Four Vehicle Collision on Interstate 80
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident and personal injury lawyer. An Interstate 80 collision between four vehicles recently caused one woman to suffer a head injury in North Sacramento. The crash occurred during the early part of the rush hour as many were commuting to their work locations. The accident caused one of the vehicles in the collision to cross over all the lanes of westbound 80 to the right-hand side of the road.
Details of the Accident
The crash occurred at about 6:30 in the morning just west of Elkhorn Boulevard. It involved a PT Cruiser, a pickup truck, and delivery van, along with another unidentified motor vehicle. The number two lane was blocked by one of the cars, according to a representative of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It is unknown how long the road was blocked before it could be cleared for oncoming traffic.
Multiple Vehicle Collisions
Accidents involving numerous vehicles are common during rush hour traffic because of the congestion and close proximity to each other on the road. When an auto or truck is suddenly forced to slow down or stop suddenly, it can set off a chain reaction involving many vehicles.
Investigation of the Accident Site
Of primary importance is the investigation of the area where the accident occurred. An attorney will send out expert investigators to reconstruct the crash and determine blame. Preliminary information will be gathered first as is done in all types of accidents. This can include:
- The time when the accident happened
- The exact location
- Visibility and weather conditions at the time of the crash
- How authorities were notified and who called
- General information such as the number and severity of injuries
- Whether emergency medical personnel or tow trucks were called
Looking for Evidence
Among the common varieties of motor vehicle accidents, a multiple vehicle collision is the most difficult to reconstruct. However, by using forensic evidence, investigators can come to a solid conclusion on how the accident occurred, which vehicle caused the crash at the beginning and then the order in which the others collided. This is done by performing the following search for evidence:
- Investigators will look for the location at which each vehicle was initially struck and the sites photographed.
- An examination and photos will be taken of the final resting places of each vehicle.
- Investigators will then look for gouge marks, skid marks and scrub marks on the pavement, which helps indicate the speed of the vehicles and whether brakes were applied.
- The vehicles themselves will be inspected for damage and any unsafe conditions that might have contributed to the accident such as bald tires.
Head Injuries in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Fifty percent of all traumatic brain injuries are reported as a result of a motor vehicle collision. While some may be mild such as a concussion, others may result in severe damage to the brain, which can require long-term care.
Sacramento Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident and personal injury lawyer. Motor vehicle collisions are a common cause of traumatic brain injury, which can be a life-changing event for a loved one. If this happened to someone in your family, I would be honored to give you friendly advice, and it is free of charge. Please give me a phone call at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 outside the Sacramento area.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/autobahn-accident-germany-car-road-837643/
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