Six-Vehicle Pileup in Sacramento Caused by Drunk Driver
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. A six-vehicle pileup along Highway 99 on August 6, 2018, brought traffic moving southbound to a standstill. One driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The drunk driver was involved in the initial collision with one other car, and the other four vehicles crashed into them about one minute later, resulting in injuries.
Details of the Crash
According to a report by the CHP, the accident happened shortly before 3:00 in the morning when the driver of a Nissan was involved in a collision with a Toyota minivan on the highway near Florin Road. Following the accident, the Toyota was along the right-hand shoulder, and the Nissan was blocking the road. At this point, the Nissan driver, who was reportedly intoxicated, exited the vehicle and ran over to the shoulder, abandoning the car, where it was struck by an SUV. Traffic was slowed down because of the crash, which resulted in a rear-end collision between two more vehicles and a big rig. One individual involved in the crash was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment for injuries. The Nissan driver was placed under arrest at the scene with a charge of suspected drunk driving.
Traffic Problems Following the Collision.
Traffic along southbound Highway 99 was at a halt for about half an hour, when it was possible to reopen one lane. The traffic accident and resulting problems were cleared shortly after 4:00 a.m.
Drunk Drivers Endanger Others
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk drivers contribute to 29 fatalities each day across the nation. Although the number of drunk driving accidents has fallen over the years, it still accounts for more than 10,000 deaths yearly and is responsible for the majority of wrong-way driving accidents. Even a small amount of alcohol can have a negative effect, including the following:
- 0.02 percent: The driver’s attention becomes divided and vision is affected.
- 0.05 percent: Coordination is affected, steering becomes more difficult, response time to an emergency is reduced and the eyes have problems tracking.
- 0.08 percent: Short-term memory is affected, coordination reduced, and the ability to process information is damaged.
- 0.10 percent: Problems applying brakes and more difficulty staying in the driving lane occurs.
- 0.15 percent: Driver is substantially impaired.
Car Accident Injuries
No one wants to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. It can leave the occupants of a vehicle with not only property damage but with serious injuries or result in the loss of a loved one. Following are some of the more common injuries in a motor vehicle crash:
- Traumatic brain injury: Ranging from a concussion, which can resolve itself over time, to severe injuries such as bleeding in the brain that affect cognitive function and have other serious repercussions. A TBI can be a life-changing experience.
- Spinal cord damage: Damage to the spine and back can lead to lifelong pain and affect the individual’s ability to function normally.
- Chest injuries: The impact to the chest in a collision can cause broken bones, particularly of the clavicle, and puncture a lung or cause bruising of the heart. Blunt trauma injuries to the chest can be serious.
- Abdominal trauma: Internal bleeding and organ damage can require extensive hospitalization or surgery to repair. The spleen is the most common organ that is damaged in a motor vehicle collision.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Drunk driving is a crime that causes numerous injuries and deaths every year. If you or someone you love was injured by a drunk driver, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help. I can be reached in the Sacramento area at (916) 921-6400 and also offer a toll-free line at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. If you prefer, you can access our convenient online contact form on my website, and I will get back to you promptly.
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