Drunk Driving May Have Been a Factor in Florin Road Intersection Crash
A three-vehicle crash in Sacramento on May 25 caused injuries to one person in a gasoline station parking lot accident. The collision occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Watt and Whitney avenues in the Arden-Arcade area. Two of the vehicles had to be towed from the accident site, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Three-Vehicle Crash in Arden-Arcade Area Being Investigated
The injured party was transported to a hospital for treatment and additional evaluation by first responders. The family was notified and came to the scene of the three-vehicle crash. Toxicology was contacted to administer a test to one of the drivers because intoxication was suspected by police as a factor in the collision. The three-vehicle crash is being investigated by authorities to determine how it occurred.
Drunk Driving as the Cause of an Accident
In 2019, more than 10,000 people died around the country in collisions involving drunk drivers, according to MADD. This number represented 28 percent of all traffic fatalities. The good news is this statistic actually represented a drop in drunk driving fatalities from the previous year. Unfortunately, only about 1 percent of drunk drivers are arrested, usually following a traffic collision. Common accidents caused by a drunk driver include:
- Head-on crashes: A head-on three-vehicle crash often occurs when a drunk driver enters a highway by going in the exit ramp. This is because the driver has problems focusing and may not be able to read the signs along the road. Along two-lane roads, the drunk driver can get drowsy, fall asleep at the wheel and drift over the centerline.
- Accidents that involve a pedestrian or bicycle rider: Impaired vision can prevent an intoxicated driver from spotting a pedestrian or bicycle rider, leading to a serious accident. After dark, those on foot or on smaller modes of transportation are at even higher risk of being struck by a drunk driver.
- Rear-end three-vehicle crashes: Drunk drivers exhibit a lower ability to react quickly to avoid a three-vehicle crash as well as problems judging distance. This can easily lead to a rear-end collision, especially at an intersection. Once the first two vehicles collide, a third can become involved as the cars are pushed out of their lane.
Injuries That Happen in a Three-Vehicle Crash
Many factors go into the types of injuries that can be suffered in a three-vehicle collision. Speeds at which the vehicles are traveling, how they impact each other and the size and weight of the cars can make a difference. Following are some of the types of accidents and their potential injuries:
- Rear-end crash: In a rear-end collision, which often happens in a parking lot or at an intersection, cervical strain or sprain and trauma to the back are most common.
- Head-on collision: In a head-on collision, those inside the vehicle are thrown forward against their seat belts. At high speeds, the engine of the vehicle may be pushed into the front compartment. Traumatic head injuries, broken bones, and other trauma can result.
- T-bone accident: Passengers inside a vehicle are offered the least protection when a vehicle crashes into the side, although side airbags have lessened the risk of injury. Back injuries, broken bones, head trauma, and others are most likely to result in a T-bone crash.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Injuries caused by a negligent driver mean that the person who suffered harm may be able to claim fair compensation. In this way, they can recover the cost of all their medical expenses associated with the accident, their lost wages and for their pain and suffering. Call (916) 921- 6400 or (800) 404-5400 if you would like my free and friendly advice. I can be reached online also.
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We’ve helped many Sacramentans since 1982 in recovering fair compensation for all kinds of traffic accidents, traumatic injuries, and wrongful deaths.
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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