Accident at Manzanita and Cypress Avenues Injures One Person
A violent intersection crash in Carmichael when a driver ran a red light was reported on December 10. The collision happened shortly after 3:30 in the afternoon at Manzanita Avenue and Cypress Avenue between a Kia and a Chevy SUV. It was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that there was a wide debris field caused by the crash and that one of the vehicles had its wheels knocked off by the force of the impact. One injury was reported, however, no details were provided by police. The CHP is investigating the Carmichael intersection accident to determine how it occurred and to assign fault.
Causes of an Intersection Crash
Accidents caused by someone who runs a red light are a frequent cause of serious injuries and fatalities at intersections. Red lights and stop signs are meant to improve safety for motorists and help to direct traffic. Those who ignore these safety devices show no duty of care toward others, which makes them negligent. Some of the reasons for a driver who runs a red light include:
- Hurrying: In many cases, the driver says they were simply in a hurry to reach their destination. However, this implies that their time is more important than another person’s safety and unacceptable as an excuse.
- Distracted driving: A distracted driver who is texting, talking on a phone, or doing something else that takes their eyes from the road is a major cause of an intersection crash. The driver only has to take their eyes from the road ahead for a few seconds to cause a serious intersection accident.
- Drunk driving: Drunk drivers are a danger behind the wheel of a car. Because they lack judgment, their vision is lessened, and they cannot react quickly, an intersection crash caused by an inebriated driver is common.
- Fatigued drivers: Drivers who work late shifts, stay up too late, and any other activity that makes them too tired to drive is a rising cause of all types of accidents. In some cases, a medical condition such as sleep apnea or taking prescribed or over the counter drugs can result in fatigue.
- Making an improper turn: At intersections, a driver may find themself wanting to turn right, but the vehicles to their left obscure their vision. Some risk making that turn anyway and end up being slammed in the side or the rear.
How We Investigate an Intersection Crash
Those who are injured in an intersection crash have to have evidence to support their claim for fair compensation. This is where we shine. Our investigators head to the site of the collision to collect needed evidence to support that claim. Among the things they do are:
- They interview witnesses and check the police report for errors.
- The investigators check to see if any of the traffic surveillance cameras in the area captured the intersection crash on tape. This is strong evidence that is commonly used during insurance company negotiations and in court.
- Forensic reconstruction of the intersection crash is performed. This not only shows the positioning of the vehicles and exactly how the accident occurred but includes taking photographs of the scene, damage to the cars, and other evidence.
- The area itself is investigated for any signs of government neglect that may have caused the intersection crash. In some cases, a malfunctioning traffic light, foliage overhanging a sign, or other problems such as poor lighting can lead to an accident. The government entity charged with maintenance in the area can be held responsible in these cases.
Our injury attorneys use the gathered evidence to construct a case that benefits our client. It is used both during insurance negotiations on behalf of the client or in civil court if it becomes necessary.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Contact me at (916) 921-6400 for my free, friendly advice or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached online.
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Over the many years my law office has been in practice, we’ve helped many Carmichael and Sacramento residents in obtaining fair compensation for all kinds of traffic collisions, claims against the government, wrongful deaths, and others.
Discover more about my law firm by visiting:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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