Carmichael Intersection Collision Causes Injuries
An intersection collision at the crossroads of Flagstone Street and Madison Avenue in Carmichael at approximately 4:21 in the afternoon resulted in injuries to three people recently. The accident between a gray Jeep, a tan SUV, and a blue Acura blocked the roadway for some time. According to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesperson, emergency medical personnel were evaluating an elderly person and a woman with a child as to the severity of their injuries. An ambulance was requested to transport an individual to a local hospital, but the nature of their injury has not been divulged at this time. There is no indication as to whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident. The CHP is leading the investigation into the accident to determine how it happened.
Intersection Accidents
In 2018, intersection accidents accounted for roughly 50 percent of all crashes nationwide. Not all intersections are equal in terms of design. Some are poorly designed and cause confusion rather than provide a smooth transition for drivers. The biggest risk of an intersection collision is due to driver error. The three most common problems at an intersection occur when a:
- Vehicle is making a right-hand turn (13 percent)
- Vehicle is going straight through the intersection (12 percent)
- When a driver turns left (22 percent)
Most Common Reasons an Intersection Collision Happens
For the most part, intersection collisions happen because drivers fail to obey the rules of the road, such as:
- Distracted driving: This is becoming a major problem on the roads and at intersections. It involves a driver who is doing something else, such as texting, rather than focusing on the task of driving. This activity keeps them from seeing a stop sign, traffic light, or a vehicle that has entered the intersection. It is also the reason many pedestrian accidents happen.
- Speeding: Speeding through an intersection is dangerous. Many drivers increase their speed in an attempt to beat a changing light. In addition, the driver’s ability to slow down is decreased at a higher speed. Pedestrian accidents are particularly affected by speed. The chance of a pedestrian dying increases the faster the vehicle is going. For instance, at 46 mph, the pedestrian’s risk of dying is 90 percent. At 16 mph, it decreases to a fatality risk of 10 percent.
- Drunk driving: Driving while impaired can wreak havoc at an intersection. Alcohol and drugs both interfere with a driver’s cognitive ability. This can cause the driver to ignore a stoplight or sign.
Road Conditions and Intersection Accidents
Not all intersection accidents are due to driver error. As mentioned earlier, intersection design plays an important part in safe travel through the area. When drivers become confused, particularly older motorists, an intersection collision can occur. In addition, when stop signs are weathered or covered by overgrown foliage, drivers may be unable to see them and drive through the intersection without stopping. Traffic lights that are not functioning properly can also cause problems. In such cases, the city agency in charge of road maintenance may be responsible for the accident. Remember, when you are filing a claim against a government agency, your time limit to file differs from other accidents. Your attorney will ensure that all documents are filed on time.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
Intersection collisions can be dangerous, and proving negligence is important. That’s why we dispatch our investigative team to the accident site as soon as possible. There, they search for evidence such as road marks, interview witnesses, and obtain video footage from traffic surveillance cameras and nearby businesses. They also review police reports for inaccuracies. Once that information is accumulated, the investigators release it to our legal team. The data is used to build a strong case for our client to obtain the compensation they deserve.
Carmichael Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Carmichael car accident lawyer. Accidents can leave an injured driver with physical and financial harm. It is important to protect your rights by having an experienced lawyer at your side. Call me for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 or contact me online if that is easier for you.
I’ve helped clients in Carmichael for over 37 years with all types of car accidents, pedestrian injuries, brain trauma, and wrongful death cases.
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_84780222_l-2015 (16)
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