Connector Road Collision in Sacramento Causes Major Injury
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. A major injury was reported in a July 31 auto accident in South Sacramento along the U.S. 50 west connector with Interstate 5 north. Four vehicles were involved in the accident, which shut down the transition area to Interstate 5 along with the slow lane while debris was removed from the site.
Accident Details
The multiple vehicle crash happened shortly before 3:00 in the afternoon between a Toyota Corolla, unnamed pickup and sedan and another vehicle. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), one person was possibly pinned in their vehicle, and the Sacramento Fire Department was called to assist. One woman managed to exit her vehicle and was lying on the ground. The injured individual was transported by medics to the UC Davis Medical Center for further evaluation and care. The roadway was reported as cleared by 3:18 p.m.
Multiple Vehicle Collisions
Of the many types of car accidents, multiple vehicle collisions generally occur on higher speed roads such as highways but can also occur as a result of a rear-end collision or at intersections. They are also among those collisions that result in the most fatalities and serious injuries. The largest multiple vehicle crash happened in Los Angeles back in 2002 and involved 216 vehicles. Seventy vehicles were totaled in the crash, along with injuries to 45 motorcyclists as well as those in motor vehicles. The poor visibility that day is thought to have contributed to this massive pileup.
What Causes Multiple Vehicle Crashes?
Multiple vehicle collisions can often be avoided if the driver who causes the initial crash is following the rules of the road and paying attention. Some of the most common reasons for multiple vehicle accidents are as follows:
- Speeding: Excessive speed can cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle as well as take longer to reduce speed or stop when traffic suddenly slows down or comes to a halt.
- Intoxication: Those who are driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs have bad judgment, poor motor coordination and a delayed reaction time. In some instances, the drunk or drugged driver may pass out behind the wheel of a vehicle.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigue behind the wheel, especially along long, boring stretches of road, can cause a driver to nod off, start daydreaming or become unaware of his or her surroundings.
- Construction zones: Because of the erected barriers, workers and equipment in a construction zone, a driver can ignore flagmen, strike one of the barricades or other maneuvers, leading to a multiple vehicle crash.
- Bad weather: All drivers know that it is more difficult to drive in rain, snow or fog because a vehicle is more likely to go out of control and cannot slow down or stop as quickly. During the first 10 minutes of rain, a vehicle is more likely to hydroplane.
- Tailgating: This form of reckless driving is common in intersections but also happens on highways. Speeding is often also involved.
- Distracted driving: Focusing on the road ahead is important for a driver to avoid causing an accident. Talking on a phone or with passengers, texting, drinking and eating are common causes of distracted driving.
- Rubbernecking: This form of morbid curiosity happens when a motorist passes an accident site or vehicle pulled over by police on the side of the road but can happen for many other reasons. Instead of paying attention to the road ahead, the motorist lets himself or herself become distracted.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Being hurt in a traffic accident caused by negligence leaves that person with medical bills, lost time away from work and other expenses. If this happened to you or a loved one, I would be honored to give you free and friendly legal advice. Please call me at (916) 921-6400 locally or at (800) 404-5400 if you are phoning from outside the area.
I am proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Forum. This group was formed to recognize top trial attorneys around the nation with a record of a client settlement or verdict in excess of $1 million.
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_36794425_l-2015
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