Honda Sedan Flips Onto Exit Ramp and Hits Acura
A rollover accident occurred in Sacramento on August 20 that resulted in unknown injuries. The crash happened around 2:43 in the afternoon along westbound U.S. 50 in South Sacramento at the 16th Street exit ramp. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that a Honda Sedan flipped off the freeway onto the exit ramp striking an Acura.
One of the vehicles experienced a rollover in the off-road accident. The exit ramp and number one lane were blocked by the collision, and both vehicles had to be towed. The accident is being investigated by authorities with the CHP to discover how it occurred.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident can be violent and deadly and may involve one or more vehicles. Rollovers are caused by several factors, including the road, driver behavior, and vehicle type. During the crash, an occupant’s body can come into contact with multiple areas within the vehicle and airborne debris. In some cases, a person not wearing a seat restraint can be thrown from the car.
Vehicle Types Involved in a Rollover
Any vehicle can be involved in a rollover. However, the greater the center of gravity a vehicle has, the more likely it is that a rollover will occur. For that reason, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks all have a greater risk of being involved in a rollover.
Location of the Accident
A rollover accident can happen anywhere, however, rural areas have the greatest number. This is due to the layout of the roads, which often lack barriers and are not divided. Studies have shown that 75 percent of all fatal accidents occur on rural roads with a higher speed limit.
Speed and a Rollover Accident
Rollovers are more likely to occur on higher speed roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said that 45 percent of all rollovers are caused by speed. This is especially evident when a vehicle speeds through a curve. The combination of the speed and the height of the vehicle causes an increased risk of rollover.
Heavy Loads
Unusual or heavy loads can have an effect on the incidence of rollovers. The load adds to the effect of an already predisposed tall vehicle where the weight may be greatest at the top. Drivers of SUVs, trucks, and vans should factor in the weight and placement of a load to ensure safety.
Poorly Maintained Brakes
Brakes that are not maintained, are defective, or are old and worn can affect rollovers. Studies show that 14 percent of rollovers caused by speed was due to faulty or worn brakes.
Poor Road Conditions
Road conditions frequently lead to a rollover, particularly when combined with speed. This includes potholes, poor shoulder design and lack of barriers.
Roof Crush in a Rollover Accident
Roof crush is a dangerous aspect of rollover accidents. Manufacturers have been charged with ensuring that the support structure can withstand the weight of the vehicle by two-and-a half times. However, in an effort to save time and money on vehicle production, manufacturers frequently avoid this obligation.
It is important that the vehicle be preserved after an accident so an investigative team can check to see if this defect exists. If the vehicle’s infrastructure cannot handle its weight, a product liability case against the manufacturer can be filed.
Investigating Rollovers
We send investigators to the scene of the accident to gather evidence and to assign fault. Our investigative team considers the following:
- They interview witnesses.
- They review the police report for mistakes.
- Our investigators check the vehicle for defects, including the strength of its supporting infrastructure in the event of a roof crush.
- They obtain video footage of the accident from traffic surveillance cameras and cell phones.
- They perform accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability.
When all the tasks are completed, the investigative team releases the data to our lawyers, who use it to build a robust case for our clients.
Sacramento Injury Lawyers
I am Ed Smith, and I’m an injury lawyer in Sacramento. If you’ve been hurt by another’s negligence, contact me for free and friendly advice. You can call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or reach out to me online.
I’ve helped numerous clients obtain the compensation they deserve in car accidents, traumatic incidents, and wrongful deaths.
I am a member of the following organizations among many others:
Learn more about my practice here:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/accident-auto-damage-vehicle-1409012/
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