Carmichael Single-Vehicle Crash
A Carmichael single-vehicle crash happened on December 23, 2018, at around 3:00 pm along westbound El Camino Avenue and Walnut Avenue when a Volvo minivan ran a red light and crashed into a traffic pole. An ambulance was called for the driver, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). However, no information has been released yet on the driver’s identity or physical condition.
Details of the Carmichael Single-Vehicle Crash
According to the accident report, the collision caused the stop light to partially fall, but it was not blocking the road. The driver ended up in the parking lot at Mike’s Pizza but was able to exit the vehicle by using the passenger side door. The CHP reported that the Volvo sustained significant damage to the front end, and a call had to be made for city employees to come to repair the traffic light.
Single-Vehicle Crashes
Single-vehicle crashes are common nationwide. In 2016 alone there were 20,617 deaths attributable to single-vehicle crashes in the United States. This represents 55 percent of the total accidents. In California, 2,067 deaths occurred in single-vehicle crashes. The numbers establish this type of motor vehicle accident as being both deadly and statistically common. While there are several common reasons for single-vehicle accidents, including mechanical defects and poor road conditions, driver error is the major reason for this type of collision.
Common Driver Errors That Lead to a Single-Vehicle Crash
Driver errors that cause a single-vehicle crash are:
- Impaired driving: Impaired drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicle and hit a stationary object such as a parked vehicle, street light or a tree.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving often leads to a single-vehicle crash. Drivers may take their attention from the road to check navigation devices or text on their cell phone. Such activity can divert the driver’s focus just long enough to cause a single-vehicle crash.
- Fatigued driving: In today’s world, drivers often take to the road without sufficient rest. Falling asleep at the wheel or even a moment’s drowsiness can cause a driver to divert their vehicle into a fixed object.
- Speeding: Speeding can cause a driver to lose control. When this happens, the vehicle may leave the road and crash into a stationary object such as a tree or fence.
Brake Defects in a Single-Vehicle Crash
On occasion, the single-vehicle accident may not be the driver’s fault. Instead, the fault may lie with defective brakes. For instance, if the brakes are not functioning properly due to faulty design, they may not work to slow the vehicle, precipitating a crash into a roadside stationary object. In such cases, the manufacturer of the car and the auto part company can be held responsible for the accident. California product liability law is clear. If the injured party can prove the accident happened due to faulty brakes, a liability case can be brought against the manufacturer.
Tire Defects and a Single-Vehicle Crash
Faulty manufacturing of tires can be a causative factor in a single-vehicle crash. This often leads to a blowout due to weak spots on the tire, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. An expert in manufacturing mistakes can examine the tires to determine if they were defective. Although drivers are expected to maintain their tires, poorly designed tires or those with manufacturing defects are the responsibility of the manufacturer. A product liability lawsuit can be filed against the manufacturer, retailer and anyone else in the chain leading to the sale of the vehicle.
Roadway Debris
Vehicles often drop cargo on the road. This can cause major car accidents as well as cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle. Often, the out-of-control vehicle can swerve off the road, striking an object. Technically, drivers who lose cargo are responsible for removing it from the road or calling authorities to notify them it is there if they are unable to safely pick it up. Most times, it is difficult to identify the errant driver after the fact. However, witnesses may be able to lend clarity.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You
Establishing cause for an accident is important. A car accident lawyer is able to examine the scene of the crash for clues as to why it happened. They may speak to witnesses or use experts to determine if a defect caused the accident.
Carmichael Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Carmichael car accident lawyer. If you’ve been involved in a single-vehicle crash, you can benefit from the insight an injury lawyer can provide. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online by using my convenient contact us page.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Carmichael over the past 36 years, as well as those in other Northern California cities, obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of car accidents and wrongful death cases as well as crashes involving a brain injury.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates. We represent a forum of trial attorneys who have won in excess of $1 million for a client.
When you are ready to hire a lawyer, it is essential that you spend some time learning about their practice. You can see how I resolved prior cases, and read comments by my former clients and some of my peers on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_26945159_l-2015
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