Foothill Farms, CA (August 23, 2024) – On Friday at around 2:40 p.m., a three-vehicle collision on Elkhorn Boulevard, east of Andrea Boulevard, led to the tragic death of a 76-year-old Sacramento resident, Charles Bourassa.
Accident Details: The crash occurred when a pickup truck driver, heading east, failed to notice a vehicle in front of him and rear-ended a van. The impact of the collision forced the van into a nearby pole. The driver of the van, Charles Bourassa, was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. After hitting the van, the pickup truck continued forward and struck a sedan traveling in the same direction. The drivers of both the pickup truck and the sedan were uninjured.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that In accidents like this one, determining liability is crucial, especially when a life has been lost. Several factors may come under scrutiny during an investigation:
- Driver Attention and Distraction: The pickup truck driver’s failure to notice the vehicle in front of him raises questions about whether the driver was distracted or not paying full attention to the road. An investigation may explore whether the driver was using a phone, adjusting in-car settings, or otherwise distracted.
- Speed: The speed at which the pickup truck traveled could also be a factor. Investigators will likely assess whether the driver followed the speed limits and whether excessive speed contributed to the driver’s driver’s inability to stop in time.
- Mechanical Failures: Another area of investigation could involve checking for any mechanical failures in the pickup truck that might have prevented the driver from stopping in time. These failures could include brake failure, tire issues, or other vehicle malfunctions.
If the investigation reveals that negligence contributed to the accident, the family of Charles Bourassa may be able to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable and provide the deceased’s family with compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional suffering caused by the untimely death of their loved one.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Charles Bourassa during this difficult time.
Source: The Sacramento Bee