Rollover Accident on I-80 Injures One Person
A rollover accident near Auburn on August 7 caused injuries to one person. The collision happened along westbound I-80 in Placer County near Clipper Gap. According to the Placer Hills Fire Protection District, one injured patient was transported to a hospital after suffering minor injuries. The freeway was shut down on the westbound side as California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, firefighters and medics responded. The accident is being investigated to determine how the rollover occurred.
Some Vehicles Are More Prone to a Rollover Accident
Cars or light trucks with a higher center of gravity, such as vans or sport utility vehicles, are more apt to experience a rollover than others. However, under the right circumstances, any vehicle can turn over. These types of collisions are more dangerous than most others because the bodies of those inside are tossed around more, which increases the risk of more severe injuries.
What Causes Most Rollovers?
Most of the time, a rollover accident is caused by the negligence of the operator or another driver. That is to say, speeding, drunk or distracted driving, and disobeying traffic laws can result in an overturned vehicle either on its own or when it is struck by another motorist. There are also times when a rollover is caused by another influence, which is out of the control of the driver.
Defective Auto Parts Can Cause a Vehicle to Overturn
There are a number of defects and other reasons that can cause a vehicle to overturn. A sudden tire blowout, brakes that fail or an accelerator that sticks can be caused by defects. Retaining a vehicle after an accident when it overturns for no explainable reason is important, so it can be examined by an engineer who can determine if a defect was the cause. In instances where a defect led to the accident, the parts designer, manufacturer and others may be held liable. An accident attorney can help by filing an auto product liability claim. In California, negligence does not have to be proved in such claims, only that the defective part was unaltered and used in the way it was intended.
An Aggressive Driver Can Cause a Vehicle Rollover
Aggressive drivers are those who are angry and take their anger out on other motorists sharing the roadway. They commit risky acts that endanger other motorists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aggressive drivers may perform some of the following acts:
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Cutting in and out of traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Cutting drivers off
- Passing on the right
Negligent Roadway Maintenance
When potholes, upheavals in the roadway, debris, poor lighting and other problems exist, they can end up causing an accident where the vehicle overturns. If it is proved that poor maintenance led to the accident, the government entity charged with the care of the roadway can be held responsible. The timeline for filing a claim against a government entity is six months, so having the matter handled by an injury lawyer might be a good idea. If the claim isn’t filed within that six month period, the case will not be heard in court.
Auburn Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, an Auburn car accident lawyer. When a rollover accident causes injuries that weren’t the fault of the driver, a claim may be placed against the negligent party to recover compensation. Contact us for free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. We can also be reached online. By contacting us, we can set up a free consultation for you either in person or virtually in which one of our lawyers can review your case and let you know about the possibility of placing a claim to recover compensation.
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Photo attribution: Image by Valter Cirillo from Pixabay
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