Pedestrian Killed While Crossing Lanes of Highway 99
A pedestrian accident fatality happened on Highway 99 on December 23, 2019, at 6:20 in the evening just north of Mack Road in South Sacramento. According to a representative of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a man was attempting to cross lanes on Highway 99 south when the accident occurred. The driver of a Dodge pickup that hit the pedestrian in the number two lane and remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the site of the pedestrian accident. Officials have identified the deceased as 39-year-old David McKenzie.
Losing a Loved One in a Pedestrian Accident Fatality
Hearing the news that a loved one has died suddenly in a pedestrian accident is heart-wrenching for family members. Dealing with an unexpected death causes a bevy of emotional and physical responses. After hearing of a loved one’s death, family members may experience shock. This response includes a sense of disbelief that the person died. The person may initially be unable to comprehend what happened or be unable to speak. Physical symptoms may include heart palpitations, headache, gastrointestinal problems, or total exhaustion. Accompanying the physical symptoms are feelings of anger, regret, and fearfulness that the event will repeat itself. There are things that family members can do for the bereaved person to help them through this challenging period:
- Safety: Individuals facing a sudden death may be less cautious when undertaking certain tasks such as cooking or driving. Family members can help by offering to take them where they need to go and preparing meals.
- Daily responsibilities: The bereaved person may be responsible for other people and pets, such as a child, elderly parents, or the family dog. Helping with the daily routine helps alleviate any issues that may result.
- Basic needs: A grieving person may ignore basic needs such as eating and drinking correctly. Offering to shop for them can be helpful.
- Offer companionship: Take time to sit with the bereaved person, and let them control the conversation. They may want to discuss the accident. This inclination is a natural response and one that may be helpful. Offer your support, not judgment.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
When a loved one dies due to the negligence of another person, feelings of anger are common. The family questions how this could happen and may want to punish the at-fault party. While authorities will decide whether a crime exists, negligence still has consequences. A wrongful death claim can be filed against the negligent party for the financial loss the person’s death caused. Family members such as a husband or wife, children and parents can file a wrongful death claim in civil court. It helps with funeral and burial expenses as well as the loss of support the decedent provided. Speak to a wrongful death lawyer about making this claim.
Please watch the following video by attorney Ed Smith that explains what a wrongful death claim is:
What an Attorney Can Do to Help
Our firm understands the devastation a sudden death can cause, and we are here to help. In such cases, we send our investigators to the scene of the accident to gather evidence of negligence. We speak to witnesses, obtain videos of the accident from traffic cameras and look over police reports for inconsistencies. We also use accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability. Once all evidence is available, our investigators release it to our legal team, who use it to construct a strong case for our client.
South Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a South Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. After a pedestrian accident, the family suffers overwhelming grief. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online. I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
I’ve helped clients in South Sacramento for more than 37 years obtain justice in wrongful death lawsuits, traumatic injuries, pedestrian accidents, and all types of car accidents.
Please go to the following links to learn more about my practice:
Photo Attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-lg0clbRM; https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
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