Fair Oaks San Juan Avenue Intersection Head-On Collision
A head-on crash was reported in Fair Oaks on September 25. The accident occurred between a Mercedes SUV and Nissan Altima around 3:49 in the afternoon at the intersection of San Juan Avenue and Winding Way. The incident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said that possible injuries occurred in the crash.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause of Head-On Collision
The accident blocked the center lane of northbound San Juan Avenue, and debris was strewn all over the intersection. The accident is being investigated by the CHP to find out how the head-on collision occurred and for fault to be assigned.
A Head-On Crash Is Often Deadly
Head-on collisions don’t happen that often, but when they do, they are frequently deadly. This is due to the fact that the impact is twice what it would be if the other vehicle was stationary. The momentum of both vehicles, which is the speed and the mass of each, makes up impact. Statistically, head-on collisions make up only 2 percent of all traffic accidents, yet they are responsible for 10 percent of fatal collisions.
Reasons That a Head-On Crash Occurs
Some reasons a head-on crash happens are:
- Driving while intoxicated: A drunk driver is often unaware of their surroundings and lacks the ability to control their vehicle. They are also frequently confused about the layout of an intersection and may head into a lane going the opposite direction.
- Lack of maintenance: The city agency in charge of road maintenance may fail to ensure that the lanes are easily discernable from one another. They may also fail to trim foliage, so signs are not readily visible. When this happens, a claim can be made against the city. The time limit to file this type of claim is shorter than others, and if it is ignored, the case will not be heard. Your injury lawyer will ensure that all documents are filed in a timely manner.
- Driving when fatigued: Drivers who have not had enough rest are a menace on the road. Even five seconds of closing your eyes is enough to cause a serious accident. If you are on the highway, your vehicle can travel the length of a football field traveling at 55 mph. On a crowded freeway, it is frightening to imagine what would occur in this situation. Fatigued driving is frequently seen with truckers who are pressed into making as many deliveries as possible.
- Running a red light: Many red-light accidents occur in an intersection. Driving safely in an intersection is a matter of trust between motorists. When one driver chooses to behave in a negligent manner, another can suffer major injuries. In a head-on crash, traumatic brain injury is common.
- Auto defects: Manufacturing brake, tire, and accelerator defects can cause a head-on crash. When this happens, a product liability claim can be filed.
Investigating a Head-On Crash
At our firm, we dispatch our investigators to the accident scene as soon as possible before evidence disappears. We check for road marks or other physical evidence left behind, such as a blown tire or proof that a vehicle’s brakes failed to work. We also interview witnesses, use accident reconstruction to determine liability, and search for surveillance cameras to obtain video footage of the crash.
Fair Oaks Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Fair Oaks car accident lawyer. Injuries in a head-on collision can be serious and require long hospitalization. If you were injured in a traffic accident and would like to discover whether you can file a claim for compensation, call us for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. If you prefer, you can message us online.
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From all varieties of traffic collisions to wrongful deaths and government or product liability claims, my team of injury lawyers and I have helped many Fair Oaks residents since 1982 to get fair compensation.
Photo attribution: Photo by Will Creswick on Unsplash
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