Multiple Vehicle Accident Causes Major Injury on Hwy 99 in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. A collision during rush hour involving multiple vehicles along State Route 99 ended up causing a major injury in South Sacramento on June 13. According to the report, four vehicles were involved in the crash, which backed up traffic while tow trucks and emergency responders arrived from the Sacramento Fire Department. It is unknown at this time what hospital the injured person was taken to for treatment.
Collision Details
The accident occurred shortly before 8:00 in the morning along the northbound side of State Route 99 just south of the Walnut Avenue off ramp. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash involved a utility pickup truck, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla and another unnamed vehicle. The driver of the pickup stated that his vehicle was rear ended. Two of the vehicles ended up in the center divide, while a third was on the right-hand side of the road. Tow trucks had to be called to remove at least two of the vehicles. It took about an hour for the lanes to be cleared for traffic.
Why Multiple Vehicle Crashes Happen
Most accidents are caused by driver error, although some may be due to other factors. This makes injuries and deaths caused in these types of car accidents more tragic because they are largely preventable. Following are some reasons why multiple vehicle accidents occur:
- Speeding: Driving faster than the speed limit is a common reason for vehicle crashes. As speed is increased, air bags and seat belts are less likely to protect a vehicle’s occupants, and the impact force is greater. In a multiple-vehicle collision, a crash caused by speeding is more likely to hurl one vehicle into another, multiplying those injuries and the vehicles involved.
- Tailgating: A tailgater is less likely to be able to stop or slow down in an emergency situation without crashing into the vehicle in front. This type of reckless driving is more likely to cause other vehicles behind to crash also.
- Weather: Failure to slow down in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, and snow can lead to a multiple vehicle collision. Roads become slippery and visibility may be reduced, which are factors that should be taken into consideration by drivers while on the road.
- Drunk driving: Drunk and drugged driving are both major causes of collisions. This is because the driver may not realize he or she is too impaired to be behind the wheel of a vehicle. Drunk and drugged drivers exhibit a slower reaction time, less coordination, may have impaired vision and other factors that make them a danger to others on the road.
- Distracted driving: Even looking away from the road momentarily can lead to a crash involving multiple vehicles. Texting or talking on a phone, checking GPS or eating and drinking while driving may be momentary distractions, but they are enough to cause an accident.
- Construction areas: Areas where construction is underway require drivers to slow down considerably to stay safe because of narrowed lanes, merging traffic and machinery.
- Road defects: Government entities are responsible for maintaining roads, signs, foliage, and signals to keep travelers safe. If an accident was caused by an unrepaired pothole, bulge in the road, cracks, signs hidden by tree limbs or other negligence, those who are injured may claim compensation.
Liable Parties in a Multiple Vehicle Crash
As in two-vehicle crashes, more than one person may be liable in an accident involving multiple cars. Investigating police and insurance companies will be involved in assigning blame. Because California is a state that goes by comparative negligence, even those who are partially at blame for a crash can receive compensation. Contacting an attorney with experience in multiple vehicle accidents is a good move to ensure that your financial loss caused by your injury is fully compensated.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When you or your loved one is healing from a serious injury, the last thing you want to worry about is how the bills will be paid. This is where a car accident lawyer can help. For free and friendly advice, please give me a call at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area. Those who are in other parts of Northern California can reach me on my toll-free line at (800) 404-5400.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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