Pedestrian Pushing Shopping Cart Killed in Motor Vehicle Crash
A pedestrian fatality occurred in North Sacramento on November 20 when an individual crossing the street was struck and killed by a motorist. The accident occurred during the evening hours, close to Interstate 80 along Madison Avenue, where it connects with Airbase Drive. According to the report issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the pedestrian was pushing a shopping cart across the street when they were struck. The pedestrian’s belongings were strewed across the roadway by the collision.
Car Collision Results in Pedestrian Fatality
The pedestrian was declared deceased at the accident scene. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene of the pedestrian fatality accident and cooperated with the investigators. Alcohol use is not believed to have been a factor in the cause of the collision. Madison Avenue was closed to traffic as the investigation was conducted and the scene cleared.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim Following the Loss of a Loved One
When a pedestrian fatality is one of your family members, it leaves their loved ones in disbelief and shock that such an event could have occurred. Because they are deep in grief, it may not occur to them until later that the loss can have a serious financial impact on the family. This is especially true if the lost loved one contributed to the family’s income. The family can recover those needed finances by filing a wrongful death claim against the negligent party who caused the loss. In addition, by filing a claim, the family can receive a measure of justice and closure.
Negligent Actions That Cause a Pedestrian Fatality
In order to file a claim for wrongful death, it must be proved that the pedestrian fatality was due to someone else’s fault, such as a negligent driver or other entity. Some of the types of negligence that lead to a pedestrian fatality in a collision involving a motor vehicle include:
- Running a stop sign or red light, which can cause an accident with a pedestrian in the crosswalk
- Speeding because it has been proven that a pedestrian fatality is more likely to occur when they are struck by a vehicle that is going fast
- Drunk or drugged driving causes many accident fatalities every year, including with pedestrians
- Distracted driving because the driver is looking down to text or change a radio station instead of concentrating on the roadway
- Tailgating because if the vehicle in front stops suddenly, impact from the rear can push it into the crosswalk
- Fatigued driving because motorists who are overly tired exhibit the same symptoms as those who are inebriated
- Defects in an automobile such as the tires, brakes, or accelerator
- Poor road maintenance such as potholes, bad lighting, and narrow lanes
Filing a Claim for Wrongful Death
Either the estate of the deceased person or their immediate family can place a claim for wrongful death. This may include:
- The surviving spouse or a putative spouse
- The decedent’s children may file, including adopted children or stepchildren who obtain half their support or more from the deceased
- If a child/children of the decedent are deceased, their children may file
- Others who obtain at least half their financial support from the decedent, such as parents
Wrongful Death Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a wrongful death lawyer in Sacramento. If your family is wondering whether they can file a wrongful death claim for the loss of their loved one, give us a call at (916) 921-6400 for our compassionate, free and friendly advice. You can also reach us at (800) 404-5400 or by sending us a message online.
Helpful information about how my team of injury lawyers and I have assisted others can be found at the following:
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Since 1982, my law firm has helped the people of Northern California in obtaining the compensation they deserve in all kinds of traffic accidents, wrongful death cases, and others.
Photo attribution: Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
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