Accident on Interstate 5 Halts Traffic in Sacramento
A massive traffic backup occurred in Sacramento on October 9 following a motor vehicle crash along southbound Interstate 5. The accident occurred around 3:30 in the afternoon near the entrance ramp for Fruitridge Road. It was not reported how many vehicles were involved in the accident, only that a pickup that was towing a fifth-wheel was one of the motorists.
Additional Details of the Motor Vehicle Crash
The accident blocked three of the lanes on I-5 on the right-hand side. It was shortly after 4:10 p.m. that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) opened the left lane to allow traffic to pass. The CHP did not report any injuries as a result of the crash.
Motor Vehicle Crash Investigations
When injuries occur in a motor vehicle accident, the circumstances surrounding the crash have to be investigated. This provides the proof an injured person needs to place a claim for personal injury damages. Some of the types of negligence that contribute to a motor vehicle crash on a highway include:
- Sudden slowdown in front: Many times, an accident occurs, and the drivers behind never know what caused it. However, when a sudden slowdown happens, other drivers may not be able to stop in time to avoid a motor vehicle crash. This may include tailgating, speeding, or distracted driving.
- Unsafe lane changes: A driver who wants to get off at an exit may find it difficult to change lanes and decide to make a risky maneuver to do so. By changing lanes unsafely, the motorist can end up causing an accident.
- Accidents near exit ramps: One of the most common types of collisions on a highway, changing lanes or speeds, can lead to an accident when drivers behind are either not paying attention or refuse to let another motorist into their lane.
- Vehicle maintenance problems: A vehicle that suddenly has a mechanical problem or a car with a defective part can end up causing a crash. In some cases, a defective tire that blows out suddenly or bad brakes or problems with the accelerator can lead to an accident. If a product is defective and causes an accident with injuries, the injured person can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer and others.
- Reckless driving: Driver error is the reason for the majority of highway accidents. In some cases, the driver is too sleepy to be driving and causes a collision. In others, the driver is speeding, distracted, drinking while driving, or cutting in and out of traffic. Any of those actions can lead to a motor vehicle crash.
Accident Investigations
My office has vast experience in uncovering the evidence needed to support a client’s compensation claim following an accident. We begin by sending our investigators to the accident scene to scour the area for that evidence. This includes:
- Performing accident reconstruction to determine how the crash occurred and to find what fault was involved
- Interviewing the witnesses to seek corroborating statements on how the accident occurred
- Reviewing the accident report by the police to determine its accuracy
- Looking for surveillance footage from nearby road and traffic cameras is important. Evidence of how the accident occurred that has been captured on tape provides strong proof that can either be used in court or when negotiating with the insurance company.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I am Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. When a negligent motorist causes your injuries, you may be able to place a claim for compensation to cover your expenses and pain and suffering. You can reach me for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached online.
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For the past 38 years, I’ve helped many residents of Northern California obtain compensation following a traffic collision, serious injury or in cases that involve wrongful death.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/highway-jam-traffic-pkw-autos-1761825/
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