Run-Off-Road Accident Reported in Natomas Single-Vehicle Crash

Accident on Eastbound I-80 Causes Vehicle to Leave Road and Crash

A major injury occurred in a run-off-road accident in Natomas on October 16 after a car exited the roadway. The incident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the collision occurred along eastbound I-80 just west of the Truxel Road off-ramp around 9:51 in the morning. The driver of the vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, reportedly struck a wall on the right-hand side of the freeway, flew off the road, and hit a tree, catching on fire. 

Good Samaritan Helps Two People Out of Crashed Vehicle

A good Samaritan said he stopped at the accident scene and was able to get the driver and passenger out of the vehicle, carrying one of them over his shoulder. Medics with the Sacramento Fire Department transported the patient with major injuries to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. It was not reported if the other person in the vehicle was taken to a hospital also. The CHP is examining the accident scene to determine how the collision occurred.

Why a Run-Off-Road Accident Happens

A run-off-road accident usually happens because of driver error, including speeding, bad weather conditions, distracted driving, and others. However, some accidents involving a single vehicle can be due to an outside influence. When this is the case, the injured party may be able to claim fair compensation, which can cover their medical costs and time off work as well as reimburse them for their pain and suffering. 

Mechanical Failure as the Cause of a Run-Off-Road Accident

Vehicle defects such as in the tires, steering, accelerator, brakes, or the motor itself can cause a run-off-road accident. These accidents can be caused by the following conditions:

  • The driver’s power steering fails: When the driver’s power steering fails, the wheel can lock up, preventing the driver from being able to control the car.
  • Brake failure: When a driver is no longer able to brake, the vehicle cannot be slowed down and a run-off-road accident can occur.
  • Tire blowout: When a tire blows or tread separation occurs, the driver can lose control, which can cause the vehicle to go off the roadway.
  • Engine failure: An engine that suddenly stops operating can lead to a run-off-road accident since the driver has no way to control what’s going on.

When a mechanical defect causes an accident, an auto product liability lawsuit can be filed against the manufacturer and others with the help of an injury lawyer. This is why it is important to keep the vehicle from being destroyed after an accident, so engineers can examine it for defects.

Government Negligence

Potholes, fissures or upheavals in the pavement, poor road design, lack of signage, and other factors can cause a run-off-road accident. The government entity in charge of design and maintenance can be held financially responsible for injuries. However, because the statute of limitation for filing a claim is much shorter when a government entity is involved, consulting with a lawyer can be a good idea. A lawyer can ensure that all paperwork is correctly completed and the claim filed before the statute of limitations runs out. Otherwise, the case will not be heard in court.

If you believe your run-off-road accident was caused by an outside influence and you suffered injuries, taking advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation with an injury lawyer may be beneficial. Over the years, my law firm has successfully handled many of these types of claims.

Car Accident Lawyer in Natomas

I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Natomas. Those who are injured in a single-vehicle crash aren’t always at fault for the accident. There are times when an outside influence is the cause. If you believe this happened to you, call the legal team at AutoAccident.com for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We can also be reached online

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Our legal team has helped residents of Natomas and other Northern Californians since 1982 in getting fair compensation for all varieties of traffic accidents, bicycle, motorcycle, truck, and pedestrian injuries, and wrongful deaths.

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Photo attribution: Image by Rico Löb from Pixabay 

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