Watt Avenue Accident Injures Driver After Crashing Into Semi
A traffic collision with a semi on Watt Avenue in Sacramento on October 3 seriously injured one person. The collision was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as occurring close to Pope Avenue around 9:30 in the morning. The driver of a Ford Fusion, traveling along Watt Avenue, lost control of their vehicle, crossed the median, and crashed into the back wheels of a parked tractor-trailer.
Traffic Collision Under Investigation
The impact was severe enough that it broke both the rear axles on the tractor-trailer. The driver of the Ford suffered serious injuries and was transported by emergency responders to a hospital. Officers investigating the cause of the crash said that alcohol did not appear to be involved as a reason for the collision.
Single-Vehicle Crashes
A driver who is speeding or texting while driving can lose control of their vehicle and cause a collision. However, there are reasons outside the driver’s control, where this type of accident can occur. They include:
- Mechanical defects: A defect in the brakes, steering, tires, or accelerator can lead to a single-vehicle traffic collision. This is why it is important to preserve the vehicle after a crash, so investigators can check it for mechanical defects.
- Hit-and-run driver: Because a hit-and-run driver flees the scene, it may appear as though the accident involved only one vehicle. However, investigators are able to tell whether another driver was involved by the evidence in the traffic collision.
- Government negligence: The entity in charge of maintenance can be held responsible for an accident injury due to their negligence. This may include overhanging foliage that obscures a sign, debris such as gravel, or wet leaves that have been there for some time, and other neglect that could lead to a traffic collision.
- Animals in the roadway: If the traffic collision is in a rural area, it may be caused by a horse, cow, or other animals that have gotten loose. The owner is responsible for keeping their livestock safely inside a fence to avoid this type of problem.
- Falling objects: If an object falls from an overpass or a car or truck that is driving by, it can end up causing a collision. A driver may be forced to take evasive maneuvers that can cause them to lose control of the vehicle. In other cases, the object may strike the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control.
- Weather conditions: Wet pavement, snow, sleet, fog, and rain can end up causing an accident. Drivers out in these conditions need to use caution and slow down.
Underride Accidents
Whether a semi is moving or standing still, a passenger vehicle driver can be killed or seriously injured if they crash into the rear portion of the big rig. This is because due to the height of the semi, the passenger vehicle will likely slide underneath the truck’s carriage. When this happens, the roof of the passenger vehicle is often sheared off, exposing the occupants to serious or fatal injuries.
Single-Vehicle Accident Investigations
Most of the time, a single-vehicle traffic collision is caused by an error on the part of the driver. However, there are other areas that might impact a driver’s safety and cause an accident. It’s our job to find out why an accident occurred. Our investigators:
- Check the police report for inaccuracies
- Talk to the witnesses
- Perform accident reconstruction
- Look for traffic cameras that could have captured the collision on tape
- Check for signs of government negligence such as a malfunctioning traffic light, potholes, or debris in the roadway
Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. Give me a call about your accident injury at (916) 921-6500 to receive my free and friendly advice. The long-distance number is (800) 404-5400, and an online message form is available also.
I’m honored to have helped the people of Sacramento with obtaining compensation for their accident injuries since 1982 in all types of traffic collisions, traumas such as brain injuries, and wrongful deaths.
I am a proud member of the following organizations:
Learn more about my practice on the pages listed below:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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