Grass Valley Woman Flees Car Accident
I’m Ed Smith, a Grass Valley Car Accident Lawyer. A woman was seen running away from the scene of an accident after she rolled the jeep she had been driving.
What Happened?
37-year-old Amanda Pelayo was driving a stolen 1998 Jeep Cherokee eastbound on Alta Sierra Drive, east of Little Valley Road. While driving along, her vehicle drifted across the yellow lines that divide traffic. She over-corrected while trying to return back to her lane and lost control of the vehicle. The Jeep went into a slide and rolled over upon reaching the south shoulder of Alta Sierra Drive.
When California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrived on scene they saw Amanda Pelayo running from the wrecked vehicle. She was arrested by Officer Mike Steele who pursued and managed to catch and detain her. Pelayo was also found to have been driving while under the influence, adding driving under the influence to her list of charges that already included hit and run and grand theft auto. She crashed and was arrested at 12:30 p.m. on July 4 with $100,000 bond.
How Did This Happen?
Sports Utility Vehicles, or SUVs, are more easily rolled than smaller cars. This is a result of their higher center of gravity. Most SUVs have more off-road capabilities than sedans or regular cars because of better ground clearance and 4 wheel drive systems. While sitting higher off the ground makes it easier to clear obstacles and possibly be safer in a collision, it does increase the risk of tipping over. Jeep Cherokees are very capable off-road vehicles and are commonly converted into trail rigs or rock crawlers. These conversions usually include a suspension lift and larger tires for even more ground clearance than the, already taller than normal, stock vehicle. Every inch of height gained makes it easier and easier to tip or roll.
Here are some things to consider when driving a taller vehicle, truck, or SUV:
- Be careful in turns and corners. You will not be able to corner as fast as smaller vehicles so watch your speed, especially as you enter a turn. Also, the suspension is generally softer to allow for more wheel articulation off-road. The softer suspension can cause the vehicle to lose control or rock excessively when making quick corrections like the woman in the Jeep car accident.
- Your driving position and perspective will be a lot different than shorter, smaller cars. You may feel like you are going slower than you are in reality because you are farther away from the ground.
- Make sure that the brakes and axles of the vehicle can handle the increased stresses, angles, and distances if driving a vehicle with an added lift kit. Parts will often wear out faster than normal on lifted vehicles.
Check Out Other Articles from My Blog:
Grass Valley Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Grass Valley Car Accident Lawyer. If you or a member of your family have been injured in any accident, give me a call at 530-392-9400 for friendly and free advice. Or, please 800-404-5400 for no phone charge.
I have helped people and families from Grass Valley with personal injury, DUI, and car accident cases for 35 years.
Reviews from clients are found here:
I am a listed member of the Forum for Million Dollar Advocates. This website lists the highest ranked trial lawyers in the United States who have won case settlements and verdicts of over a million dollars.
We invite you to browse our Previous Settlements page.
I have also founded autoaccident.com.
Sources:
Image Source: By order_242 – Wikimedia Commons
http://4wheelonline.com/Safety-factors-installation-suspension-lift-kit.220665.0
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