Driver Dies After Being Shot on I-5
A deadly accident occurred in Sacramento on November 19 that involved a shooting and backed up traffic for a long distance. The accident occurred between a gray Honda along southbound Interstate 5 south of the J Street exit ramp around 5:09 in the morning. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) report said that a driver lost control of their vehicle after being shot by an unknown person.
Good Samaritans Try to Assist
The CHP initially reported that an SUV may have been involved in the accident as well as the driver of the Honda. Police at the scene said that they did not see the shooter. Multiple vehicles pulled over to the side to try and assist the person involved in the crash.
Additional Information About the Deadly Accident
The southbound lanes along the highway were shut down in a hard closure between I Street and Richards Boulevard to allow authorities to conduct an investigation. The Sacramento County Coroner arrived at the scene some hours later to declare the driver who crashed deceased. It is unknown at this time what precipitated the deadly incident. The name of the deceased has not been released pending family notification.
Wrongful Death in a Road Rage Accident
The number of road rage accidents has escalated in recent years. Intentional acts that are meant to do harm to another are one reason that wrongful death claims are filed. Even if the person who initiated the intentional act is not convicted of murder or manslaughter, a wrongful death claim can still be filed.
Punitive Damages in a Deadly Accident
When the act that caused the person’s death is egregious, such as firing a weapon at them on the road, punitive damages may be requested. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and to discourage further incidents of this type. If the decedent died immediately and a wrongful death claim is filed, under California law, punitive damages are not allowed.
Survival Actions
However, if the decedent does not die immediately, a survival action can be filed. This type of claim does allow for punitive damages, and a survival action can be filed in conjunction with a wrongful death lawsuit.
Unexpected Loss of a Loved One
All too often, a loved one is killed by the actions of a negligent, reckless person or someone who commits an intentional act. This can result in emotional turmoil for family members. As someone close to the family, it is possible for you to provide a measure of solace by:
- Call the family and express your sympathy or ask if you can visit.
- Since the loss of a family member overshadows most things, the family may not be eating as they need to do in this stressful time. Bringing a cooked and easily warmed meal to their home will be appreciated. Make sure to ask if there are foods they cannot eat or are allergic to before you prepare a meal.
- Jump in and do household tasks such as shopping or picking up medications at the pharmacy.
- Offer to go with the grieving family members to the funeral parlor as they make end-of-life arrangements.
- Stay in touch after the funeral and burial service are completed. This is a lonely time for most people and your presence will be appreciated.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When a loved one’s life has been lost because of a negligent driver or intentional act, the family may file a claim for wrongful death. Even though it cannot lessen their grief, the financial stress the family faces can be relieved.
Please phone me at (916) 921-6400 if you are interested in my free and friendly advice. You can also reach me at (800) 404-5400 or by messaging me online.
During the 37+ years I’ve worked as an injury lawyer, I’ve helped many grieving families obtain the compensation they deserve after losing a loved one. In addition, we handle all types of traffic collision injuries, traumas such as brain injuries, government claims and others.
Find useful information about my law firm at the following:
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-open-candle-candlelight-1926414/
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