Aggressive Driver Involved in Crash on I-5
A Sacramento aggressive driver was involved in a single-vehicle crash along Interstate 5 northbound on March 6, then drove off and struck three other vehicles. The accident was reported to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), shortly before 10:00 in the morning and occurred just north of the Sutterville Road off-ramp. According to the police report, the driver of a Chevy Malibu lost control and struck the center divide.
Driver Strikes Additional Vehicles While Leaving the Scene
When the driver left the accident scene in the Chevy, it hit three other vehicles, including a gray pickup. The driver of the pickup exited his vehicle and went over to the Malibu and began striking the windshield. At this point, it was reported that the Malibu driver tried to run over the other motorist. An ambulance was called to the scene for reported injuries. However, it is unknown what those injuries entailed. It is also unknown whether an arrest was made in the incident. The CHP is investigating the accident to determine exactly what happened. Whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the accidents is unknown at this time.
California Reckless Driving
Reckless driving in California refers to a motorist who ignores the duty of care toward others and drives in a way that may endanger other people. Types of behaviors that indicate a Sacramento reckless driver include:
- Passing other vehicles in a no-passing zone along two-lane highways is a major cause of accidents.
- Weaving in and out of traffic can indicate a Sacramento aggressive driver because this dangerous behavior can easily lead to a collision with serious injuries.
- Running red lights or stop signs and refusing to yield can lead to an intersection accident.
- Drunk driving affects coordination, reflexes and judgment, making the driver a danger on the road.
- Distracted driving such as texting while behind the wheel of a car can indicate a Sacramento reckless driver because taking the eyes from the road can result in an accident.
- Passing on the shoulder of the road is illegal and dangerous.
- Drugged driving, even when using certain drugs that are legal, can result in a Sacramento reckless driver.
Road Rage and an Aggressive Driver
Both of these extreme ways of driving present a danger to others who are sharing the road, whether they are motorists, pedestrians or are riding a motorcycle or bicycle. Aggressive drivers may tailgate or commit traffic infractions without any regard for others. Those with road rage are even more dangerous. This type of behavior may include verbal gestures or insults, physical threats or even running another car off the road.
Compensation Following an Accident With a Reckless Driver
Consulting with a seasoned accident lawyer when you’ve been injured by an aggressive driver can be helpful, particularly if the insurance company is unwilling to pay what you need to pay for your medical expenses and other costs. The lawyer can examine all the available evidence in the case, including the police report, witness accounts and possible video footage from a traffic camera. Additionally, the lawyer can conduct their own investigation by using accident reconstruction techniques to build a case to present in civil court.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Being injured in a car accident is bad enough without facing financial loss caused by another. If this happened to you or your loved one, I would be honored to offer you my free and friendly advice. Please call me at (916) 921-6400. If you are calling from somewhere else in Northern California, you can reach me at (800) 404-5400, or contact me online.
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The National Association of Distinguished Counsel and Million Dollar Forum are both organizations of which I hold a membership. The first invites only lawyers who uphold the highest legal standards, while the second is reserved for trial lawyers who’ve garnered in excess of one million dollars for a client.
During the 37 years that I have been in practice as a personal injury lawyer, I’ve represented many Sacramento and Northern California residents in wrongful death cases, traumatic injuries and motorcycle accidents.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_32086143_l-2015
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