Drunk Driving Suspected in Rollover Near Rancho Murieta
The rollover of a pickup along Excelsior Road near Rancho Murieta on November 30 injured a father and son. They were driving in a Nissan Pathfinder near Jackson Highway at around 1:56 in the afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), when the pickup overturned, which caused major damage to the roof, front end and both sides of the vehicle. Both the driver and his son were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Alcohol Suspected as a Factor in the Crash
The CHP is in charge of investigating the pickup rollover to determine how and why it happened. However, it is expected that alcohol consumption was a factor in the crash. The CHP stressed on Facebook that those who are drinking should not drive. They suggested that using a Lyft or Uber or some other plan is much cheaper than being charged with driving while intoxicated.
Rollovers
A rollover is a complex accident where driver error, the roadway, and type of vehicle all play an important part. Although any vehicle can overturn, those with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs and pickups, have a greater propensity to do so. About 50 percent of all fatal rollover accidents are due to drunk driving. Speeding is also a big component in accidents involving overturned vehicles, with 75 percent of such crashes occurring on highways where the speed limit is 55 mph or more. More overturned vehicle accidents take place in rural areas, and many occur during routine driving, such as going around a curve or proceeding on a straight path.
Crushed Roof
One of the most disastrous results of a rollover occurs when the roof cannot withstand the weight of the vehicle. This causes the roof and supporting structures to press in on the occupants, causing traumatic injury or death. Although federal requirements set the needed roof strength, many manufacturers disregard them. Our law firm is experienced in roof crush accidents. If the manufacturer failed in their responsibility, we procure evidence of this failure and file a product liability lawsuit against them.
How an Attorney Can Help in a Rollover Accident
Our law firm has handled numerous rollover accidents since 1982. In order to file a successful lawsuit, it is necessary to gather sufficient evidence from the accident scene. We dispatch our investigative team to do just that. They interview witnesses and obtain video footage of the crash. The latter is often obtained from traffic surveillance and security cameras used by businesses and some homes in the area. Next, we look for the reason why the accident happened. Sometimes, the causative agent is clear, and in other instances, it is not. To accomplish this, we use accident reconstruction techniques that recreate the crash digitally. This gives us a clear picture and helps us to assign blame. Our investigators also review police reports for accuracy since they play a large role in both insurance negotiations and in court proceedings. Once all this evidence has been gathered, our investigators release it to our legal team, who use it to build a strong case for our client.
Rancho Murieta Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Murieta car accident lawyer. Being injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver can result in high medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When negligence was the cause of your injuries, I can help. For my free and friendly advice, contact me at (916) 921-6400 or by using the toll-free line at (800) 404-5400. You can also message me online.
Since 1982, I’ve assisted Rancho Murieta residents and others in Northern California in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries or loss of a loved one. From wrongful deaths to traumatic injuries and any variety of traffic accident, I am by your side all the way.
I’m honored to belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Forum.
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_5215698_l-2015
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