Tragic Fatality on Interstate 80
The danger of secondary accidents was tragically illustrated last weekend. After midnight on Sunday, June 20, 2021, a terrible traffic incident sadly claimed the life of a teenage girl. The incident took place in Dixon, California, on westbound Interstate 80. A 17-year-old Sacramento resident was standing on the shoulder of the highway when she was struck by a big rig. She suffered fatal injuries. The incident appears to have been the result of a separate crash that happened nearby, according to reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The day after the accident, the deceased victim was identified by the Solano County Coroner’s Office as Tiana Hawkins.
Details of the Accident
The Solano office of the CHP issued a social media post that described the incident. A Freightliner truck had been traveling west on Interstate 80 near Dixon Avenue and approached the scene of an earlier collision. The truck driver was unable to stop the big rig and hit a number of vehicles that were stopped at the scene of the prior accident. Tiana Hawkins had been a passenger in one of the vehicles involved in the earlier collision and was standing on the shoulder of the road. The semi-truck struck and killed her.
Continuing Investigation
Officials from the CHP indicate that their investigation into the collisions is continuing and ask that anyone with more information contact CHP Officer Wheeler at (707) 428-2100.
Secondary Accidents
A secondary car crash is any collision that happens as a result of a prior accident. Often, a secondary collision is caused by a driver failing to see the first crash scene in time to avoid it. This is especially true in the darkness of the evening hours. Other secondary accidents occur when a driver is distracted by the scene of the prior accident and crashes into another vehicle.
Other circumstances that may lead to secondary accidents include:
- A vehicle stalled in the roadway
- Debris in the road from a prior accident
- Sudden stopped traffic from the first collision causing a secondary pile-up
Pile-ups following an initial collision can be particularly devastating. Because there may be numerous vehicles involved, the likelihood of injuries to drivers and passengers is increased. A large pile-up can block the entire roadway, and make it challenging for first responders to reach the injured and promptly get them necessary medical care.
It is also sometimes hard to determine fault in pile-up or chain reaction type accidents.
Increased Risk for Secondary Accidents
Secondary car accidents are more likely to occur in densely populated urban areas that have high traffic volumes. Heavy traffic means vehicles are usually closer to one another, which increases the risk of a chain-reaction type of secondary crash.
If the initial collision involved a large semi-truck, this increases the risk of a secondary collision. A stationary big rig in the lanes of travel means that more of the road is obstructed. If the truck rolls over, and/or spills cargo, these conditions can put even more travelers at risk for a secondary crash.
Keep a Watchful Eye to Avoid Secondary Accidents
Drivers should always remain alert to potentials hazards in the road, including prior collisions. If you see signs up ahead that may indicate a prior accident, such as smoke, debris, or flashing lights, slow down and move over to avoid the scene. Do not “looky-loo” or turn your attention from your driving to survey the accident scene – this is another common cause of secondary collisions.
Watch the YouTube video. A few years ago, a local TV station caught a secondary accident on film in Sacramento.
Dixon Truck Accident Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for reading. I’m Ed Smith, a truck accident lawyer in Dixon, California. We are saddened to read of this tragedy that took the life of a young woman. Our law firm has been compassionately advocating for injured Northern Californians for nearly four decades. We also help families who have suffered the devastating wrongful death of a loved one.
If you would like to receive our free and friendly legal advice following a car accident, please reach out to us at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo: Pixabay
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