California Avenue Crash Causes Death of Driver
A fatal vehicle accident occurred in Fair Oaks on February 14 involving a single-vehicle. The accident happened during the evening hours on California Avenue at Sunrise Boulevard. When crews from the Sacramento Fire Department arrived at the scene, they discovered that the vehicle was ablaze.
Fatal Accident Being Investigated
Even though the firefighters beat back the flames so the motorist could be extricated, the driver was found to have expired. The name of the deceased has not been released pending notification of the family. The accident is being investigated by authorities to determine what happened.
Loss of a Loved One in an Accident
The loss of a loved one is a heartrending experience but can be even more so when it was caused by another person or entity’s negligence. The family is not only consumed by grief but wonder if there was anything they could have done to prevent the tragedy and anger against the one responsible for their loss. In addition to losing their family member, they may also be facing financial difficulties without their loved one. By filing a claim for wrongful death, they can recover damages for that loss and obtain some sense of justice and closure.
Damages That Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death
Family members may join together to file a claim for wrongful death. This includes the spouse or putative spouse, children of the decedent, step-children if they received at least 50 percent of their support from the deceased person, and anyone else in the household who was supported. Some of the areas where compensation can be recovered include:
- The funeral and burial expenses can be recovered.
- Loss of financial support in the future is recoverable.
- The loss of guidance for the children can be claimed.
- Loss of consortium, which goes to the spouse, is recoverable.
- Household services such as mowing the lawn, childcare, and others can be claimed as well as loss of companionship, love, and affection.
- Loss of inheritance is recoverable.
Investigation of a Wrongful Death
Our investigative team heads to the scene to gather evidence to support the family’s claim for compensation following a fatal accident. Among other things, they review the report filed by the police in the case and speak to any witnesses. In addition, the investigators perform accident reconstruction, which is a valuable tool used by insurance companies and in civil court. Reconstruction of the fatal accident shows the position of the car before, during, and after the collision.
Information Obtained from Surveillance Cameras
Traffic and business surveillance cameras in the area of the accident also provide valuable information. In a number of cases, the accident may have been captured on video, which may show the involvement of another vehicle or government negligence that made the driver lose control and others.
Auto Defects
Auto defects may have been responsible for the fatal accident if there were problems with the steering or brakes. This is one of the reasons it is important to retain the vehicle following a fatal accident. Our engineers can go over the vehicle to find any signs of defects. If found, the manufacturer may be held financially liable.
Fair Oaks Wrongful Death Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Fair Oaks wrongful death lawyer. When a family member has died because of someone else’s negligent actions, they might be able to claim compensation for wrongful death. Phone me for my compassionate, free, and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can message me online also.
My legal team and I have helped obtain fair compensation for the residents of Fair Oaks since 1982 for all kinds of traffic accidents, wrongful deaths and traumatic injuries.
Information about my law firm can be found at the following:
I belong to Million Dollar Advocates and the Top 1 Percent.
Attributed photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/
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