Eastbound I-80 Accident Involves at Least Four Vehicles
A hit-and-run with injuries occurred on the Cap City Freeway on October 20 in an accident that involved several vehicles. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the crash occurred around 5:12 in the afternoon on the Truxel Road northbound entrance ramp to I-80 eastbound. They said the crash reportedly involved a red Dodge Ram, a gray Toyota Rav4, a black Chevy Silverado, and a Subaru Impreza. The Sacramento Fire Department emergency responders were called to the scene as a precautionary measure because there were children riding in one of the vehicles.
Driver Leaves Scene of Accident
One of the vehicles ended up facing in the wrong direction, and several others were on the right-hand side of the exit ramp. One man was reported as walking around with a facial injury from the hit-and-run. The CHP reported that the driver of the Dodge Ram got into a green Toyota Highlander and left the scene, abandoning his pickup on the entrance ramp.
Additional Accident Following Hit-And-Run
To add more confusion to the scene, a passing motorist in a Honda Accord crashed into some of the debris from the accident. At least one person suffered injuries in the first crash. The incident is being investigated by the CHP to find out which driver was at fault and to discover how the accident occurred.
Causes of Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles
Highway accidents often involve a number of vehicles. Motorists are traveling at a higher rate of speed and often drive too close together, which leaves them unable to stop if a collision happens up ahead. Generally, at least one, if not more, of those drivers is at least partially responsible for the collision. Some of the types of negligence that can be involved include:
- Distracted driving because of texting, talking on a cell phone, or others
- Fatigued driving, which can be caused by sleep apnea, shift work, and medications
- Drunk or drugged driving, which is still one of the major causes of accidents
- Speeding or other types of reckless driving such as tailgating, switching lanes without looking, and others
Hit-and-Run Driver Accidents
Even if the fleeing driver was not responsible for an accident, by leaving the scene before exchanging information with the other motorists, they can face charges of hit-and-run. Although it is a misdemeanor when the accident is limited to property damage, the charges can be raised to a felony if injuries occur. Our team of injury lawyers has a high record of success in locating hit-and-run drivers. When they are found, our client’s accident injuries can either be addressed by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or the case can be taken to court. If the driver is not located, there is another option available.
Insurance Coverage Can Pay for Injuries
When a driver obtains car insurance in California, they are offered an optional policy for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Many in the state opt-in for this coverage because of the high number of uninsured drivers. An injured person with this policy can use it to pay for their medical and other expenses.
If the injured party does not have uninsured/underinsured coverage, they may use the policy of another member of the household. Using this policy for expenses does not increase the premiums and is a helpful alternative to facing the expense of the injury.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m an experienced personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. When you need advice following an accident injury, call me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I would be honored to offer you my free and friendly advice. If you prefer, you can send me a note online, and I will get in touch with you when I’m free.
To learn a little about the groups I belong to, I am a member of:
More information about my practice can be found at the following links:
I’ve successfully handled many traffic collision cases for Northern Californians, claims involving traumatic injuries, wrongful deaths, and others since 1982.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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