Berkeley Two-Car Collision Occurs Near Gillman Street 

Interstate 80 Site of Berkeley Two-Car Collision

A Berkeley two-car collision on eastbound Interstate 80 the afternoon of January 28 prompted a response from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The crash occurred around 4:28 p.m. just west of the Gillman Street off-ramp. According to initial reports, the incident involved a Honda and a Chevy sedan. 

Berkeley Two-Car Collision Under Investigation

Both vehicles came to rest on the right-hand side of the freeway. The extent of injuries remains unclear at this time, and the CHP is continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. Traffic in the area was temporarily slowed as first responders cleared the scene.

Contact a Compassionate Berkeley Auto Accident Lawyer

I am attorney Ed Smith, a Berkeley auto accident lawyer and founder of AutoAccident.com. Our law firm is committed to helping injured individuals obtain full and fair compensation for their losses. We extend our sincere sympathy to anyone hurt in recent collisions and invite those affected to reach out for friendly and free advice. Call (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400, or visit us online at AutoAccident.com to speak with our skilled legal team today.

Causes and Consequences of Two-Vehicle Accidents Near Off-Ramps

Two-vehicle crashes are common on major interstates, especially near off-ramps where traffic patterns change quickly. Areas where drivers exit or merge often become hotspots for collisions because of sudden braking, lane changes, and congestion. A Berkeley two-car collision near an off-ramp, for example, can occur within seconds if drivers are not alert to their surroundings.

Several key factors contribute to these types of interstate crashes:

• Speed variation: Drivers decelerating to exit while others continue at highway speed create significant speed differences.
• Sudden lane changes: A driver cutting across lanes to reach an off-ramp may sideswipe another vehicle or cause a rear-end collision.
• Tailgating: Following too closely in heavy traffic can leave little time to react when a vehicle slows for an exit.
• Driver distraction: Looking at GPS directions or phones often leads to missed exits or delayed reactions.
• Weather and visibility: Rain, fog, or glare can make it hard for drivers to judge distance and speed near exit areas.

When a two-car collision happens on an interstate, traffic backups and secondary crashes can follow, increasing the risk for additional injuries.

Common Injuries in Freeway Collisions

Crashes at highway speeds often result in serious and sometimes life-altering injuries. Even when airbags deploy properly, occupants may still suffer trauma. Common injuries in freeway collisions include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries from violent back-and-forth neck motions.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by head impact or sudden deceleration.
• Fractures and broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Internal bleeding or organ damage often requires emergency surgery.

People injured in a Berkeley two-car collision should seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms appear mild at first, since some injuries develop or worsen over time.

How an Accident Lawyer Determines Fault and Builds a Claim

Establishing who was at fault in a two-vehicle collision near an off-ramp requires careful investigation. An experienced personal injury attorney can collect and evaluate key evidence to prove liability. This process typically includes:

• Obtaining the traffic collision report from law enforcement agencies such as the California Highway Patrol.
• Reviewing dashcam or surveillance footage showing the moments leading up to the collision.
• Interviewing witnesses who observed the crash sequence.
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts to analyze skid marks, impact angles, and vehicle positions.
• Examining phone records or vehicle data to determine distraction or speeding.

Once liability is clear, the attorney works to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation needs. Having skilled legal representation ensures that the injured party’s rights are protected throughout the insurance claims and, if necessary, the litigation process.

Photo attribution: Pixabay

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