Wrong-Way Driver Hits Honda Sedan in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. On June 4, a wrong-way driver, traveling along Hillsdale Boulevard northbound near Blue Oak Park, collided with another vehicle, causing an injury in North Sacramento. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has not released information on the identities of the drivers and whether or not drugs or alcohol was a factor in the collision.
What Happened
The accident happened shortly after 2:00 in the afternoon at the Hillsdale intersection with Walerga Road when a Toyota Prius crossed over the median and was traveling against opposing traffic. This was when the Prius collided with a Honda sedan. Following the collision, the Honda was over on the right-hand side of the road, while the Prius was facing in the wrong direction. It was reported that the no-U-turn sign was down in the center divide and had to be put back up. Although injuries were reported, the extent is unknown at the time of this report.
Reasons for Wrong-Way Drivers
Most wrong-way driving accidents happen on exit or entrance ramps to freeways. However, this isn’t always the case. One-way streets and unclearly marked roads can also be areas where drivers mistakenly enter. Some of the reasons for wrong-way collisions are as follows:
- Distracted driving is a major cause of all types of accidents. A momentary lapse can make a driver miss seeing a do-not-enter sign or cause confusion between an entrance or exit ramp.
- Drugged or drunk driving is a common cause of all varieties of car accidents. Impaired drivers lack judgment and the important driving skills needed to be safe.
- Poor or missing signage can make it difficult for a driver to judge appropriate entrances and exits. When an accident is caused by problems with the signage, the state or other government entities can be held responsible.
- Poor visibility such as rain, snow, sleet or foggy conditions can make it difficult for a driver to read the signs.
- Unfamiliarity with the area can cause a driver to go in the wrong direction on the road, especially if the entrance and exit ramps of a freeway are placed closely together.
- Drowsy drivers, according to the National Sleep Foundation, have problems focusing, and their thoughts may wander or be disconnected. Lack of alertness and focus caused by drowsy driving can cause accidents that result in serious injuries.
- Medical problems such as poor vision, undiagnosed dementia, and others can cause a driver to go the wrong way, even on a clearly marked street.
- Insufficient lighting in an area after dark can make it difficult for the driver to read signs.
Injuries Caused by Wrong-Way Drivers
Since head-on crashes are common when a vehicle enters opposing traffic, this type of accident often has tragic consequences. The vehicles traveling towards one another at highway speeds experience an abrupt change from 55 mph to zero. The force of the velocity often results in catastrophic injuries or death. Other common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fractured bones
- Crushed bones, particularly of the lower extremities
- Spinal injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic internal injury
- Bleeding internally
- Burns
- Organ damage
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If someone you love is killed by a wrong-way driver or if you have been injured, you need the assistance an attorney can provide. Just reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly advice that is always free.
I’ve assisted many Northern Californians and Sacramento residents with wrongful death claims and numerous types of accidents.
If you are thinking of retaining an attorney, you should make every effort to learn about his or her practice. You can find out about mine by using the following links:
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates, an organization composed of trial lawyers who have won $1 million or more for clients.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/do-not-enter-sign-traffic-road-600755/
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