Multiple Collision Accident Claims a Life Along Business 80
A fatality and injuries resulted from a multiple collision accident along eastbound Business 80 in Sacramento on June 17. According to police, several DUIs may have contributed to the accidents. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the chain reaction began as a single vehicle accident at around 2:00 a.m. This was when a man driving a Honda Accord crashed in the fast lane near the onramp for E Street. Police said that the vehicle struck the center median, which caused the Honda to roll over, where it landed upright. The person in the Honda, who was killed in the accident, was identified as a Sacramento man, age 40. I’d like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
How the Accident Happened
The driver of the first vehicle left his vehicle and walked to the road’s shoulder. Another driver, who reportedly knew the man in the Honda, pulled over to the side of the road and ran across the freeway to assist him. He was also identified as a resident of Sacramento, age 25. A third vehicle struck both of the men several minutes later in a 2006 Honda, killing the first driver and injuring the second man.
Physical Injuries
Moderate injuries were suffered by the drivers of the second and third vehicles. It was reported that the third Honda, being driven by a man, aged 39, that struck the other two men, was moving at about 70 mph when the collision occurred. The impact threw both men standing along the shoulder toward the center median. Both the 25-year-old and 39-year-old men were transported to UC Davis Hospital with injuries.
Drunk Driving Suspected
Investigators with the CHP are treating the multiple collision accidents as separate incidents. Alcohol and/or drug consumption may have been a factor in either one or both accidents. As of Monday morning, no arrests had been announced. The identity of the man who died in the multiple collision accident has not been released by the coroner’s office pending notification of the family.
Causes of Multiple Collision Accidents
Errors by several motorists may be the cause of multiple vehicle collisions. This may be especially true when an accident occurs during the nighttime hours. Because traffic isn’t as heavy in the middle of the night, motorists are more likely to pay less attention to the road ahead. Other causes include:
- Drunk and/or drugged driving: Causing more than 10,000 fatalities in traffic accidents each year, impaired drivers are a danger on the road.
- Distracted driving: Always a danger, motorists may be tempted to look for distractions when driving at night to ease the monotony. However, texting or chatting on a cell phone or looking for a radio station while driving is behavior that can lead to a multiple collision accident.
- Fatigued driving: Some drivers during late night hours are leaving a party or going home after doing shift work. By interrupting their normal sleep patterns, fatigue can set in. This makes an accident more likely.
Compensation Following a Wrongful Death
If negligence was the cause of your loved one’s death, the family may be entitled to obtain compensation. This can pay for funeral/burial expenses, the loss of that person’s income and losses such as companionship, love, and care the person contributed. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can explain who is eligible to file and what damages can be compensated financially.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. An experienced lawyer may be able to help a family obtain compensation for the loss of a loved one if the accident was caused by negligence. If you are interested in my free and friendly advice, please contact me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 if you’re calling long-distance. An online contact form is also available.
You are invited to find out more about my law practice by looking over the following sites:
Among the many legal groups I belong to are the following:
- I’m a California member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. It recognizes lawyers who uphold a high standard of excellence in the law.
- Million Dollar Forum is a group of trial attorneys who have obtained more than $1 million for a client.
It has been my honor to have served the people of Sacramento and Northern California for 37 years to obtain fair compensation for their injuries. Among the areas I specialize in are any type of car accident, motorcycle and pedestrian collisions, and traumatic injuries.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/condolences-trauerkarte-letters-3991589/
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