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Sacramento Multiple-Vehicle Collision on I-80 Overpass

Home » Sacramento Multiple-Vehicle Collision on I-80 Overpass
August 18, 2020
Edward Smith

Interstate 80 Overpass on Greenback Lane Site of Multiple-Vehicle Crash

A multiple-vehicle collision was reported in Sacramento on August 14. It occurred shortly before 5:00 in the afternoon along the I-80 overpass on eastbound Greenback Lane. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that vehicles involved in the multiple-vehicle collision included a Mercedes, Nissan, Honda and Ford Focus. 

Further Information About the Multiple-Vehicle Collision

The Ford Focus, which is equipped with automatic accident reporting, notified authorities about the collision. A flatbed tow truck was required to remove one of the vehicles. Injuries in the accident were not reported. The CHP is investigating the crash to determine how it occurred and to assign fault.

Multiple-Vehicle Accidents

Multiple-vehicle collisions are one of the deadliest types of accidents. They often happen on high-speed roads with many vehicles. There are different reasons for multiple-vehicle collisions, such as:

  • Inclement weather: This type is often associated with inclement weather, where the motorists lack clear visibility. This makes it difficult for a driver to see the car in front of them. If the driver to the rear is driving at a speed that is unsafe for the weather conditions, a rear-end accident will result. 
  • Road hazards: Many types of obstacles cause multiple-vehicle collisions. Such hazards include items that have fallen into the road. 
  • Distracted drivers: Some drivers are focused on multiple items in the vehicle and not on the road. This is a surefire way to cause a rear-end collision when traffic slows.
  • Drunk drivers: Inebriated motorists are often unable to control their vehicle or judge distances. On high-traffic roads, this frequently causes an accident involving multiple vehicles.
  • Construction: Driving through construction areas can be confusing. 

Why Are Multiple-Vehicle Collisions Deadly

Pileups are especially deadly. Some reasons for this are:

  • Inability to reach injured people: Vehicle occupants who are injured may wait for long periods to be treated. This problem is due to the failure of rescue personnel to reach injured people.  Leaving one’s vehicle to seek help may pose additional risk. 
  • Vehicles are hit multiple times: This is common in a multiple-vehicle collision where vehicles are often struck repeatedly. Once airbags deploy, they become useless if the car is struck a second or third time. The side panels are even less protected than the front and rear, leading to an increased risk of injury.
  • Side impact: Side impacts are common in a multiple-vehicle collision as vehicles are moving helter-skelter amid lanes of traffic. The door panels have little protection, so serious injuries such as a femur fracture are frequent.  
  • Fire: A fire in one of the vehicles can easily spread to many other cars and trucks. This happens due to spilled gasoline and the proximity of the vehicles. Another problem is the inability of fire trucks to reach the blaze under the accident conditions.  

Investigating a Multiple-Vehicle Collision

The complexity of an accident involving multiple vehicles makes it difficult to determine who was at fault. Many times, several drivers are negligent. Our investigators are experienced in this type of crash and apply accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability. Also, they:

  • Interview witnesses
  • Obtain video footage of the multiple-vehicle collision from traffic light cameras
  • Review the police report for inaccuracies

Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento

I am Ed Smith, and I’m a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. When you are injured in a collision by someone who is negligent, I have free and friendly advice to offer you. Contact me at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area. I can be reached for those calling long-distance at (800) 404-5400. An online form is available also.

I belong to Million Dollar Forum and the Top 1 Percent.

Reviews and comments by prior clients and cases I resolved in the past are listed below:

I specialize in all kinds of traffic accidents, traumatic injuries, and wrongful deaths but also handle other types of other cases.

Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/auto-accident-vehicle-insurance-3734396/

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