Sacramento Major Intersection Collision
A Sacramento major intersection collision occurred shortly before 7:00 in the evening at Power Inn Road and Scottsdale Drive when two vehicles collided. One of the two vehicles was emitting smoke from the engine, and flames were seen as it became engulfed. Only one vehicle was identified. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that it was a Chevy Spark. An ambulance was summoned to transport one individual, who was described as having major injuries.
Additional Details of the Sacramento Major Intersection Collision
However, the person’s identity, the specific nature of their injuries and which hospital they were taken to has not been released as of the time of this report. Traffic was blocked in both northbound lanes of Power Inn Road as well as westbound Scottsdale. The police have not reported whether drugs or alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are complex and a challenge to many drivers when trying to avoid an accident. While older individuals may be stressed as the most problematic at intersections, drivers in all age groups may find such crossroads difficult. For instance, younger drivers may not be comfortable judging distances when they see another vehicle approaching. Most intersection accidents are caused by human error when drivers choose to drive in a reckless manner. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that 43 percent of all roadway accidents happen at intersections.
Why Are Intersections So Dangerous?
Intersections can have anywhere from two to six streets converging upon one single place. Traffic signals or stop signs may be used to control traffic flow. In some places, only the side streets have stop signs, and in others, there may be a four- or six-way stop. The sheer number of possibilities this creates for a major intersection collision is staggering and frightening.
Types of Intersection Accidents
The types of accidents that might happen at an intersection are largely dependent on the number of crossroads and the vehicle’s maneuvers. Some of the more common ones are:
- Oncoming vehicles: Crashes between vehicles heading in the opposite direction are common, especially if one is turning.
- T-bone collisions: This major intersection collision generally occurs when one vehicle is heading straight through the intersection, and another crossing perpendicularly runs a red light or ignores a stop sign. Such accidents can result in serious injuries since the side panels of a vehicle do not have the same amount of protection for the occupant as the front or rear areas.
- Rear end collisions: Such collisions usually occur when the driver to the rear does not realize the lead vehicle has stopped. This could happen because the rear driver is distracted or thought the lead vehicle was moving. Either way, rear end collisions can cause cervical strain or whiplash.
- Sideswipe collisions: Such collisions generally happen when one or more of the vehicles are turning.
- Pedestrian and cyclist injuries: Vulnerable road users such as those that ride bicycles and pedestrians are particularly at risk in an intersection. They must be cognizant of not only drivers in their lane but also those who are turning. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 4,000 pedestrians are killed in intersections, and close to 60,000 are injured nationwide in one year’s time. In addition, 45 percent of bicycle accidents occur in intersections.
Causes of Intersection Accidents
Statistics show that driver distraction and recklessness are major causes of intersection accidents. Some of the more common ones are:
- Running a red light or stop sign: This is one of the major causes of intersection accidents.
- Many drivers are unaware that an intersection is ahead: This may be due to a lack of signage or foliage obscuring the signs. When this happens, a case against the government agency for that particular locality can be made responsible.
- Tailgating: This is a major problem at intersections and can lead to a rear end accident if the lead car stops short.
- Speeding: When drivers speed, they may find it difficult to stop in time at the intersection. In addition, due to their complexity, intersections pose many unexpected events, and a speeding driver may lose control of the vehicle when they attempt to stop.
- Side collisions at night: Many times, a driver will not be able to see another car or truck already in the intersection, especially at night or if the vehicle is a dark color. Without side reflectors or lights, a truck or a limo may not be seen by the approaching driver.
- Pedestrian or cyclist error: Sometimes, a pedestrian or cyclist does not practice proper roadway skills, crossing outside of a crosswalk or darting between vehicles.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When you are in an intersection accident, you need legal assistance. An attorney can investigate the crash to determine who was at fault and use witness statements as well as traffic light video recordings to build a strong case for compensation. Call me at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-54000 long distance for free and friendly advice. If you would rather use an online contact form, you’ll find one on my website AutoAccident.com.
I’ve helped residents of Sacramento and others in Northern California obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of car accidents, pedestrian injuries and cases of wrongful death.
I’ve won more than $1 million for a client and because of this was asked to join the Million Dollar Advocates, which only accepts members with this history.
If you would like to know more about my practice before calling, read comments by clients and peers as well as look at how I’ve resolved previous cases on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/junction-city-aerial-view-urban-984045/
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