Car Runs Into 12th Street Light Rail Station Sign
A drunk driver was arrested on July 4th after being involved in a collision in downtown Sacramento. Officers with the Sacramento Police Department received a call around 1:26 in the morning of a car that had run into the 12th Street light rail station in the area of Mansion Flats. When they arrived, along with first responders with Sac Fire, they discovered that a driver had gone the wrong way on 12th Street and crashed into some of the signage for the Light Rail station and a pole.
Drunk Driver Detained
The vehicle sustained considerable damage to its front-end from the crash. The driver of the vehicle had stayed at the scene, and it was determined by police that they were under the influence. Officers detained the driver, charging them with DUI.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Despite efforts by communities and local police, drunk driving continues to be a real problem in the United States and claims more than 10,000 lives each year. Alcohol consumption acts like a sedative and affects a motorist’s comprehension, ability to make a decision, reflexes and coordination. Some of the more common accidents caused by a drunk driver include:
- Rear-end collisions: Because a drunk driver experiences slow reaction time and has problems judging distances, rear-end collisions are common.
- Head-on crashes: Nodding off and crossing into an opposing lane are among the most dangerous types of accidents caused by an inebriated driver and result in serious injuries or deaths.
- Wrong-way accidents: Being able to accurately read and process direction signs is important to stay safe as a driver. An intoxicated motorist doesn’t always realize what he or she is reading. The next thing they know, they are entering a freeway from the exit ramp or driving the wrong direction on a one-way street.
- Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders: Other motorists are not the only ones in danger from a drunk driver. Those who are riding on smaller vehicles or are on foot are at risk of being struck. When an inebriated motorist strikes someone who is more vulnerable, the results can be devastating or deadly.
Investigation of a Drunk Driving Accident
A conviction for a drunk driving accident is good evidence of negligence, which can be used to support a claim for personal injury damages. If the at-fault motorist has previous convictions, which they often do, it may mean the injured person can place a claim for punitive damages, a rarity in California. This means that the act of injuring the person in a collision was egregious or outstandingly bad because the driver knew they were a danger. Other areas of investigation include:
- Checking the police report for mistakes and talking to witnesses
- Performing accident reconstruction, which can detail the erratic movements of the at-fault driver
- Looking for cameras located near the accident scene such as from intersections and from local businesses
When the evidence is compiled, our injury lawyers go to work to build a substantial case in favor of our client. It is used in insurance negotiation on the client’s behalf and also in civil court if needed.
Car Accident Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. When a drunk driver caused your accident injuries, I have free and friendly advice to offer you about obtaining compensation. You can reach me in the Sacramento area at (916) 921-6400. The number for outlying areas is (800) 404-5400. I can also be contacted online.
I’m honored to have served the people of Sacramento and surrounding Northern California for over 38 years in helping them obtain compensation for their accident injuries. Although I handle many traffic crashes and wrongful deaths, I also handle motorcycle and bicycle accidents, product liability cases, government claims and others. Please feel free to call with your questions. The Million Dollar Forum and the Top 1 Percent are both special groups I belong to.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/technology-police-car-roof-2500010/
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