Major Traffic Collision in Sacramento
A major traffic collision on August 12 involving four vehicles occurred in West Sacramento on Highway 50 westbound that resulted in major injuries to one person. The accident occurred near Harbor Boulevard at about 8:30 in the morning during rush hour. Debris was strewn across the westbound side of Highway 50, and emergency crews were at the scene to tend to those who were injured. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), neither alcohol nor drugs appear to have played a part in the collision. All the westbound lanes of the highway were reported as open at 10:10 a.m., according to a representative at Caltrans.
How the Accident Happened
The major traffic collision began when a vehicle in the fast lane, a 2003 Ford, crashed into the rear of a Toyota. The Toyota was stopped because of traffic nearing Harbor Boulevard. The crash caused the Toyota to strike two additional vehicles.
Accident Injuries
The Toyota driver, a Sacramento man, age 50, suffered major injuries and was transported to UC Davis Medical Center. The driver of the Ford, along with the driver and one of their passengers in another of the vehicles were also hospitalized with injuries described as minor, according to the CHP. The driver of the fourth vehicle was unharmed in the major traffic collision.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Help
Individuals involved in complicated accidents such as the chain reaction one described above benefit from the services of an experienced attorney. We send our investigative team to the accident site to determine who was at fault. Our investigators also gather additional evidence that can be used to prove negligence such as skid marks. We use video footage from traffic lights and nearby businesses also. This data is then used by our legal team to build a strong case against the defendant.
Chain Reaction Crash
Chain reaction crashes involve two or more vehicles. They are most common at traffic lights and involve a series of from behind collisions. Let’s envision a scenario where drivers A, B, and C are all slowing for a red light. Driver C is furthermost to the rear and is going too fast to stop. Because of this, driver C hits driver B, who is immediately in front of him in the car. Driver B’s vehicle is pushed into driver A due to the force of impact. Since driver A is closest to an intersection, his vehicle is forced out into the crossroads and hit by another vehicle that is passing by.
Who Is Responsible for the Injuries the Drivers Suffered?
Driver B suffered a cervical sprain (whiplash) and so did driver A. However, driver A was broadsided by the car passing through the intersection. Based on what happened, driver C is responsible for the injuries the other drivers suffered. However, what if the driver who broadsided driver A was speeding and had run a red light before entering the intersection? Driver A now has a claim against both driver C and the driver who broadsided him.
Determining Fault
As you can see from the example above, chain reaction crashes can be complicated. Many times, everyone in the accident will claim they were not responsible. Driver C might say that driver B did not have working tail lights, and the driver who broadsided driver A might say they had the right of way. This is why the services of an injury lawyer are important. The lawyer will work to sort out what happened and the sequence of events that will be used to determine fault. Most times, videos that capture the accident digitally and witness accounts are invaluable. Calling an attorney as soon as possible after the accident helps. Many of our clients keep our office number on their cell phones for just this purpose.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When a negligent motorist has injured you, you might have a claim for fair compensation to pay for your lost time at work and for your medical bills and other expenses. Phone me for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area or (800) 404-5400 from elsewhere in Northern California. An online contact form is also available if you prefer to contact me that way.
Since 1982, I’ve worked as a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento and have helped many people get fair compensation for their injuries. Some areas I work in are all kinds of traffic collisions, traumas such as brain injuries and cases involving wrongful deaths.
Learn more about my practice by visiting the following pages:
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_33164727_l-2015
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