Meadowview Collision Leaves Two in Critical Condition
A collision between several vehicles south of the 69th Avenue and 24th Street intersection on April 20 left two people in critical condition and injured several others. According to the Sacramento Fire Department, five cars sustained damage in the Meadowview area crash. The collision occurred at about 5:15 p.m. Police were at the scene investigating the incident and looking for clues as to why the accident happened. The driver who started the sequence of events involved in the accident tried to escape the scene.
How the Accident Happened
One of the drivers in the crash, 30-year-old John Robinson, explained how the accident happened. According to Robinson, a sedan ran through the red light on 24th Street and hit his vehicle. The sedan rolled over after impact with Robinson’s car. The sedan continued to travel through the intersection where it hit three other cars. The driver of the flipped vehicle was able to get out and attempted to flee. However, he was apprehended by police.
Robinson, whose son and fiance were also in the vehicle, was not hurt. However, both his son and finance suffered injuries and were transported to a local hospital. No update on the two people in critical condition has been issued as of the time of this report.
Intersection Collisions
Intersection collisions are the most common cause of vehicular crashes. The U.S. Department of Transportation says that 43 percent of all traffic incidents happen at intersections. One of the reasons an intersection collision occurs is due to their complexity. Multiple lanes are involved with vehicles turning in several directions. In addition, intersections are places where motor vehicles, bicycles, and walkers all come together. This enhances the possibility of multiple types of accidents to happen.
Different Types of Intersection Collisions
There are several types of intersection collisions that occur. They are:
- Crashes between oncoming vehicles: This occurs when two vehicles are heading in opposite directions. It is enhanced when one of the vehicles turns.
- Side impact accidents: This type of accident is also called a T-bone collision. They usually involve someone running a red light.
- Rear-end collisions: The biggest reason this happens at an intersection is when the driver to the rear is distracted. Because they are not aware the front vehicle has stopped, they don’t stop in time to avoid an accident.
- Pedestrian/cyclist crashes: A motor vehicle driver may be unaware of a bicyclist or pedestrian in the crosswalk. A driver in an outer lane often tries to go straight when other vehicles closer to the curb are stopped. The vehicles closer to the curb block their view of a pedestrian entering the crosswalk.
- Sideswipe collisions: These usually occur when two vehicles are turning.
Why Do Intersection Crashes Happen?
Some of the most common reasons for intersection crashes are:
- Running a red light or not stopping at signs are two of the most common reasons these accidents occur.
- Driver negligence and reckless driving cause many intersection crashes.
- Many intersection accidents are caused when the speed of an oncoming vehicle is not determined correctly.
- Reckless driving is a common cause.
- Distracted driving is involved in many intersection accidents.
- Speeding in an intersection can be a determining factor in an intersection collision.
- At night, crashes into the sides of big rigs happen when adequate truck warning lights are absent.
- Inclement weather such as fog can cause an intersection accident due to poor visibility.
- Poor intersection design can be involved in a collision. When this happens, the responsible government agency may be sued.
- Faulty traffic lights or hidden signage causes intersection crashes.
- Debris on the road or poor road conditions can be the source of an intersection accident.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Intersections are dangerous places where many accidents occur. Everything from the design of the intersection to driver negligence can be involved. In complex cases, it is important to have the insight an experienced injury lawyer can provide. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in the city and (800) 404-5400 nationwide for free and friendly advice. You can reach me online too.
In the past 37 years, I’ve advocated for numerous Sacramento citizens in all types of accidents and other traumatic cases. I’ve helped them obtain the compensation they deserve.
I am pleased to report that I belong to the following organizations among many others:
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_182536298_l-2015
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