West Sacramento Accident Fatality on I-5
A West Sacramento accident fatality was reported on December 10 when a young man who recently graduated from River City High School was involved in a collision and then was struck by two vehicles as he walked along the road. According to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver, identified as Dante DePrato, was driving a Volkswagen on Interstate 5 northbound shortly after 1:00 in the morning when, for unknown reasons, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the center median. I want to send my sympathy and prayers to the friends and family of the young man who died in this tragic way in their time of loss and sorrow.
West Sacramento Accident Fatality Details
Following the crash into the center divide, the CHP reported that DePrato exited the vehicle and started walking up the roadway. He died when he was struck by a box truck. Soon afterward, a tractor-trailer hit the young man. He was found later lying in the roadway. According to a statement released by the school district, DePrato was a hardworking, kind student who served the community in his spare time as the leader of program and recreation at KidZone, located at Elkhorn Village Elementary School. While attending high school at RCHS, he played on the varsity football team.
Drivers Need to Expect the Unexpected
Part of a driver’s responsibility on the road is to watch out for unexpected occurrences. Operating a motor vehicle that has the capacity to kill means that the driver take every opportunity to maintain safety. This is particularly true when a pedestrian or someone riding a motorcycle or bicycle is involved. At night, driving on a highway can be challenging. However, the need for caution generally increases as the level of potential danger rises.
Watch the following video as attorney Ed Smith explains a wrongful death claim:
Wrongful Death in a West Sacramento Accident Fatality
Driving at night can be dangerous at highway speeds. If someone is killed in a crash due to a driver’s negligence, the decedent’s family has the right to enter into a wrongful death lawsuit. This is true whether the death is caused by an intentional or purely accidental action. Some reasons a driver may be negligent are:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or other forms of reckless driving
- Driving aggressively without concern for others on the road
- Distracted driving
- Defective auto parts
- Driver fatigue
- Poor road conditions
Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death
Proving negligence is the first step in a wrongful death lawsuit. Sometimes, negligent behavior may not be clear. A law firm experienced in wrongful death cases involving a West Sacramento accident fatality is able to answer your questions and investigate the accident as to cause. While, the cause is not obvious at first, but with examination, it is possible to determine why the death occurred. This is key to a successful wrongful death lawsuit.
Factors in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The following factors must be shown in a wrongful death claim:
- A driver was at fault for your loved one’s death
- Negligence was involved in the accident
- Due to the person’s death, financial damages exist for family members
Who Can File in a West Sacramento Accident Fatality
The following family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- The spouse or partner and children of the decedent
- The parents of a minor
- Parents of the decedent if they receive financial help from the decedent
- Stepchildren of the decedent if they are supported by the decedent
- Other family member dependent on the decedent for support
What a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Do for You
A wrongful death lawyer can help a family dealing with the death of a loved one to ensure that the individual who caused the accident pays for what they’ve done. However, in the midst of their grief, it is not something they should face alone. A wrongful death lawyer can investigate the accident to prove negligence, and set out in building a strong case against the defendant. He or she will question witnesses to the accident, and examine the scene of the accident for clues. For example, if the negligent party was on a cell phone at the time of the accident, this distraction may have caused the crash. The wrongful death lawyer can subpoena the call records from the phone carrier to prove negligence.
West Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. When you lose a family member to a tragic accident that didn’t have to happen is a heartbreaking experience. However, even though grieving, the family still has to contend with the financial aspects of an untimely death. If your loved one died due to the negligent actions of another, please call me for my free and friendly advice. I can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or through my long-distance line at (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is also available at AutoAccident.com.
I’ve helped numerous families facing the wrongful death of their loved one due to all types of car accidents, pedestrian crashes and other serious injuries.
If you have questions about an accident injury, it can be difficult to decide which attorney to call. Knowing more about their law practice can help. In addition to being a member of Million Dollar Advocates, a forum for trial lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client, I also offer links to client reviews and some of our previous cases at:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/loving-memory-memorial-grief-1207568/; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9-lg0clbRM
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