Multiple Vehicle Crash on Highway 50 Causes Critical Injuries
Critical injuries occurred in a multiple vehicle accident along westbound Highway 50 on April 10. According to law enforcement officials, the accident was near Stockton Boulevard at approximately 8:30 in the evening. Sac Fire was called to the scene to examine the injured and determine the extent of their injuries. The emergency rescue transported one person to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries along with one other individual with less serious trauma.
Lanes Closed on Highway 50 East of Stockton Boulevard
Officials closed several lanes for about 30 minutes as investigators and rescue personnel completed their evaluation. Officials reopened lanes to traffic without incident after the injured were transported to the hospital and vehicles were cleared.
Multiple Vehicle Crashes Impede Traffic
Multiple vehicle collisions are common on high-traffic roads, leading to critical injuries. This is due to the crowded conditions found on most highways in California. Another element that affects the intensity of the crash is the speed at which the vehicles are traveling.
If the speed is 55 mph, the likelihood that one of the vehicles will be thrown into an adjacent lane is high. This results in more vehicles being involved and a larger injury base. Traffic often comes to a stop, causing significant delays.
Causes of Highway Crashes
Some of the reasons for a highway crash are:
- Distracted driving: This has become one of the leading causes of highway crashes. Drivers frequently take their focus off the road to set the radio, text or talk on a cell phone, eat or look for something in the vehicle. When they do this, the vehicle is moving without someone in control. For instance, in the five seconds it takes for a driver to read or send a text, the car or truck will travel the distance of an average football field. It is little wonder that accidents occur.
- Drunk driving: Motorists who drive while inebriated are unable to foster the cognitive skill level they need to keep others safe on the road. They also lose the ability to judge distances correctly or to maintain control of their vehicle.
- Fatigued driving: Many drivers are too fatigued to drive. Almost 50 percent of drivers admit they drive while feeling sleepy, and about 20 percent say they fell asleep while driving. Almost 5,000 individuals die every year due to fatigued driving. Overall, a driver is 33 percent more likely to be in a car accident and possibly suffer critical injuries if they are driving fatigued. This is not limited to car drivers but also truckers who go long periods without sleep. Studies have shown that someone who drives after not sleeping for 20 hours might as well have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent, the legal limit.
Investigating a Car Accident
At our firm, we send investigators to the scene of the accident to gather evidence as to how the collision occurred and who is at fault. To do this, they begin by performing accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability. They interview witnesses, obtain video footage from nearby surveillance and traffic cameras. Our investigators also review police reports for mistakes. Once all the information is gathered, it is released to our legal team as they build a robust claim for our clients.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento car accident lawyer. I am here to offer free and friendly advice if you call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach out to me online.
I’ve helped my Sacramento neighbors obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and other traumatic injuries.
I am a member of the following organizations:
Learn more about my practice by clicking on the following links:
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/headlamp-accident-auto-blue-broken-2940/
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