On December 17, 2013, Steve Saechao was driving westbound on Highway I-80 in Rocklin with his 9-month-old infant son Raiden in the back, secured in his car seat.  Traffic in the right lane came to a halt and a vehicle slammed right into the back of their car, sending it into a moving truck.“There’s no braking; there’s no evasive maneuver,” John Demas, the family’s attorney said. “[The driver is] proceeding the same speed at 63 mph throughout the entire sequence.”

Image Courtesy of Saechao Family

The Saechao family is set to receive a settlement in the amount of $9.75 million.  “This chapter is over but, you know, the chapter is going to last forever for this family because of the tragedy and loss that they’ve endured,” said Demas.A statement that was just released from the city reads as follows: “The accident was a tragic one for all involved. The City hopes that the settlement provides the family the resources and an opportunity for some closure.”  The Saechao family plans to donate some of the funds to raise awareness about the danger of distracted driving, which is the number one causing of accidents.  Steve said, “If we can share Raiden’s story and his tragic death with others, especially teenagers who are texting and driving, maybe we can save a life out there.”Because there were no criminal charges brought specifically against the officer involved in the crash, he continues to serve on the Sacramento police force as a sergeant.  The settlement is a record one for the State of California in an infant death case.

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City Of Sacramento Pays Record Settlement In Tragic Baby Death CaseSacramento Pays $9.75 Million Settlement In Crash That Killed Infant