Orangevale Accident Fatality Near Madison and Maine Avenues
A vehicle accident fatality was reported on January 12 when a car crashed into a fire hydrant in Orangevale near Madison and Maine avenues. Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Sacramento Police Department, and the Sacramento Fire Department responded to the call, which came in at about 1:30 in the morning. One person in the vehicle fled, leaving behind four others, three injured and the person who died at the scene. The three who were injured in the crash suffered injuries described as moderate to minor. They were transported by emergency responders to nearby hospitals for treatment and additional evaluation of their injuries. The CHP is investigating the case.
Person of Interest in Contact With CHP
The man who died in the collision was identified as Christopher Tousey, a Fair Oaks resident, age 26. The CHP was trying to locate Brandon Douglas Langsjoen, a resident of Fair Oaks, as a person of interest in the accident. Langsjoen later posted on Facebook that he intended to turn himself in. He said that he had been in jail before and had run from the accident because he was frightened. The CHP later reported that they had been in contact with the suspected driver.
The Sudden Loss of a Loved One in an Accident Fatality
A death in the family is a traumatic experience, but even more so when that loved one was suddenly taken from you without warning in an accident fatality. The family members are in shock and angry that their loved one is gone, and they want answers. In addition, if the loved one contributed to the income the family lived on, they are concerned about how this loss will affect them financially. A personal injury lawyer with experience in handling wrongful deaths can discover how the accident occurred and collect evidence to hold the negligent party responsible.
Helping a Person Who Is Grieving
Family and friends can offer valuable assistance to a person who is grieving by the following:
- Think about tasks that need to be done and offer to help with them. Some areas where help may be needed is in grocery shopping, taking children to after-school events, or helping with lawn care.
- A person who is grieving may forget to eat or not express any interest in food. However, this can be detrimental to their health. Bring meals that have been prepared and are easy to microwave. Accompanying the person out to eat may also be welcome because the change in location might be beneficial.
- Be attentive when the bereaved person wants to talk about their loved one. This is an important part of the grieving process.
- Offer to accompany the grieving person to make the funeral arrangements. This can be a difficult time for them, especially after an accident fatality, and it’s helpful to have someone along.
- Expect anger on occasion. It is one of the responses during the grieving process. Just be supportive.
How an Attorney Can Help in an Accident Fatality
When the death of a loved one is caused by negligence, such as an accident fatality, the surviving family members may be able to place a wrongful death claim for compensation. This can either be through the driver’s insurance company or by taking the case to court. A claim can pay for funeral and burial expenses, the lost income the decedent provided, and other losses. This not only helps the family financially but punishes the wrongdoer for their actions.
Investigation of a Wrongful Death
In order to prove wrongful death, it must be shown that the negligent party had a duty of care to the deceased person and did not uphold that duty. It must also be shown that the at-fault party’s actions led to the loved one’s death and that the family suffered a financial loss. Our investigators speak to any witnesses to the accident and check the police report for inaccuracies. They also employ crash reconstruction to determine exactly how the fatal accident happened. They check for traffic surveillance cameras and those from surrounding businesses, which can show the accident on tape. When the investigators are finished, all of this information is given to our lawyers, who use it to build a strong case. This evidence can be used either in negotiating on your behalf with the insurance company or preparing a case for court.
Orangevale Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Orangevale wrongful death lawyer. If a negligent person caused the death of your loved one, I have free and friendly advice to offer. Call me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 long-distance. You can also reach me using my online form.
Since 1982, I’ve helped Orangevale residents obtain the compensation they deserve in cases involving car accidents, truck collisions, and traumatic injuries.
Look over cases handled by my firm and client comments at:
I am a California member of:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/roses-morning-mist-cemetery-61203/
:cd llo [cs 843]