Suspected Drunk Driver Involved in Sacramento Accident

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March 21, 2020
Edward Smith

Collision Along 19th and J Streets Leads to Arrest

An accident occurred in Sacramento between two vehicles in Midtown Sacramento on March 16 that involved a suspected drunk driver. The collision occurred at 19th and J streets around 12:50 a.m. The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Sacramento Police, and responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived quickly at the scene. One of the drivers in the accident was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Although no one was transported to a hospital, it is unknown whether injuries occurred. Traffic was blocked in the area while an investigation into how the accident happened progressed.

Injury by a Drunk Driver

Drunk drivers are responsible for many accident injuries and fatalities in the Sacramento area. Because this is a type of negligence, those who are injured can place a claim for compensation. This can cover their medical costs, pain and suffering, and wages lost at work while they recuperate. In some instances, under California Civil Code §3294, a plaintiff may be awarded punitive damages, which are often higher than the economic and noneconomic awards. A seasoned personal injury lawyer with experience in handling a case involving a drunk driver can explain what you may be eligible for and handle your case.

Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers

Even small portions of alcohol can affect a driver’s ability to handle a vehicle safely. A driver’s reaction time, coordination, judgment, and even vision are affected by alcohol, and the higher the amount the driver drank, the more dangerous that motorist becomes. Some of the types of accidents that a driver under the influence can cause include:

  • Rear-end collisions: Slowed reaction time and the inability to correctly judge distances because of alcohol consumption can result in an accident caused by a drunk driver.
  • Head-on accidents: Collisions head-on caused by an inebriated driver happen when the motorist falls asleep at the wheel or enters a road going the wrong way.
  • Pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle crashes: Impaired vision and poor reflexes can cause a driver to collide with a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcycle rider. 
  • T-bone accidents: A drunk driver can cause a T-bone accident because making a turn at an intersection requires the motorist to be alert and aware of other traffic.

How a Lawyer Helps

We in the Offices of Edward A. Smith have successfully handled many accidents involving a drunk driver. We immediately send out our investigators to the crash site to look for evidence in support of your claim. The investigators begin by talking to witnesses to the accident and look for mistakes in the police report. They perform accident reconstruction, which is often used by insurance companies to assign fault. The investigators also look for cameras from traffic lights and businesses that may have filmed the accident as it happened. When all of the evidence has been gathered, our lawyers take over to build a case in favor of our client and against the at-fault party. This evidence is useful in dealing with the insurance company or preparing a case to present on your behalf in civil court.

Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. When you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, I may be able to help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Give me a call at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. I can also be reached by filling out the online form and will call you as soon as I am free.

I’ve helped Sacramentans since 1982 in obtaining compensation for their accident injuries, whether it is caused by government negligence, any type of traffic accident, or traumas of all types. I also handle wrongful death cases.

Checking client reviews and learning about cases a lawyer has handled in the past can be helpful when seeking advice or representation. This is why I included links to information about my firm below:

 

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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/drink-driving-drunk-alcohol-808790/

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