Was your loved one killed in a fatal car accident in Sacramento? Are you struggling with grief and loss in the aftermath of a devastating crash? If so, know that you’re not alone, and it is possible to cope and rebuild your life after a staggering loss.
Piecing your life back together and getting some closure often requires the assistance of a qualified car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you get the answers, justice, and a measure of peace if someone else’s negligence cost your loved one their life.
Find out why so many families have put their trust in Demas Law Group over the past 25 years. If you’ve suffered a tragic loss, our knowledgeable and compassionate team will be ready to support you and help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Contact us by phone or reach out to us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our experienced car accident lawyers in Sacramento today.
Sacramento Car Accident Fatality Hotspots
Sacramento currently has a population of over 500,000, but according to researchers, the city had more fatal car accidents per capita than the state average.
Why are motorists more likely to be involved in a fatal accident in Sacramento? Some, like those at the insurance comparison marketplace Quote Wizard, believe that it is because Sacramento drivers rank as the worst in the country. This determination was based on data points including the number of traffic citations issued, DUI arrests, and accidents.
Some also believe it is because the city has several highways that have seen more fatal accidents than others in the state. Some of these “fatality hotspots” include the I-5, Route 99, and I-80.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found I-5 to have the highest death toll among the major highways in Sacramento from 2015 to 2017. This freeway runs north to south from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. As a major freeway that connects all the major cities in California, congestion is among the top reasons why there are so many fatal accidents on I-5 in Sacramento every year.
Sacramento’s Highway 99, which is commonly referred to as the “Highway to Hell,” is believed to be the most dangerous road in the United States by many drivers. Speeding and drunk driving contribute to the high number of fatal car accidents, as well as ineffective lighting and outdated design.
Fatal accidents on I-80 in Sacramento are also unfortunately common. I-80 runs from San Francisco across the United States to Teaneck, New Jersey. The stretch of freeway in Sacramento sees an abundance of traffic every day. Many drivers traveling to and from work take this stretch of road on a daily basis causing significant congestion.
Common Causes of Fatal Accidents in Sacramento
Any time two vehicles collide, the occupants inside are at risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries. Fatal accidents can happen in a wide variety of ways, but negligence on the part of one or more drivers is most often the reason.
Some of the most commonly-cited causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Tailgating
- Failure observe traffic lights or signs
- Mechanical failure or defects
An experienced car accident lawyer can immediately conduct an investigation into your loved one’s accident. They can gather evidence and consult with accident reconstruction experts to identify precisely what happened. Your attorney can determine who was at fault and help you and other surviving family members understand your legal options.
No one should have to deal with the sudden and unexpected loss of a family member. The loss can be particularly difficult to understand when the accident could have been avoided if someone else had just exercised a bit more care or caution. If it turns out that the accident was caused by someone else’s poor decisions or actions, you may have the right to hold them accountable.
Compensation and Damages for the Family of a Fatal Accident Victim in Sacramento
Surviving family members often have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim, which could ensure that the responsible party is held accountable. It can also help make sure that grieving family members do not struggle financially as they work to rebuild their lives and move on from this tragedy.
When a family member is killed in an auto accident, there a several steps that can be taken. A claim can be filed with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company and your loved one’s own auto insurance company. Additionally, a wrongful death lawsuit could be filed against the at-fault driver. The surviving family members could potentially recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Typically, families could recover compensation including:
- Final medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future income
- Loss of companionship and support
Surviving family members could also be eligible to pursue a survival cause of action under the Code of Civil Procedure 377.30. A survival cause of action could be brought by the deceased individual’s estate to compensate for the victim’s losses (as opposed to the family’s losses) from the wrongful or negligent act. Punitive damages could be awarded in a survival cause of action under California law.
Contact Demas Law Group, P.C. If You Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Sacramento Car Accident
For nearly three decades, the attorneys of Demas Law Group have provided qualified and compassionate legal counsel to families who’ve lost loved ones in car accidents in Sacramento and across Northern California.
We understand what you and your family are going through, and we’re committed to helping you during this difficult time. We know that no amount of money can bring your loved one back. Our goal is to help you get closure and find a measure of peace, if possible.
Contact us today for a no-cost, confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. We will be ready to listen to you and answer any questions you might have. Call us or reach out online as soon as you are able.
