Sacramento Intersection Accident on Gerber Rd and Fernridge Dr
A Sacramento intersection accident happened recently at Gerber Road and Fernridge Drive. According to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision involved a Kia SUV and a Nissan Sentra and occurred at 9:03 p.m. The two vehicles ended up in the corner of the intersection. This blocked the right turn lane on Fernridge Drive. At least one individual involved in the crash complained of pain, and an ambulance was called. The CHP is handling the investigation to determine fault in the incident. It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a part in the cause of the crash.
Sacramento Intersection Accident Statistics
Yearly, approximately 2.5 million accidents happen at intersections. Aside from rear-end collisions, intersection accidents are most common at 40 percent of all crashes. Two out of 10 fatal collisions occur at intersections. In 2016, there were 49 fatal collisions in Sacramento, 165 with severe trauma and 801 other injuries. The largest number were rear-end crashes followed by broadside collisions. The majority of accidents happened between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 a.m.
Thirty-nine percent happened due to a vehicle traveling at an unsafe speed, and 218 accidents were due to drunk or drugged driving. About 500 accidents occurred due to right-of-way crashes. Approximately 290 crashes were due to a red light or stop sign infractions in Sacramento. Approximately 165,000 accidents nationwide occur because someone has run a red light. In addition, red light runners cause 700 to 800 fatalities yearly.
Cause of a Sacramento Intersection Accident
Common reasons an intersection crash happens:
- Driver negligence
- Motor vehicle operator recklessness
- Distracted driving
- Failure to see advancing traffic when making a turn
- Running a red light
- Not yielding
- Not stopping at a stop sign
- Tailgating
- Going fast when approaching an intersection
- Not looking for pedestrians
- Poor visibility due to weather
- Complicated or poorly designed intersection
- Poor road conditions
- Faulty traffic lights
- Stop signs that are hidden or not visible from an adequate distance
Road Conditions and Poorly Designed Intersections
Poorly maintained roads, traffic lights, and signage, can be a source of a Sacramento intersection accident. Potholes, debris on the road and other obstacles can impede a vehicle or cause an accident. Keeping the road safe is the obligation of city or state agencies. If an accident happens due to poor maintenance, it is possible to place a lawsuit against the responsible agency. Since government agencies are able to claim sovereign immunity, a lawyer who is experienced in filing claims against the government can help.
Filing a Lawsuit Against a Government Entity
A lawsuit is not automatically filed in such cases. A claim must be filed within six months of the accident. The specific agency has 45 days to answer the claim. If the government feels the claim is valid, they will attempt to settle. If not, you will be notified that you have six months to file a lawsuit. On the other hand, if no response by the government is provided, you will have two years to file a lawsuit. It is important to meet the deadlines. If they are not met, you may be barred from filing a claim. There are some exceptions, and your injury lawyer will be able to discuss them with you.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident attorney. Intersection accidents can cause serious injuries, and you need the help that a seasoned lawyer can provide. You can contact me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. I can also be reached online if it is more convenient for you. Go to my contact page on my website AutoAccident.com, and fill out the form.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Sacramento and Northern California since 1982 receive the compensation they deserve in all types of car accidents, wrongful death cases, and traumatic injuries.
I am honored to be a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This organization chooses members who they believe have reached the pinnacle of legal excellence in their practice. I also belong to the Million Dollar Advocates. The latter group of attorneys from around the country are those who have settled or won over $1 million for a client.
When you need a lawyer, find out about their practice before calling. You can read comments by former clients and my peers as well as see how I resolved prior cases on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_182536298_l-2015
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