With this claim, the surviving spouse and children can recover funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Siblings and parents may file if the decedent had no spouse or children.
In the video below, accident lawyer Ed Smith explains the process of filing a wrongful death claim:
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death attorney. When big commercial vehicles collide with pedestrians, the consequences can be dangerous. Please call us at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice about filing a claim for wrongful death. You can also reach us by calling (800) 404-5400 or online.
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Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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