Two Lanes Shut Down on SR 99 Due to Traffic Collision
A highway crash in South Sacramento recently caused major delays near Elk Grove. The collision occurred along northbound State Route 99 at 12th Avenue, blocking two or more lanes. The number of vehicles involved in the crash and injuries was not addressed by the report by Caltrans, which said the fourth and fifth lanes were shut down due to the highway crash.
Injuries From a Highway Crash
On highways, of course, vehicles can be packed rather close together and are going at a much higher rate of speed than on surface streets. This means that when a highway crash occurs, the force of impact can be greater and involve more than one vehicle. Add to this the stress placed against seat belts and deflation of the airbags, and serious trauma can occur.
Obtaining Compensation Following a Highway Accident Injury
Collisions that involve multiple vehicles can be complicated, and an injured person may be able to seek compensation from more than one driver. This is why it is a good idea to consult with an injury lawyer before accepting a settlement from an insurance company. It has been shown that compensation obtained with the assistance of an injury lawyer is normally much higher than the injured party would receive on their own.
Why Do Highway Accidents Happen?
There are a number of reasons a highway accident can happen, which include the following:
- An accident further up ahead or sudden slowdown can result in a highway crash since drivers are unable to avoid colliding with another vehicle.
- Roadway maintenance areas can narrow lanes, which slows traffic. In some cases, the markers narrow the road too much or are confusing, which can lead to a crash.
- A driver who is speeding can suddenly find themself come upon a slower vehicle and can’t avoid colliding with it.
- Drunk drivers are a common cause of a highway crash. These can occur anywhere, but intoxicated drivers are responsible for the majority of head-on collisions when they enter an exit ramp going in the wrong direction.
- Texting or other types of distractions cause a highway crash because the driver doesn’t have their eyes on the road.
- Fatigued drivers are not alert enough to be on the road and can even fall asleep while driving.
- Entrance and exit ramps are common locations for a highway collision because the driver may have to change lanes at the last minute or slow down, resulting in a sideswipe or rear-end collision.
Gathering Evidence to Support a Client’s Injury Claim
Evidence is needed to support a client’s compensation claim, and our investigators go to work to do that right away, including the following:
- They visit the accident site to gather evidence, which includes photographing the vehicles’ positions and damage, which can include paint streaks and other clues.
- The investigators reproduce how the highway crash happened by using accident reconstruction techniques. This helps point toward fault, and it is commonly accepted by insurance companies and in court.
- If roadway and traffic cameras are in the area, these are checked to see if the collision was filmed.
- The police report is checked for accuracy, and witnesses are interviewed.
Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I am Ed Smith, and I’m a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. When accident injuries occur and involve multiple vehicles, you might benefit from the advice of a personal injury lawyer on whether you can obtain compensation. I am here to offer you my free and friendly advice when you call me at (916) 921-6400 or on the long-distance line at (800) 404-5400. I can be reached online also.
My legal team and I have helped injured clients from Northern California since 1982 in getting fair compensation for their traffic collision injuries, product liability claims, wrongful deaths, and others.
I am honored to belong to the Million Dollar Advocates and the Top 1 Percent.
Additional information about how my legal team and I have helped Sacramentans and other Northern Californians can be found at the links that follow:
Attributed photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
:cd llo [cs 690]