Head-On Crash Results in Double Fatality in North Highlands

Home » Head-On Crash Results in Double Fatality in North Highlands
December 28, 2020
Edward Smith

Two-Vehicle Crash Causes Double Fatality on Roseville Road

A head-on crash resulted in the death of two individuals on December 24, 2020, at approximately 1:00 in the afternoon in North Highlands. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the collision happened on Roseville Road in the vicinity of Oakhollow Drive. According to a report from the scene, a Toyota Corolla being driven by a woman, age 22, heading north on Roseville Road, crossed the centerline for no apparent reason and struck a pickup in a head-on crash

More details on the Head-On Crash Along Roseville Road

One person, at the time of this report, suffered fatal injuries. She was identified as a North Highlands woman, 24, who was in the Toyota’s right rear seat. A Rancho Cordova woman, 26, a passenger in the front seat, was reported as having suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The operator of the Toyota suffered major injuries in the crash. The pickup truck driver, a 57-year-old Sacramento resident, was said to have minor injuries. 

Investigation Continues Into Cause of Accident

An investigation into the accident is proceeding at this time. There is no word why the Toyota driver crossed into the opposing lane. Law enforcement has not said whether drugs or alcohol were suspected in the head-on collision.

Head-On Crash Dangers

This type of collision does not often happen (2 percent of all accidents), but it is responsible for 10 percent of all accident fatalities. Deaths in a head-on crash occur more often in rural areas as opposed to urban ones. The faster the vehicles are traveling, the greater the risk of a fatal accident. Experts have reported that accidents at a speed greater than 43 mph are more likely to result in fatalities. This is because speed is a major element in calculating momentum along with weight. So, the heavier and faster the vehicle, the more likely death will occur. 

Major Causes of a Head-On Collision

The following are a list of the major reasons a head-on crash occurs:

  • Distracted driving: As everyone knows, distraction is a safety risk while driving. While multitasking may be the rule in an office, it is not on the road. Taking your eyes off the roadway for even a few seconds can result in a major injury or death.
  • Drunk driving: One of the major effects of drinking and driving is that the motor vehicle operator cannot judge the distance between two vehicles. When the drunk driver tries to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road, this inability to judge a safe gap when passing leads to a head-on crash. 
  • Fatigued driving: This behavior is common today with people working overtime or for those who have multiple jobs. However, driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as being impaired.

Losing a Loved One Unexpectedly in a Head-On Crash

For family members, losing a loved one unexpectedly is a tragedy. Suddenly, life as they knew it changes completely, and they feel grief and other emotions. When a negligent driver was the cause of their loved one’s demise, the family feels the need for justice. This is where a personal injury attorney can help. From the first meeting, we can counsel the family about whether they can lodge a claim against the negligent party or their insurance company. 

For many people, this is the last thing they want to consider in the throes of losing someone they love. However, they face the loss of the loved one and financial security due to the lack of their support in the future. A wrongful death case can recover the financial losses they face from lost wages to the recovery of funeral and burial expenses.

Sacramento Car Accident & Wrongful Death Lawyer

I am Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento car accident lawyer. For more than 38 years, I’ve helped families who have lost someone dear to them. I may be able to help you too. Just call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. You can also get in touch with me online if that’s easier for you.

I’ve helped Sacramentans and residents from Rancho Cordova and North Highlands since 1982 to obtain damages inflicted upon them by negligent drivers in car accidents or other traumatic events.

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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/candle-light-candlelight-flame-2038736/

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