A Sacramento traffic fatality occurred along Highway 50 following a chain-reaction crash on February 18. The accident happened around 1:00 in the afternoon close to Harbor Boulevard in West Sacramento when a Tesla collided with a 2019 Ford. The Ford had stopped in the fast lane because of heavy traffic, according to the report issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The initial collision caused the Ford to hit a 2016 GMC. The fourth vehicle in the Sacramento traffic fatality accident was unidentified. The CHP reported that neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to have been a factor in the crash. I want to extend my prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of those who lost their loved one in this tragic accident.
Accident Fatality
The driver of the Tesla, who was identified as 54-year old Sacramento resident David Rosenheimer, was transported to UC Davis Medical Center where he passed away. It was reported that Rosenheimer was using seat restraints at the time of the accident. The driver of the GMC, identified as a woman from Martinez, age 49, was taken to Kaiser Vacaville because of minor injuries.
Dangers of Traffic Pileups
Most accidents are dangerous, but pileups, where two or more vehicles are involved, can be the most challenging. Suddenly, the highway turns into a collision course with multiple vehicles striking each other in what appears to be a random fashion. Of the millions of vehicular accidents that happen annually, 33 to 50 percent of them involve multiple vehicles. In addition, chain reaction accidents make up 15 percent of all traffic fatalities. As more crashes occur, the number of Sacramento traffic fatalities increases also. While large pileups often make the news, smaller ones can be just as dangerous.
Causes of a Chain Reaction Accident
The causes of chain reaction accidents vary, but one common denominator is that they often happen on highways where the speed limit is higher. Such crashes are frequently seen when one vehicle stops in traffic and is struck from the rear by another car or truck as noted in the Sacramento traffic fatality described above. Other causes are:
- Exceeding the speed limit: By driving over the speed limit, a driver may be unable to stop in time to avoid crashing into another vehicle.
- Inclement weather: Bad weather decreases visibility, so it is more difficult to see other cars. Another variant of this is when the motor vehicle operator is traveling at a speed that is too fast for weather conditions. In inclement weather, it is expected that a driver will slow down to accommodate the road conditions.
- Driving impaired: Alcohol, prescription and nonprescription medications and illegal drugs are all capable of decreasing a driver’s cognitive functions, making it impossible to drive safely. It also slows the reaction time, which can be a major factor in a pileup crash. Approximately 10,000 people die nationwide yearly in the United States.
- Drowsy driving: This is a significant reason for pileup accidents. It occurs when a driver nods off but continues to move forward in traffic. Without using the brakes to avoid a rear-end collision, a Sacramento traffic fatality can result.
- Distracted driving: Driving while being distracted has rapidly become a major reason for traffic accidents. This involves texting, talking on the phone, using a GPS system or eating while driving.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Chain reaction collisions can cause significant injury and result in a Sacramento traffic fatality. Death of a loved one is one of the most difficult situations anyone can face, and it is compounded when it is caused by negligence. You need the insight of a personal injury lawyer to unravel the reasons the accident happened and to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Call me at either (916) 921-6400 or toll-free (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me by using our online contact page on my website AutoAccident.com.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Sacramento and the surrounding areas to obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of accidents, wrongful death, and other traumatic injuries.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates. We are a nationwide forum of top trial lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client. I was honored to also be granted membership in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This organization honors the top 1 percent of lawyers it considers to practice legal excellence.
If you would like to know more about my practice, please review the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/car-traffic-man-hurry-1149997/
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