Multiple-Vehicle Accident Occurs on Sacramento Highway

Accident on State Route 51 Involves RV and Three Other Vehicles

A multiple-vehicle accident involving an RV and three cars happened in Sacramento on April 14 that caused an injury to one person. The collision occurred around 8:32 in the morning along northbound State Route 51 just south of the E Street entrance ramp, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) traffic report. It involved a motorist in a 40-foot RV, a Ford Fusion, Audi, and one other vehicle. 

One Injury Reported in Multiple-Vehicle Accident

One vehicle was left blocking the number two lane, while another sedan blocked the number one lane. An SUV and the recreational vehicle were pulled off to the right-hand side. Medics with the Sacramento Fire Department determined that an injury occurred in the accident. 

Highway Speeds and Serious Injuries

Vehicles traveling on highways face higher traffic congestion and faster speeds than on surface streets. Because of this, accidents can quickly involve multiple vehicles. After a vehicle has been struck initially, the airbags deploy. However, the airbags deflate quickly, offering no further protection to the occupants inside. This can result in serious injuries, especially if a recreation vehicle or commercial truck is involved. 

Types of Injuries Suffered in a Multiple-Vehicle Crash

  • Traumatic brain injuries: Ranging from concussion to hemorrhage or a fractured skull, a TBI can cause long-lasting problems and permanent damage.
  • Broken bones: Simple breaks heal well in around six weeks, however, a complex fracture can require surgery and pinning and takes much longer to heal.
  • Abdominal trauma: Abdominal trauma can occur due to the impact of the collision or from the seat belt or airbag. It can range from internal bleeding to organ damage, which is often life-threatening.
  • Chest trauma: Chest trauma can be caused by striking the steering wheel or dash. The shoulder restraints can also cause chest trauma. Heavy bruising, fractured ribs, a punctured lung, or heart injury can result.
  • Burns: In some multiple-vehicle accidents, a fire can ensue, causing serious burn injuries.
  • Spinal cord damage: Damage to the spinal cord can cause temporary or permanent paralysis.

Fault in a Multiple Vehicle Accident

Because a vehicle can be struck by others in an accident of this type, more than one driver may be at fault for injuries. My law office has successfully handled many claims of this type. Some of the important areas to be investigated when collecting evidence in a multiple-vehicle accident include:

  • Checking police report data to ensure it is accurate is performed. Errors in the police report can affect a client’s ability to obtain fair compensation.
  • Witness statements are taken by the investigators.
  • The investigators check whether local or state traffic laws were violated, such as tailgating, speeding, and drunk or distracted driving.
  • They look to see if traffic citations were issued by the police in regard to the multiple-vehicle collision.
  • In some cases, a review is made of black box data, which is present on commercial trucks and newer passenger vehicles.
  • Accident reconstruction is performed, which shows the positioning of the vehicles, before, during, and after the crash. It also includes photographing the accident site and damage to the vehicles and roadway.
  • A check is made to see if government negligence caused or contributed to the multiple-vehicle accident in the form of poor lighting, potholes, obscured signs, and others.
  • The area is scanned for business, road, and traffic surveillance cameras in the event the multiple-vehicle accident was captured on tape.

Sacramento Auto Accident Attorneys

I am Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento auto accident attorney. Negligent motorists can cause serious injuries to the innocent people around them. If this happened to you, I can offer you free and friendly advice when you call me at (916) 921- 6400 or (800) 404-400. An online form to message me is available also.

My legal team and I have helped many Sacramentans since 1982 in collecting the compensation they deserve for their traffic accident injuries, traumas, and wrongful death claims.

Over the years, we’ve helped many people, as you will see at the links below:

I am truly honored to be a member of the following associations: Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates.

Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/

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