Reckless Driver May Have Caused Accident on Northbound SR 99
An injury accident occurred on the northbound South Sacramento Freeway on June 1 that may have been caused by a reckless driver. The crash, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), happened just south of the U.S. 50 connector shortly after 3:00 in the afternoon. It was reported that a Prius, Kia Soul, and another unidentified vehicle were involved.
Injury Accident Under Investigation by Authorities
Emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived and determined that at least one person had suffered injuries. In addition, one driver was allegedly behaving in a reckless manner just before the injury accident happened. An investigation is underway by the CHP to find out exactly how the accident happened and to assign fault.
Accidents Caused by Reckless Drivers
Reckless driving occurs when a motorist shows little to no regard for others sharing the roadway. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23104, a driver who commits a reckless driving offense that results in an injury accident can face penalties from 30 days up to six months in jail as well as a fine from $220 to $1,000. Some types of reckless driving include:
- Speeding: Driving over 15 mph above the speed limit is considered reckless driving.
- Tailgating: Driving so close to the rear-end of another vehicle that an accident would ensue if that motorist stopped quickly is reckless.
- Sidewalks: Driving on a sidewalk is not permitted and is considered reckless driving.
- Swerving: Swerving into another lane is a type of reckless driving because it could cause an injury accident.
- Drunk and drugged driving: Persons handling a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs are considered reckless drivers. However, they are usually charged with DUI, which is a much higher offense.
- Not using turn signals: Failure to use a turn signal is considered reckless driving because it can result in an injury accident.
- Running a red light or stop sign is charged as reckless driving.
- Passing on the right is not allowed and will be cited as reckless driving.
Investigating a Reckless Driving Injury Accident
Because there are a number of ways in which a reckless driver can cause an injury accident, having representation by a personal injury attorney can prove the at-fault motorist caused the collision. Our investigators are experienced in gathering the evidence needed, which includes:
- The investigators perform accident reconstruction to show how the vehicles were positioned originally, what happened to cause the accident and how they ended up. Evidence of this type is accepted in court and by insurance companies.
- The witnesses are interviewed, and statements are taken.
- The traffic record of the at-fault party is checked to look for previous infractions, which can show a pattern of behavior.
- Traffic, road, and other surveillance cameras in the area are examined to see if the injury accident was captured on videotape.
- The report by the police who responded to the injury accident is examined to ensure its accuracy. Errors in the police report may prevent the injured party from placing a claim.
When the investigators are finished, the evidence is handed over to our injury lawyers. They use it to build a robust case to support our client’s claim for compensation.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Reckless drivers cause many accident injuries, and when they do, the negligent motorist can be held financially responsible. If you are interested in my free and friendly advice on whether you can file a claim, phone me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I can also be contacted online.
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We’ve helped Northern Californians since 1982 to get fair compensation for all varieties of traffic accidents, cases involving wrongful deaths, traumatic injuries, and others.
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
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