Update | Sacramento Traffic Crash Kills One and Injures Others

Home » Update | Sacramento Traffic Crash Kills One and Injures Others
January 03, 2023
Edward Smith

Fatality and Injuries Reported in Traffic Crash on Cosumnes River Boulevard 

One person died and three others suffered injuries in a Sacramento traffic crash on December 29. The collision involved two vehicles and occurred near the Cosumnes River Boulevard intersection with Delta Shores Circle. The Sacramento Police Department reported that four people were involved in the collision. 

Three People Hospitalized and One Died in Two-Vehicle Crash

One person was declared deceased at the accident scene, and the other three were taken to a hospital. One had reportedly suffered critical injuries, while the other two had trauma described as moderate.

The area along Cosumnes River Boulevard was shut down between Franklin and Freeport boulevards as an investigation into the cause of the traffic crash was conducted.

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office has recently identified the decedent as 72-year-old James Lemelin of Sacramento. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no additional information was immediately available.

Responsibility for Injuries and Fatalities in a Traffic Crash

The driver of a vehicle is responsible for those riding with them, and other motorists may be liable if they caused the accident. If an accident occurs resulting in injuries or fatalities, that driver or their estate, if they are now deceased, can be held financially liable with the help of an accident attorney. The following are recoverable damages in a personal injury claim:

  • Medical expenses that arise as a result of a traffic collision caused by a negligent driver are recoverable, including future costs if the injury hasn’t been resolved. This includes ambulance, hospitalization, surgeries and rehabilitation as well as testing and physicians’ bills.
  • Wages that are lost because the injured party cannot work can be recovered, including insurance/pension benefits and additional regular perks of the job.
  • Pain and suffering compensation can include not only the physical trauma but psychological and emotional effects of the traffic crash, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Wrongful Death Claims

Families whose loved one died due to a driver’s negligence may decide to file a wrongful death claim. Although their grief will not be eased, by filing, they can recover compensation to avoid financial hardship caused by the loss and at the same time, hold the negligent party responsible. The following may be claimed when filing a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • The decedent’s wages up to retirement age can be recovered. Recovery of wages includes the cost of their pension benefits, bonuses and others they would have received if they had lived.
  • The spouse of the deceased may recover compensation for the loss of consortium, affection and moral support the decedent would have provided.
  • The decedent’s children may make a claim for the loss of parental guidance and nurturing.
  • Compensation for the loss of inheritance might be possible in some cases.
  • Household services provided by the decedent may be recovered. This area includes things the decedent normally did around the home, such as mowing the lawn, gardening, housework, child care and others.

Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, and I’m a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. Being injured or losing a loved one because of another’s negligence can result in financial losses and a feeling of confusion that this would happen. You can reach us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice about filing a compensation or wrongful death claim. A contact form can also be accessed online.

You can learn more about how our injury attorneys have assisted others by visiting the links below:

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Photo attribution: Image by Netto Figueiredo from Pixabay 

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