Accident at Elkhorn Boulevard Intersection Involves Three Vehicles
An intersection collision in North Highlands on April 12 caused an injury to one person following a three-vehicle crash. The accident was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) shortly after 9:00 in the morning at the intersection of Elkhorn Boulevard and Watt Avenue. The incident report stated that the crash involved a pickup, SUV, and sedan, which blocked two lanes of Elkhorn Boulevard.
Intersection Collision Investigation Underway
Medics determined that one injury occurred as a result of the crash. Tow trucks had to remove the vehicles, and an investigation into the cause of the intersection collision is being conducted by authorities. The roadway was cleared around 9:45 a.m.
Intersection Fatality Statistics
According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 36,000 people died at signaled intersections in 2019. About one-third of the drivers who run a red light do so at a signaled intersection. More than 10,000 died at intersections without signals. This illustrates the dangers of intersections and why drivers should be alert and cautious when passing through one. Some of the reasons accidents occur at intersections include:
- Speeding contributes to a high number of intersection collisions because drivers need a longer stopping distance if they come up too suddenly on another vehicle.
- Distracted driving is the number one reason for traffic accidents of all types. A distracted driver may not notice the light has changed and illegally begins to pass through an intersection or strike another vehicle, bicycle rider or pedestrian at the crosswalk.
- Drunk or drugged driving causes many injuries and fatalities each year. An intoxicated driver has their vision, reflexes and judgment affected, which can result in an intersection collision.
- Reckless drivers not only speed but tailgate, switch lanes back and forth and show other behaviors that endanger others sharing the roadway. Any of these behaviors can lead to an intersection collision.
Obtaining Compensation Following an Intersection Collision
To obtain compensation, it must be proved that the at-fault party was negligent. Obtaining the evidence to support a client’s compensation claim is part of a car accident attorney’s job, and we’ve successfully handled many of these cases over the years. Our investigators begin by going out to the accident site to collect the evidence needed, such as:
- The police examine an accident site looking for criminal activity, so our investigators check their report to ensure it is correct.
- The investigators photograph the accident site, including puddles of leaked fluid, debris such as blown tires, fenders, and glass.
- Gouge and skid marks are photographed because they can show if a driver was out of control or speeding.
- Seat belts in vehicles that are broken or missing are photographed as evidence. A broken seat belt can indicate a defect, which can lead to a product liability claim.
- The headlights and taillights of the vehicles are checked to see if they are operational.
- Accident reconstruction is performed that includes the direction of travel, length of skid marks, distances the vehicles were moved on impact, and points of impact.
- Nearby traffic, business, and roadway surveillance cameras are checked to see if the intersection collision was captured on tape.
When the evidence is all compiled, our injury attorneys go right to work to build a case that supports our client’s compensation claim.
North Highlands Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a North Highlands car accident lawyer. When a collision with other vehicles was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to claim fair compensation, which can cover your medical costs and other losses. Please give me a call at (916) 921-6400 for my free, friendly advice, or you can reach me at (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached online.
I am honored to be a California member of:
Since my law firm opened in 1982, we’ve helped many North Highlands residents with their injury claims ranging from all kinds of traffic accidents to wrongful deaths and others.
Information about how we’ve helped others over the years can be found at these links:
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/headlamp-accident-auto-blue-broken-2940/
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