Accident on the Cap City Freeway Injures Driver and Four Children
A run-off-road accident in Sacramento on February 21 left the driver with a critical injury and four children with minor trauma. The crash occurred along the Capital City Freeway near Marconi Curve around 8:30 p.m. The Sacramento Fire Department reported the accident on Twitter, saying that the vehicle was going west along the freeway, exited the road, and ended up on Connie Drive close to Naomi Way.
Driver Hospitalized After Run-Off-Road Accident
The driver of the vehicle was ejected in the collision and taken to the hospital in critical condition. The four children suffered minor injuries and were also transported to a hospital for more evaluation. The accident is being investigated to find out how it happened.
Suffering a Critical Injury Following a Vehicle Ejection
Being ejected from a vehicle is one of the most dangerous things that can happen, and often causes a fatality or critical injury. Approximately 30 percent of fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes involve ejected individuals. This statistic is based on results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The chances of ejected drivers and passengers suffering fatal injuries on impact are higher, but they are also more likely to be run over by other drivers. The following injuries are commonly suffered by those in motor vehicles who are ejected:
- Multiple bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Spinal cord trauma
- Upper torso injuries
Recovery of Compensation Following a Single-Vehicle Accident
Most single-vehicle collisions resulting in a critical injury are caused by the driver. Causes of negligence may include being inebriated or distracted driving, speeding and others. However, outside factors come into play in some instances. When an outside influence causes a run-off-road accident injury, the injured party may place a claim to recover the cost of their medical expenses, lost wages, and for their pain and suffering.
Mechanical Defects as the Cause of a Critical Injury Accident
The cause of accidents is often a defective part in a vehicle, such as the tires, steering, brakes, or accelerator. Here are some examples:
- Brake failure: A vehicle that is not able to slow down due to faulty brakes can crash off the road.
- Power steering: A power steering system can lock the steering wheel and cause the driver to lose control.
- Engine failure: A motor that stalls or becomes erratic can result in the driver losing control.
- Tire defect: A blowout or tread separation can cause the driver to lose control of his or her vehicle, resulting in a critical injury.
A lawyer can file an auto product liability lawsuit for you when a mechanical defect causes a collision. However, retaining the vehicle is important, so it can be inspected for those defects.
Government Negligence in a Critical Injury
Potholes, upheavals in the pavement, bad road design, and other problems can lead to an accident. In these cases, the government entity can be held responsible. Government entities are subject to shorter statutes of limitation, so considering contacting a lawyer may be a good idea.
Government Claims
An injured person has six months to file a claim if their injuries were caused by government negligence. The government has 45 days to respond. A lawsuit can be filed before six months has elapsed if your claim is denied. If the government entity does not respond, you have two years to file a lawsuit.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Injuries in a traffic accident can be severe, and not all of them are caused by driver negligence. If you would like to find out if you can file a claim to recover compensation, contact our injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We can set up a meeting, either virtually or in-person, to review your case, answer your questions and let you know what options there are to recover damages. We can also be reached online if you prefer.
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Photo attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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