S.R. 51 Rear-End Collision Interferes With Afternoon Commuter Traffic
A three-vehicle rear-end collision occurred in Sacramento recently involving three pickup trucks. The accident was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) along southbound State Route 51 just north of the Arden Way exit ramp around 5:00 in the afternoon. According to the police report, a Nissan Frontier pickup was rear-ended by a Ford pickup, which caused it to hit a 1-ton pickup.
Accident Under Investigation
The accident blocked the number one lane, and a tow truck was required to remove at least one of the vehicles. The number of injuries in the accident had not yet been released at the time of this report. The CHP is conducting an investigation to determine what happened. It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.
Dangers of a Rear-End Collision
A rear-end collision can occur anywhere but is most common on highways and at intersections. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that this type of accident happens about 1.7 million times a year. These accidents lead to many serious injuries and fatalities. Almost all of them are caused by negligence, including:
- Tailgating: Motorists who drive too closely to the vehicle in front of them are unable to stop in time to avoid a collision if that car slows suddenly. Tailgating is a type of reckless driving, and motorists are taught to keep a safe distance between other vehicles.
- Distracted driving: A motorist who is talking or texting on a cell phone, fiddling with the radio, or checking GPS can end up causing a rear-end collision.
- Drowsy driving: A driver who hasn’t gotten enough sleep has slowed reflexes and can be affected much as a drunk driver would be. In some cases, certain medications and sleep apnea can lead to drowsy driving.
- Drunk driving: Drunk driving affects the motorist’s reflexes, ability to judge distances, and even their vision. Drunk drivers are a major cause of a rear-end collision.
- Speeding: Speeding is a factor in many traffic accidents, including a rear-end collision. The driver who speeds is unable to stop in time to avoid a crash and is more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
- Weather: Rain, wet pavement, snow, sleet and fog all affect motorists. Speed should be adjusted in adverse weather conditions to prevent causing an accident.
Investigation of a Rear-End Crash
Accidents are investigated to collect the evidence necessary to support a client’s claim for compensation. When multiple vehicles are involved, it must be shown which motorist/motorists were at fault. In this way, the person who was injured can file a claim for compensation for their injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and their pain and suffering. At my law firm, our investigators are highly experienced in doing just that, and we have obtained fair compensation for many clients by using our investigative techniques by building a strong case. Areas of evidence collection include:
- Interviewing witnesses to the rear-end collision
- Checking for errors in the police report
- Surveying the area for traffic surveillance cameras
- Performing accident reconstruction
- Looking for government negligence that contributed to the rear-end collision
When the evidence has been compiled, our lawyers go to work to build a case that supports our client’s compensation claim. It is used either with insurance company negotiation or in court.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento car accident lawyer. My local number is (916) 921-6400 if you would like to call for my free and friendly advice. You can also contact me at (800) 404-5400 or by filling out the online form.
I’ve helped Sacramentans and Northern Californians since 1982 to obtain compensation for all types of traffic collisions, wrongful deaths, and traumas, including brain injuries.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/accident-auto-damage-vehicle-1409005/
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