Mack Road and Valley Hi Drive Site of Intersection Accident
An intersection accident on July 3 in Sacramento ended up with injuries to at least one person. The collision was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and happened between a pickup and sedan at Mack Road and Valley Hi Drive around 10:43 in the morning. The accident created a traffic hazard while emergency responders and police worked to clear the scene.
One Injury Reported as a Result of Intersection Accident
First responders were called after a male was found to have difficulty getting out of his vehicle and appeared to be injured. Several people from other vehicles stopped to help him exit his vehicle. It was not reported whether that person was treated at the scene or transported to a hospital for additional treatment. The CHP is conducting an investigation to determine how the intersection accident occurred.
Causes of Intersection Accidents
Human error is almost always the cause of an accident at an intersection. The dangers are compounded because traffic converges at an intersection from different directions and is further confused by the presence of pedestrians, bicycle riders and motorcyclists. Reasons for accidents at intersections include:
- Running a stop sign or red light is a common reason for an accident at an intersection. In some cases, the driver is trying to pass through a light before it has turned red, but times it badly.
- Drinking and driving is the reason for many traffic collisions. An inebriated driver shows a lack of reasoning, poor reflexes and judgment.
- Distracted driving has become the number one reason for traffic collisions. It often involves a driver who is texting, talking on a cell phone, checking GPS or other behaviors.
- Fatigued driving is becoming more of a problem on the roadways. A driver who is overly tired cannot pay attention to the traffic around them and the road ahead. In some cases, the driver falls asleep.
Avoiding an Intersection Accident
There are ways to avoid an intersection accident. Some of the best are:
- Learn how to navigate a four-way stop. The rule of thumb is whoever arrives first, leaves first. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the one to the right goes first.
- At a traffic light, always check to see if anyone is in the intersection before making a left turn.
- A driver who is making a right turn in an intersection needs to check for pedestrians or cyclists on his or her right before proceeding.
How an Intersection Accident Is Investigated
Evidence following an intersection accident is important in proving fault. Our investigators are experienced in the collection of evidence to uphold our client’s right to fair compensation. Intersection investigations can be complex since traffic is coming from all different directions. There are often traffic cameras that have videotaped the collision as it happened that our investigators can obtain.
By performing accident reconstruction, the investigators can show what led up to the accident and exactly how it occurred. In many cases, it can help prove fault if the driver was speeding or committing another infraction. The investigators also talk to the witnesses and check the police report for mistakes.
The investigators see if the traffic light was functioning properly or the view in the intersection was blocked by overhanging limbs. In those cases, the government entity in charge of maintenance may be held liable. Our lawyers use the gathered evidence to negotiate with an insurance company or prepare a compelling case for court.
Personal Injury Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury accident lawyer in Sacramento. Injuries at intersection accidents are common and can be serious. When a negligent motorist caused your injuries, I am here to offer my free and friendly advice. You can reach me at (916) 921-6400 or through the toll-free number at (800) 404-5400. Some prefer to contact me by completing the online form.
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Over my 38 years working as an injury lawyer, I’ve helped numerous people in and around Sacramento and Northern California to get fair compensation following an accident. Some of the areas I work in include traffic crashes of all types, traumatic injuries and wrongful deaths.
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