Accident on SR 51 Caused by Driver Who Didn’t Apply Brakes
A rear-end collision occurred in Sacramento on January 12 after a driver reported they blacked out behind the wheel. The accident happened around 5:17 p.m. on southbound SR 51 just north of the eastbound entrance ramp for Exposition Boulevard. It occurred between a Jeep Cherokee and a Toyota Tacoma pickup. Both vehicles blocked the middle lane of traffic as officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrived to investigate what had happened.
One Driver Leaves Accident Scene on Foot
According to one witness, the driver of the jeep was maneuvering recklessly before the rear-end collision occurred. The driver said they blacked out and did not brake. One of the vehicles was still drivable, while the other motorist left the accident scene on foot. Injuries that occurred in the crash were not reported. The accident is under investigation by authorities to determine exactly what happened to cause it.
When a Driver Is Not Controlling Their Vehicle
An out-of-control vehicle is a danger to everyone on the road. However, there are a number of reasons this can happen. In some cases, a vehicle not being controlled by the driver can cause a rear-end collision. In others, a multiple-vehicle accident can result if traffic is congested. Some of the other reasons this can happen include:
- Certain medications: Certain medications, whether prescription or over the counter, contain warnings about driving while taking them. If a motorist takes one of these medicines and drives anyway, it can result in a rear-end collision.
- Mechanical problems: A defect in an automobile can lead to erratic driving and a failure to control the car or truck, resulting in a rear-end collision. A blown tire, faulty brakes, or inability to control the steering are examples.
- Roadway problems: A pothole, unrepaired pavement, obstacles in the road, and other maintenance problems can cause a rear-end collision. When coming up on a large pothole in the pavement, a motorist may be forced to swerve to avoid hitting it, which in itself could cause an accident. In these cases, the government entity in charge of maintenance may be liable.
Investigation of a Rear-End Collision
In most but not all rear-end collisions, fault is assigned to the driver in the rear. However, if the driver in front stopped suddenly or pulled in front of another vehicle, that motorist would be partially at fault. In addition to auto defects and potholes, the injured party could claim fair compensation in this instance. Our investigators approach every angle that can show how an accident occurred, including:
- Engineers will investigate the car for defects that could have caused a rear-end collision. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to retain the vehicle after an accident.
- The investigators will check the roadway to look for potholes, heaved pavement, or other obstacles that could have resulted in an accident.
- They will examine the police report for mistakes, which have to be corrected.
- Witnesses will be interviewed to understand what they saw.
- Accident reconstruction will be performed, which indicates the positioning of the vehicles before, during, and after the crash.
- Surveillance cameras in the area are checked to see if the accident was captured on tape, which is strong evidence used by the insurance carrier and in court.
Our injury attorneys take all the gathered evidence to construct a strong case that favor’s our client’s claim for compensation. This can provide financial relief for the medical costs, time lost at work, and reimburse them for their pain and suffering.
Sacramento Auto Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento auto accident lawyer. Rear-end collisions can result in serious injuries, and if a negligent driver was the cause, you may want to have my free, friendly advice. I can be reached at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area or (800) 404-5400 on the toll-free line. An online contact form is available also if you prefer to message me.
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Since 1982, my law firm has successfully obtained compensation for Sacramentans following their injury from a traffic collision, traumas of all types, and wrongful deaths.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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