Highway 99 Accident
On June 8 in North Sacramento, a motorist was injured along Highway 99 in a construction zone in a single-vehicle accident. The injured person, who was driving a black Nissan Sentra, was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the collision occurred around 8:30 in the morning along southbound Highway 99 just north of the Interstate 5 South connector. The CHP is investigating the crash to determine its cause.
Common Causes of Accidents in Construction Zones
Safety features are in place to help prevent traffic accidents through construction areas. These include barriers, flagmen, and reduced speed. However, accidents do happen. Some of the ways that a motorist can be at fault include:
- A motorist may rush ahead to beat out other traffic when it narrows to a single lane. In some cases, the driver may go over to the right-hand shoulder to try and get ahead of other vehicles before entering the construction area.
- Speeding is a problem when passing through a construction area. These areas are often narrowed down and flanked by cones or construction equipment is nearby. Speeding means that the driver is more likely to lose control.
- A motorist may hit a fixed object such as a sign, barrier, or piece of construction equipment. This can cause the driver to lose control and create a multiple vehicle collision.
- A driver who has to go on or off an area where the pavement is uneven can end up crashing into another vehicle or piece of construction equipment.
- A negligent driver may strike one of the workers on the construction crew, which can result in serious injuries or a fatality.
Safety When Driving Through an Area Under Construction
California motorists can stay safe when passing through a roadway that is under construction. The following tips from the Federal Highway Administration may help:
- Slow down when driving through a work zone.
- Vehicles slow down or stop, sometimes suddenly, so watch for this, and be prepared if you see brake lights come on in front of you.
- Merge early into lanes that will narrow. This can help avoid potential problems later.
- Stay off your cell phone, even though in California they are allowed if hands-free. Avoid other distractions such as changing a radio station or checking your GPS.
- Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Tailgating is a bad idea in the construction area.
- Become familiar with the signs used in construction zones.
Construction Zone Liability
Not all accidents in a construction area are the fault of the driver. In some cases, the construction zone may be poorly marked or lit at night, which can lead to an accident. In other cases, a worker or equipment operator may be at fault. Areas that are marked incorrectly or vague can cause a sideswipe or rear-end collision. A lawyer with experience in construction zone accidents can help you get the compensation you need to pay your medical costs and for lost wages and pain and suffering.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Being injured in a car accident that was not your fault means that you may be able to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. If this happened to you, please call me at (916) 921-6400 for my free and friendly advice. I can also be reached at (800) 404-5400 from elsewhere in Northern California. Others prefer to get in touch with me by using our online form.
Since 1982, I’ve helped the residents of Sacramento and Northern California obtain fair compensation for their injuries caused by negligence. Included in the areas I focus on are all types of car accidents, traumas such as brain injuries and wrongful deaths.
I belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, which admits lawyers who display a high standard of excellence in their practice. In addition, I am a Million Dollar Forum member. It recognizes only trial lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client in either a verdict or a settlement.
You can find out more about my practice by looking over client reviews and cases my law firm has handled at:
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