Two-Vehicle Crash Near Watt Avenue On-Ramp Causes Injury
A two-vehicle crash at a highway on-ramp in Sacramento caused at least one injury on August 25. The collision occurred around 1:15 in the afternoon along the Capital City Freeway at the Watt Avenue on-ramp, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) incident report. The vehicles, a pickup truck and a van ended up on the right-hand side, with one of them smoking.
Authorities Investigating Two-Vehicle Crash to Determine Fault
Although the vehicles themselves did not block any of the lanes, tires from one of them were reported as blocking the number one lane. Emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department assessed injuries, but no further information was released. The incident is being investigated by the CHP to determine which driver was at fault.
The Dangers of Accidents at Highway Ramps
Along interstate highways, the highest number of accidents occur near the entrance and exit ramps. Most of them are caused by negligence, including:
- A driver refuses to yield to another motorist trying to change lanes, which can lead to an accident.
- Not slowing down once the driver enters the ramp can lead to a two-vehicle crash and cause another car to go off the road.
- Trying to change lanes while on the entrance or exit ramp may cause a sideswipe accident.
- Cutting off another driver can lead to a rear-end crash.
- Entering a ramp going in the wrong direction can lead to a head-on collision.
- Poor ramp design can lead to accidents.
- Unfamiliarity with the road causes accidents when the driver slows too much looking for their exit or crosses lanes to reach it.
- Drunk driving causes 14 percent of accidents that occur on highway ramps.
Common Injuries in a Two-Vehicle Crash
Injuries caused by a highway ramp accident depend on the number of vehicles involved and the type of collision.
- Rear-end crashes: Cervical strain or sprain, head and back injuries occur most often in a rear-end two-vehicle crash. These injuries happen when the head is violently snapped forward and backward. If the driver is not wearing a seat belt or the restraint fails, they can strike the windshield or steering wheel, causing a head injury.
- Sideswipe accidents: A two-vehicle crash caused by a sideswipe can result in a traumatic brain injury, damage to the internal organs, amputation, broken bones, or spinal cord trauma. This occurs because the sides of a motor vehicle are not as reinforced as the front and back end of a passenger car.
- Head-on collisions: Among the most dangerous of all types of accidents, a head-on two-vehicle crash combines the speeds of both vehicles on impact. Fatalities are common, and injuries can be catastrophic such as traumatic brain injuries, multiple fractures, and spinal cord trauma, which can cause paralysis.
Seeking Help From a Personal Injury Lawyer
People who have been injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence may be able to place a claim for damages from the at-fault party. We’ve helped many Sacramentans and others from Northern California over the years recover damages that include all of their medical expenses, lost wages, and for their pain and suffering. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to go over your case, tell you what options are available to collect damages, and answer your questions.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When you’ve suffered injuries in an accident because of a negligent driver, you might want advice on whether you can file a personal injury claim. We offer free and friendly advice when you call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can contact us online also.
Helpful information about our law firm can be found on the following pages:
The following links are to several groups we’re proud to belong to as California members:
Our legal team and I have helped many Sacramento residents get fair compensation since 1982 for all kinds of car accidents, cases involving wrongful deaths, and others.
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
:cd llo [712]