Antelope Intersection Accident
An Antelope intersection accident occurred on March 5 at the crossroads of Monument Drive and Antelope Road. The collision was between a Cadillac Escalade and another unidentified sedan at about 7:42 in the morning. Emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived to assess injuries, and one individual was reported as being transported to Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center for further assessment and treatment. The cause of the Antelope intersection accident was not reported, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is in charge of an investigation into the collision.
Intersection Accidents
Of the 2.5 million accidents that happen every year, roughly 40 percent occur at intersections. Driver error accounts for many crashes with 165,000 occurring when a motorist travels through a red light signal. This accounts for up to 800 deaths each year. However, intersections are needed to keep traffic flowing. This problem has been addressed by cities to keep traffic moving as safely as possible. In some cases, the design of the intersection itself is partially at fault for the accident. This can be due to lack of signage or clearly marked lanes. In other cases, the signage may be hidden from view, or traffic signals may malfunction due to lack of maintenance. Because of the complexity of intersections, drivers need to be even more vigilant for other motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Driver Error in an Antelope Intersection Accident
Different types of driver error account for intersection accidents such as:
- Continuing despite obstruction of the driver’s view occurs in 7.8 percent of intersection accidents.
- Making a false assumption about another driver’s movement accounts for 7.8 percent of all intersection collisions. Just because a driver fails to use a signal does not mean they are going straight. Looking at the tires to see if they are straight provides another clue.
- Forty-four percent of all drivers do not take the time to survey the intersection properly before proceeding.
- Five and a half percent of drivers do not adequately judge the speed of other motorists. This is more common with younger drivers who lack experience.
- About 5.7 percent of drivers are distracted. Nationally, distracted driving is problematic and a leading cause of accidents.
- Almost 7 percent of drivers make illegal maneuvers, leading to an Antelope intersection accident.
- Defective parts: Drivers who have defective brakes or tires may find they cannot stop to avoid an intersection accident. When this happens, the manufacturer can be held responsible for the damages.
- Drowsy driving: Driving while tired or sleepy accounts for a large number of traffic accidents, including those that happen at intersections. Falling asleep or even closing your eyes for a few seconds can cause an accident.
- Drunk driving: Drunk driving leads to over 10,000 fatalities each year. Since drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol lose the ability to make proper judgments, this leads to many intersection accidents.
Road Design and Liability
Drivers are not always wholly responsible for an intersection accident. When there were fewer drivers on the road, a single stop sign was appropriate. However, with increased traffic, a stop sign may no longer be sufficient. In order for a lawsuit to be filed for an intersection accident caused by inadequate signage or road defects, it must be shown that the intersection has been the site of frequent accidents due to the same problem. Technically, it is the responsibility of the city or state to monitor dangerous intersections and make appropriate adjustments to increase safety. While enhancing visibility is a good step to take to lessen the number of crashes, there are other things that can be done. For instance, additional left-hand turn lanes can be provided. It has been found that this alone can reduce accidents by approximately 30 percent.
What an Attorney Can Do
It is necessary to have an experienced injury lawyer at your side if you’ve been injured in an Antelope intersection accident or if a family member has been killed. An attorney can investigate an intersection crash to see who was at fault. Due to the complexity of an intersection, the attorney may bring in experts in accident causation. If the accident was caused due to faulty design, the attorney can ensure that the lawsuit is filed in time since government claims have a different time limit than others after which the case will no longer be heard.
Antelope Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Antelope car accident lawyer. If you or your loved one has been injured in an intersection accident, you need the experience a personal injury lawyer can offer. Call me at (916) 921-6400 around Antelope or (800) 404-5400 nationwide. I will be here to provide free and friendly advice. You can also contact me online.
I belong to the Million Dollar Forum. We are lawyers who have garnered in excess of $1 million for a client. I also was honored with membership into the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This organization rewards those attorneys who practice with the highest degree of legal excellence with membership.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Antelope since 1982 win the compensation they deserve in all types of car accidents, pedestrian injuries, wrongful deaths, and other traumatic accidents.
If you would like to learn more about my practice, go to the following pages:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_102797954_l-2015
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