Wrong Way Collision Near Roseville
A wrong way collision near Roseville on December 17 caused a drivers death in a crash with a vehicle going in the opposite direction on Highway 99. The woman in the car that was struck by the wrong way driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center for treatment and further evaluation. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is in charge of the investigation into the crash to determine how it occurred. I’d like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during their time of grief.
Details of the Wrong Way Collision
The crash occurred when the 55-year-old man from Berry Creek was heading south along Highway 99 in a Chevrolet at Pleasant Grove and drifted off the road onto the shoulder at about 12:15 in the morning. The CHP reports that he hit a call box and then drove over the southbound lanes and median into the oncoming traffic, where he ran into an Oroville woman, 37, who was driving north. According to the CHP report, both vehicles ended up on the shoulder following the wrong way collision.
How a Motorist Causes a Wrong Way Collision
When a driver enters a road going in the wrong direction, a high percentage of these accidents are due to intoxication. However, there are other circumstances in which a motorist can cause a wrong way collision. These include:
- Fatigued driving: There are several reasons why falling asleep behind the wheel of a car or becoming too drowsy to drive can occur. A driver may do shift work and have difficulty adjusting to the hours. Lack of sleep the night before and certain medicines and medical conditions can cause a motorist to make a driving error.
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers are often those who text or talk on a cell phone while driving. However, California is a hands-free state when it comes to talking on a cell phone while driving. Studies have shown that even hands-free driving can be a distraction. The motorist should pull off the road to talk and text or wait until they reach their destination to be safe. Eating in the vehicle, talking to passengers and reaching for something are also distractions.
- Unfamiliar road: Checking a map route before heading out on an unfamiliar road can help avoid a wrong way driving accident, particularly if it is a confusing freeway with many exits.
- Age-related: Sometimes, older motorists can face issues such as slow reflexes and vision problems that can interfere with their ability to drive. This can lead to a wrong way collision. Younger motorists, because of their inexperience, may also inadvertently pull onto a road or street going the wrong way.
Speaking to an Attorney Following an Accident Injury
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so nothing is owed unless the case is won. This means a phone call to a personal injury lawyer is free and gives the injured person an opportunity to find out if they have a case for compensation. An experienced injury lawyer can help an injured person recover that compensation by dealing with the insurance company, investigating the accident and ensuring that documents are filed before the statute of limitations runs out.
Roseville Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville car accident lawyer. When you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may wonder if you will have to pay all those medical bills and other expenses or whether you can place a claim for fair compensation. Please contact me at (916) 921-6400 locally for free and friendly advice or (800) 404-5400 from elsewhere in Northern California. In addition, you can reach me through our online contact form at AutoAccident.com, the website I founded.
I’ve worked as an injury lawyer in Roseville and Northern California for 36 years, helping those who are injured because of a negligent driver or other entity to obtain fair compensation in areas such as all kinds of motor vehicle accidents, brain injury trauma, and wrongful deaths.
As a Million Dollar Forum California member, I belong to a nationwide group of trial attorneys who have all won more than $1 million for a client either through a verdict or a settlement.
At the following links, you will find client reviews and comments, along with a list of prior cases and how they resolved:
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