Major Accident Injuries to Citrus Heights Residents
A collision along California State Route 99 on December 14, 2018, killed two older people from Nicolaus and seriously injured two Citrus Heights residents. The accident happened when a Cadillac pulled out onto northbound SR 99 in front of a large pickup truck, which rolled into an opposing lane, striking a vehicle heading south. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the southbound lanes of SR 99 remained closed for more than two hours while the accident scene was investigated and cleared. I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Details of the Collision
The accident happened at about 12:20 in the afternoon when a 72-year-old Oroville woman, driving a Cadillac, with an Oroville man, age 78, as a passenger, pulled onto the highway, where it was struck by an individual driving a Ford F-350. As a result of the collision, the pickup rolled into the opposing lane where it struck a Toyota Tacoma carrying the Citrus Heights residents. The Toyota occupants were identified as two men, ages 30 and 21. Both suffered serious injuries and were taken to the medical center at UC Davis for treatment. The two people in the Cadillac died at the scene of the crash, while the pickup truck driver sustained minor injuries.
Entering a Highway
When entering traffic, particularly a highway where speeds are higher, caution must be exercised. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 300,000 accidents happen each year when one vehicle enters a highway. Of these, 50,000 resulted in fatal crashes. Although there are rules of the road describing the proper way to enter highway traffic, not everyone obeys them. This can result in serious major accident injuries and an extended time recovering, not just physically but also emotionally and financially.
Types of Highway Entrance Accidents
There are several different types of highway accidents due to a careless merge. They are:
- Entering in front of a truck: When motorists attempt to enter the highway in front of an oncoming truck, they need to provide the trucker ample room to slow down if necessary. Ideally, it is better to enter when there is a proper distance between the vehicle entering the highway and the truck, eliminating the need to slow down. Due to their weight, trucks cannot stop easily. If the trucker slams on their brakes, it can cause the truck to jackknife, rollover or skid.
- Sideswipes: Sometimes, a driver merges without noticing that a vehicle is traveling in the lane. At the last moment, the driver of the merging vehicle may try to swerve out of the way and lose control. This can result in a sideswipe accident and have disastrous results on a busy highway.
- Not checking your blind spots: Mirrors do not always show a motorist if traffic is approaching due to blind spots that are not visible in the side and rear-view mirrors. This is caused primarily by the design of the vehicle. In order to compensate for this, drivers need to know where their blind spots are. In most cases, it means that you need to physically turn around, and look over your shoulder to ensure that the lane is safe.
- Rear end or frontal collisions: It is common for a driver merging into traffic to not allow an oncoming vehicle enough room or to pull out too soon after a vehicle passes. Depending on the situation, this can end in major accident injuries.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You
When you are injured in a car accident, it is important to have the insight and experience a seasoned injury lawyer can provide. He or she can investigate the accident at the scene of the crash to determine how it occurred using such clues as road marks and vehicle placement. Police reports can be obtained that are particularly useful if citations were issued against the at-fault drivers. The attorney will also review medical records to determine the extent of injuries and ultimately their cost. Above all, the lawyer will defend the injured party’s rights, and help ensure that they obtain the compensation they deserve.
Citrus Heights Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Citrus Heights car accident lawyer. As you enter a highway, it is important to follow the proper rules of the road. When that does not happen, major accident injuries can result. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or reach me online for free and friendly advice.
I’ve represented numerous residents of Citrus Heights in the past 36 years in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths and traumatic brain injuries, among others.
When you are looking for an attorney, you need to learn about their practice before retaining them. Learn about mine on the following pages:
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates. We are a forum of trial attorneys from around the country who have won more than $1 million for a client.
Photo Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-cars-on-road-between-buildings-1670429/
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