Obstacle in Roadway Leads to SR 99 Accident
A multiple-vehicle crash happened in Sacramento on February 5, instigated by a garbage can in the roadway. The collision occurred along State Route 99 southbound, just north of the Sutterville Road exit ramp around 10:38 in the morning. According to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a trash can was lying in the number three lane when an unknown vehicle stopped, and the driver got out and removed it.
Additional Information About the Multiple-Vehicle Crash
At the time this was happening, a crash occurred involving three to six vehicles and blocking the middle lanes. Tow trucks were called to the accident scene to remove at least two of those vehicles. The lanes reopened around half an hour later. Authorities did not provide any information about serious injuries that occurred as a result of the multiple-vehicle crash. The accident is being investigated by authorities to determine the cause.
Road Obstacles as the Cause of an Accident
Obstacles in the road are a common cause of a multiple-vehicle crash, especially on highways. Vehicles are moving at faster speeds, and traffic is often congested on a highway. This makes it more difficult for a driver who sees an object in the road ahead to slow down, stop or take an evasive maneuver. Although negligence can be caused by a truck or passenger vehicle driver whose load isn’t properly secured and falls to the road, other motorist behavior may also be at fault, including:
- Speeding: A driver who is speeding may be unable to slow down or stop in an emergency in time to prevent a multiple-vehicle crash.
- Tailgating: Tailgaters are frequently involved in a collision when the vehicle in front stops suddenly. This, in turn, can cause a chain-reaction collision.
- Frequent lane switching: Some drivers in a hurry to get to their destination will lane switch repeatedly. This dangerous action can easily result in a multiple-vehicle crash.
- Driving while distracted: Texting and talking on a cell phone are major contributors to traffic accidents. Other distractions can include changing a radio station, eating and drinking while driving, and others.
- Drunk or drugged driving: Intoxicated drivers are dangerous in any situation, but more so when surrounded by vehicles going at highway speeds.
Investigation of a Multiple-Vehicle Crash
When more than one driver or entity may be the cause of an accident involving multiple vehicles, it takes more effort to discover fault. However, the injured person may then place claims against all the at-fault parties, which helps them obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Our investigators are experienced in gathering the evidence needed to support a client’s claim, such as:
- The investigators conduct accident reconstruction, which shows the positions of the vehicles before the accident, how it occurred and where the cars ended up afterward. This is strong evidence used in court and by insurance companies to place fault.
- The police report is reviewed for possible errors.
- Witnesses are interviewed to understand how the accident occurred. In some cases, a witness videotaped the multiple vehicle crash on their cell phone.
- Traffic surveillance cameras are sought that may have caught the accident on video.
When the evidence has been compiled, our injury attorneys take over to use it in constructing a strong case that benefits our client’s compensation claim.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. If an accident involving someone else’s negligence caused your injury, give me a call at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my free, friendly advice. You can also reach me by sending me a message online.
Find out more about my law firm at the links below:
Since 1982, my law office has helped many Northern Californians get the injury compensation they deserve for traffic collisions, traumas, and wrongful deaths.
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Attributed photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
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