Sunday, September 8, 2024, a Uhaul truck collided with a motorcycle, ultimately leading to the death of the motorcyclist, identified as 55-year-old José Luis Silva. The collision occurred at the midtown Sacramento intersection of 24th and J Streets just before 12 pm.
When first responders arrived at the scene they tended to Silva, who had suffered life-threatening injuries, and transported him to a nearby hospital. According to news released from the Sacramento Police Department, Silva was pronounced dead at the hospital.
It’s unclear if the Uhaul truck driver was injured in the collision, however, the Coroner’s Office indicated that the crash was criminal in nature. No announcement has been made if an arrest has been made in connection with the incident.
Fatal Collisions on Sacramento Roads
Fatal collisions seem to be a persistent issue in Sacramento. The city has struggled to address its dangerous road conditions despite safety initiatives. In 2021, Sacramento had the highest traffic fatalities per capita among California’s 15 largest cities. The tragic loss of José Luis Silva is just one example of how deadly Sacramento’s streets can be and highlights the urgent need for further action to improve road safety.
Issues the city faces with fatal collisions:
- Inconsistent Safety Measures: while some streets have seen some improvements, many high-risk areas still lack adequate safety infrastructure.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Vulnerability: pedestrians and cyclists are often involved in severe fatal accidents, indicating insufficient protections for non-motorized road users
- Inefficient Traffic Calming Programs: slow implementation of traffic calming measures like speed bumps, roundabouts, and protected intersections has left dangerous streets unchanged for years.
- Population and Growth: Sacramento’s growing population has led to increased traffic congestion, exacerbating the risks on already hazardous roads.
“José Luis Silva’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the ongoing safety issues Sacramento road users face daily,” says attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber, “As a personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen far too many families suffer because of preventable accidents like this one. It’s heartbreaking to think that, despite efforts to make our roads safer, lives are still being lost. My heart goes out to Mr. Silva’s family.”
Legal Considerations for The Victim’s Family
The family of Silva may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to obtain compensation for the losses they are suffering due to Mr. Silva’s untimely death. Potential compensation may cover damages such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
- Loss of guidance
- And more
If you’ve lost a loved one in a collision in Sacramento, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber to learn how the expert Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call them today at (916) 248-8478 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule a free consultation.
