Trees Fall Throughout Sacramento Area
One of the greatest dangers of a high-wind winter storm, such as the one the greater Sacramento region experienced on January 26 and January 27, 2021, is falling trees.
Though there are undoubtedly many more trees that have fallen throughout the area, here are some locations we have become aware of as the City begins to assess the storm damage:
- Del Paso Heights – a tree fell onto a home.
- Carmichael – a tree fell on Pasadena Way, which sparked a fire.
- Sacramento – Ivy Way
- Sacramento – Howe Avenue
- Arden-Arcade – Eastern Avenue
- College Greens – Bellhaven Way
The midtown Sacramento area has an abundance of large, old-growth trees, and several were uprooted by the powerful storm, including trees located at the following intersections:
- 10th & K
- 25th & N
- Q & 13th
In addition to the many instances of entire trees crashing down, a countless number of large limbs and branches also fell and hit power lines, blocked roads, or otherwise caused significant property damage.
Watch the YouTube video from ABC10 reporting on fallen palm trees along Howe Avenue.
Why Do So Many Trees Fall in Sacramento?
Sacramento and many other areas throughout Northern California have experienced drought conditions for several years. Some summers, the drought conditions have resulted in county-wide water restrictions. When trees continuously survive despite receiving less than optimal watering, they become weaker and less able to withstand strong winds.
Reports of property damage caused by falling trees are widespread. Unfortunately, falling trees also cause injuries and deaths with alarming regularity.
Who is Responsible for Injuries or Damages Caused by Falling Trees?
While it may seem like a tree falling due to a major winter storm is an unpredictable force of nature (or an “Act of God,” which is a term used by insurance companies to reject fallen tree claims), in actuality, heavy winds during Sacramento winter storms are quite predictable.
A property owner is required to maintain the trees on his or her land. The owner has a duty to inspect their trees for dangerous conditions, such as weak roots, or hanging branches, which could cause the tree to break or fall entirely during periods of high wind. When a tree falls and causes injuries or property damage, often the property owner can be held financially responsible for damages.
After the Storm – Be Careful Out There
The best thing to do as we assess the storm damage and prepare for the next round of wind and rain is to stay off the roads. If that is not possible, use extra caution. Trees that are still standing have been weakened by the heavy winds, and branches and limbs may be precarious and ready to fall. A heavy falling tree limb can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries by anyone struck as it crashes to the ground.
Sacramento Tree Accident Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for reading. My name is Ed Smith, and I have been a Sacramento tree accident lawyer for more than three decades. Falling trees occur throughout our region with seasonal regularity. When a tree or a tree limb falls, it can cause significant property damage, as well as severe, life-altering, or fatal injuries. If you or a family member has been harmed as a result of a fallen tree, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for your losses. Please call to speak with an injury lawyer who can offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Our local phone number is (916) 921-6400 and we also provide a toll-free line at (800) 404-5400 if you will be calling from a different Northern California region. Or, we can be reached online.
To learn more about our firm, our areas of practice, and our case results, please visit the links below:
Photo Attribution: JCR
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