Fatality and Injuries in Bell Road Crash
On Friday, July 30, 2021, one person was killed, and at least one other sustained injuries in a three-vehicle crash in Auburn, per a report from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The collision happened on Bell Road east of New Airport.
Reports indicate that a white Nissan Rogue struck a Hyundai Santa Fe, then crashed head-on into a Honda Civic. The Civic driver was killed on impact, according to investigators. The driver of the Nissan Rogue was transported to a nearby hospital with major injuries. At this time, the status of the occupant(s) of the Hyundai is unknown.
The identity of the deceased driver has not yet been released.
Bell Road was closed in both directions for a while after the crash for investigation and clean-up purposes.
Initial Impacts Often Lead to More Major Accidents
In this accident, the initial contact between the Rouge and the Hyundai went on to cause another, fatal collision. The initial crash appears to have caused the Rouge to further lose control and smash into the Civic. A crucial factor that determines whether the initial impact morphs into a more dangerous crash is whether the drivers of the vehicles that first came into contact with each other were able to maintain control of their respective vehicles.
Minor Impacts Can Cause Loss of Vehicle Control
Many times an initial collision between two cars – when one is attempting to change lanes for example – initiates a more serious auto accident. Once contact is made, one or both drivers may attempt to evade the other by jerking the steering wheel and overcorrecting. This can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, which may cause a roll-over, or a secondary impact with the same vehicle, a separate vehicle, or an object such as a utility pole or tree that lines the roadway.
Sideswipes often Cause Secondary Collisions
A major cause of initial collisions is when a driver does not adequately clear their vehicle’s blind spot before initiating a lane-change maneuver and sideswipes an adjacent vehicle. This can result in dented doors, damaged side mirrors, scraped quarter panels, or more serious property damage. Even if the initial contact does not go on to cause a secondary crash, it is possible for the occupants of the involved vehicle to sustain injuries.
Watch the YouTube video. One type of collision that often leads to a secondary crash is a sideswipe. Below is a clip that discusses the prevention of sideswipe accidents.
Sideswipe Collisions and Liability
Unless the at-fault driver admits to their wrongdoing, it can be challenging to prove liability in a sideswipe collision. If the driver who initiated the unsafe lane change tries to blame it on the other driver, the insurance companies may be unable to make a determination of fault. These he-said-she-said situations can be incredibly frustrating for the innocent party. This is why it is important to try to make contact with an independent witness following an accident. Obtain the phone numbers of any witnesses – having someone who has no financial interest in the outcome describe how it was the other driver’s fault can usually assist greatly in getting your damages paid for.
Auburn Wrongful Death Lawyer
Hello. My name is Ed Smith, and I am an Auburn wrongful death lawyer. If your family is grieving the loss of a loved one caused by an automobile accident, we may be able to help. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another motorist, your family may be able to recover financial compensation. While money will never erase the pain, it may help with the unexpected financial difficulties that follow a sudden and untimely death. Call us for compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice at (800) 404-5400 or (530) 392-9400.
Photo: Pixabay
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