Woman Killed in Collision with a Big Rig Near Elk Grove

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June 27, 2018
Edward Smith

Woman Killed in Collision with a Big Rig Near Elk Grove

Woman Killed in Collision with a Big Rig Near Elk Grove

I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove wrongful death lawyer. A collision along California State Route 99 near Elk Grove on June 25 between a car and a big rig caused the death of one woman and minor injuries to others, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).  An investigation into the cause of the accident is being conducted by the South Sacramento CHP. Anyone who saw the collision is asked to phone either the area office or CHP communication center. I want to extend my sympathy to the family and friends who lost a loved one in this tragic accident.

Details of the Collision

The accident happened around 10:00 in the evening near Grant Line Road when a Pontiac Grand Prix, with the driver and two passengers onboard, was involved in a collision with a big rig. According to the report, the vehicle became wedged under one of the rear wheels of the truck.

Fatality and Injuries From the Collision

The collision killed one of the passengers in the front seat of the Pontiac, described as a woman, age 22, who died at the scene. The 22-year-old driver of the Pontiac and a 1-year-old were transported for treatment to UC Davis Medical Center for minor injuries suffered in the crash. The collision report stated that all three of the people in the Pontiac were from Vacaville. The truck driver did not suffer any injuries in the collision.

What Is a Wrongful Death in a Car Accident?

A wrongful death in a car accident is due to another driver’s negligence, a product defect or failure to maintain the roads in a safe condition. This type of civil lawsuit is used to compensate the family members for the financial loss they suffered due to their loved one’s demise.  It is also used to compensate for the expenses surrounding a person’s death such as funeral expenses and burial costs. If the person did not die for a time preceding death, the family can also file a survivor action, in which they stand in the place of the decedent. By doing this, the family can file a personal injury lawsuit for the trauma the person experienced as well as hospital costs and other expenses accrued prior to death.

Causes of Wrongful Death in An Auto Accident

Some of the causes of wrongful death in a car accident include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs
  • General recklessness such as speeding and disobeying other traffic laws
  • Drowsy driving
  • Poor highway signage
  • Poorly maintained vehicles, including big rigs
  • Trucks that fail to have warning lights that improve visibility, particularly at night
  • Defective auto parts, including brakes and tires

Nighttime Truck Accidents

One of the most significant problems drivers experience at night when encountering trucks on the road is the lack of warning lights. Trucks require side and rear reflectors or lights to alert motorists to the length and width of the vehicle. If these are absent, it is possible that a motorist will misjudge the presence of a truck and an underride accident will occur.

Related Articles by Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer Ed Smith

Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove wrongful death lawyer. Losing a family member is a tragic experience that is compounded when your loved one was lost through someone else’s negligence. For free, compassionate and friendly advice, call me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 if you are calling long-distance.

During my career as a personal injury lawyer for over 36 years, I’ve assisted numerous Elk Grove residents with many types of car accidents and serious wounds such as brain injuries to obtain fair compensation.

Million Dollar Forum is a group I belong to, which accepts only trial attorneys who have won a settlement or verdict for a client in excess of one million dollars.

The more you know about a law firm before calling, the better. Please take a look at the reviews left by my former clients and a list of prior cases at:

Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/grave-grieving-cemetery-sadness-710699/

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