Six Minors Suffer Serious Injuries in North Highlands Crash

Home » Six Minors Suffer Serious Injuries in North Highlands Crash
February 18, 2020
Edward Smith

North Highlands Collision Results in Serious Injuries

Seven people suffered serious injuries, and one ended up being placed under arrest in a traffic collision on February 15 in North Highlands. The accident occurred at Hemlock Street and Auburn Boulevard around 6:38 in the evening, according to the traffic collision report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It involved a Nissan Sentra and a Chevy Malibu with six minors in it. The Malibu was going west along Auburn Boulevard when the Nissan struck it head-on, according to authorities. The minors were not wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.

Additional Details of the Accident 

The Sacramento Fire Department emergency responders arrived to assess injuries and transported seven people to the hospital, including all six minors. All suffered serious injuries, but none were life-threatening. Drugged driving is suspected as contributing to the crash, and a toxicology unit was contacted to administer a blood test. Brandon David Cowles, age 26, who was driving the Nissan, was placed under arrest for possible drug use. The CHP is investigating the collision to determine fault.

Two-Vehicle Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries

In 2019, around 2.35 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes. Of the 37,000 who died in traffic collisions that year, over 35 percent were between 16 and 20-years-old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some of the main causes of accidents that resulted in serious injuries included:

  • Lack of seat restraints: In 47 percent of the accidents that resulted in fatalities, the occupants of the vehicle were not wearing seat belts.
  • Alcohol or drug consumption: One of the leading causes of traffic collisions, consumption of alcohol, or drugs impairs a motorist’s ability to drive safely. It can affect judgment, coordination, vision, and reflexes, which can lead to an accident.
  • Distracted driving: Texting or talking on a cell phone is a common cause of serious injuries in accidents as well as changing a radio station or talking with passengers.
  • Fatigued driving: When a driver is overly tired, they run the risk of nodding off or falling asleep while driving. Those who keep late hours, do shift work, and are out partying over the weekend are more likely to be driving fatigued.
  • Speeding: Speeding is a major cause of all types of traffic collisions. 

Help With a Personal Injury Claim

The law firm of Edward A. Smith has successfully handled many traffic accident claims involving serious injuries over the years. Investigators are sent to the accident site immediately to check the police report for mistakes and interview witnesses to the crash. By performing accident reconstruction, the position of the vehicles before, during, and after the crash can be determined. Checking for road and vehicle damage is important too. This helps determine how the vehicles struck. Potholes, road debris, and missing or defective traffic lights can cause an accident also, and the government entity in charge of maintenance can be held responsible. When all the evidence is gathered, it is given over to our lawyers. They can build a strong case against the negligent party, which can either be used on your behalf by negotiating with the insurance company or in preparing a court case.

North Highlands Car Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands car accident lawyer. When negligence is the cause of your traffic accident injury, you may be able to place a claim for compensation. I am honored to give you my free and friendly advice when you phone me at (916) 921-6400 or through my free long-distance line at (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached by messaging me using my online form.

During my more than 38-year career as a personal injury lawyer in Northern California, I’ve helped many North Highlands residents in obtaining fair compensation for their accident injuries. I handle all types of traffic accidents, severe injuries such as brain traumas and wrongful death cases, among others.

I am a proud member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and Million Dollar Forum.

Reviews by my previous clients can be found at the following links. In addition, you are invited to look over cases previously handled by my firm on the Settlements and Verdicts page below. 

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