Reported Reckless Driver Causes Intersection Collision
A two-vehicle intersection crash in North Highlands on January 15 resulted in a major injury. The accident was reported just before 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Madison Avenue and involved a Chevy pickup and Hyundai. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) police report, the driver of the Chevy pickup had been driving recklessly, lost control of their vehicle, swerved and struck the Hyundai.
Additional Details About the Two-Vehicle Intersection Crash
The accident blocked the eastbound lanes along Garfield Avenue. First responders determined that one of the people involved in the North Highlands accident had suffered major injuries and transported that patient to a nearby hospital for additional treatment and evaluation. The two-vehicle crash is being investigated by the CHP to determine what happened.
Intersection Crashes
Of the 2.5 million crashes that occur every year in the United States, approximately 40 percent happen in intersections. In addition, 50 percent of all serious accidents also occur in intersections, leading to 20 percent of fatal accident injuries in the country. In Sacramento, as elsewhere, there are many dangerous intersections.
Reasons for an Intersection Crash
The majority of accidents happen during a left-hand turn. When a motorist turns left, the chance of a collision with another vehicle going straight through an intersection is high. This often happens because the driver fails to adequately calculate the speed and distance at which the opposing vehicle is traveling. Other problems at an intersection include:
- Pedestrian accidents: Despite crosswalks being located at intersections, drivers who are reckless, distracted or speeding may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision with a pedestrian. In addition, crosswalks may lack proper lighting or timing devices.
- Road and foliage maintenance in an intersection: Potholes and upheavals can lead to an intersection accident as drivers swerve to avoid them. Failure to trim foliage can obscure signage that instructs the driver to slow down for a stop. Non-functioning or mistimed traffic lights can easily lead to a collision because drivers are confused about when to proceed.
- Poor design: Intersections that are not designed properly can also be confusing to motorists and lead to an intersection crash. The responsibility for this lies with the government agency in charge as well as the contractor.
- Bicycle accidents: Not all streets have designated bicycle lanes, and accidents with bicyclists can occur even in intersections that have them. A major problem is when a motor vehicle makes a right-hand turn without looking for a bicycle rider or cuts into the lane too early. Another problem arises when the bicyclist is traveling across the intersection and a turning motorist does not see them.
Reckless Driving
Reckless drivers abound on the streets of Sacramento County. This includes those who are aggressive drivers, tailgaters, those who cut in and out of traffic and speeders. This type of behavior has grown over the past decade and has been the source of numerous accidents. Another facet of reckless driving is the red-light runner. Behavior of this type leads to many accidents as the offending driver tries to make it through the intersection before the light turns red.
Investigating an Intersection Accident
As you can see, intersection accidents can have a number of causes and happen frequently. When they result in injuries, the injured person may claim compensation for financial damages linked to the accident. At our law firm, we send out an investigative team to the accident scene to determine liability.
They begin by interviewing witnesses and obtaining video footage of the crash from traffic surveillance cameras and nearby businesses. They also inspect the road design for failure to provide safety features to limit accidents and proper roadway maintenance. Accident reconstruction techniques are performed at the site to determine liability.
We also examine traffic lights and crosswalk meters for proper function. The police report, which is widely used by insurance companies, is reviewed for mistakes. Once this evidence is gathered, it is given to our injury attorneys for the preparation of a case.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. When you’ve been involved in an intersection accident and injured due to negligence, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free, friendly advice. Alternately, you may prefer to contact me online.
Since 1982, I’ve helped Sacramentans and others in Northern California obtain the compensation they deserve in car accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumatic brain injuries.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/headlamp-accident-auto-blue-broken-2940/
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