One Pedestrian Dead and Two Injured by Hit-and-Run Driver
A hit-and-run driver who killed one pedestrian and injured two others was arrested on July 23. The accident happened around 3:00 p.m. on Stockton Boulevard close to McMahon Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Authorities reported that the driver in a Toyota Rav4 SUV was allegedly speeding on Stockton Boulevard when it struck a sedan turning left onto McMahon Drive.
Pedestrians Struck While on the Sidewalk
The impact of the collision caused the Toyota to strike three pedestrians standing on the sidewalk. One of the pedestrians died at the accident scene. The other two pedestrians suffered moderate to major injuries and were hospitalized. In addition, the sedan driver sustained moderate injuries.
Hit-and-Run Driver Arrested and Facing Charges
The fleeing driver, age 29, allegedly exited the SUV and fled the scene. He was placed under arrest about three hours later and taken to the Sacramento Main Jail, where he was booked. Police are conducting a search for an uninjured suspect involved in the crash. The roadway was reopened around 7:00 p.m.
Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims are filed when a loved one is killed as a result of the negligence of another driver. Despite grieving and the stress of having to make funeral arrangements, many families consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.
In addition to gathering evidence to support the claim, an accident attorney can calculate the damages. The punishment of the wrongdoer will not ease the grief of the family, but it could give them a sense of justice and help them move forward.
A Claim for Wrongful Death Can Be Filed by What Family Members?
A wrongful death claim may be filed by the immediate family in California, and an injury lawyer can help. The spouse and the family’s children can file together. It is also possible for the executor of the deceased’s estate to file. There can only be one lawsuit filed, so the family and estate administrator should resolve this issue.
In a Wrongful Death Claim, What Damages Can You Recover?
When a wrongful death claim is filed, certain factors are considered, such as the deceased’s age. It is possible to receive economic and non-economic damages. The former has a monetary value, while the latter is intangible. Damages are usually awarded in the following forms:
- Burial and funeral costs
- A deceased person’s future earnings until retirement age
- Benefits or pensions lost
- Loss of inheritance
- Services provided by the decedent in the family, such as auto repairs, cleaning, filing taxes and home maintenance
- A spouse’s loss of social interaction, companionship and consortium with the deceased
- An absent parent’s lack of guidance, nurturing and love
- Family members’ grief and suffering after losing a loved one
Using Insurance to Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run
Families who have uninsured/underinsured policies in addition to their California auto insurance can recover compensation if their loved one was killed. Even if the hit-and-run driver cannot be located, this rule applies. Future rates are not affected by using the policy.
Wrongful Death Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When a loved one is killed by a negligent driver, the family has the right to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. You are welcome to contact us for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. You can also reach us at (800) 404-5400 or by sending us an online message. A free virtual or in-person consultation can be arranged to answer your questions, review your case and inform you of options to recover compensation.
Find out how the members of our legal team have helped others at the links that follow:
It is an honor for us to belong to:
Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
:cd llo [672]