Overturned Street Sweeper Hit By Hit and Run Pickup
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. A collision between a pickup and street sweeper in Sacramento on July 23 ended with the pickup driver leaving the scene of the crash without exchanging information. Six additional motorists, who were not involved in the collision, received citations. One injury was reported in the accident, but the individual did not require hospitalization.
Details of the Crash
The collision occurred during the morning hours along Highway 50 close to Watt Avenue when a Ford Ranger reportedly made a lane change that was unsafe. This resulted in the driver of the street sweeper swerving, which knocked down about 200 feet of guardrail, along with a light pole. According to an officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the street sweeper then overturned. While the driver of the Ford that caused the accident fled, it was reported that the individual contacted officers later.
Traffic Was Stopped to Make Repairs
Traffic was slowed, according to the CHP, in order to haul the street sweeper upright, remove the guardrail and cut the light pole down. During this period, the two-lane exit ramp for Watt Avenue was closed. Flares were placed to mark the accident site. However, the drivers of six vehicles chose to ignore the flares and drove through them in an attempt to use the exit. These drivers were all cited for unlawful traverse of a pattern under California Vehicle Code 2818. Penalties for ignoring this law can include a fine and points on the driver’s record.
California Hit and Run
A hit and run collision in California can have severe consequences for the driver who left, whether there were serious injuries in the collision or not. Even though no one was injured in the crash, the fleeing driver can still be charged with a misdemeanor under California Vehicle Code 20002 for leaving the scene, not exchanging information with the other driver and damaging property. A conviction for misdemeanor hit and run can mean penalties of up to six months in jail and as much as a $1,000 fine.
When a Driver Loses Control
There are a number of reasons a driver can lose control of their vehicle and cause a collision. Some of the reasons involve driver error, while others may be outside influences. The most common reasons are:
- Drunk driving: Drivers who are intoxicated lack judgment and the ability to react quickly during an emergency.
- Distracted driving: Many drivers do not realize that even a momentary distraction from the road ahead can cause a collision. Texting, playing with the radio and talking to other passengers in a vehicle are distractions.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is a major cause of collisions. This is because the faster the vehicle is traveling, the less likely a driver will be able to control the car.
- Drowsy driving: Driving while overly fatigued may lead to daydreaming, a higher risk of becoming distracted and even falling asleep at the wheel. Fatigued drivers often work swing shifts, long hours or just don’t get enough rest.
Additional Reasons for Losing Control of a Vehicle
Not all accidents where the driver loses control are the driver’s fault.
Road conditions or defective automobile parts can also cause this type of accident. Some of the reasons are as follows:
- Defective automobile parts such as brakes, steering or tires can cause a collision. In this case, an injury claim may be made through a product liability lawsuit.
- Weather conditions such as rain, snow or fog can contribute to accidents. If it isn’t possible to stay home, drive gently and adjust the vehicle’s speed to suit the weather.
- Road defects such as cracks in the pavement, upheavals, and potholes can cause an accident. Additional reasons for an accident include poor signage, overgrown trees, nonfunctioning traffic lights and others.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If you are hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you need the assistance of an experienced lawyer. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in the area and (800) 404-5400 nationwide for free and friendly advice. If it is easier for you, you can contact me online.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Sacramento and the wider Northern California area obtain the compensation they deserve for a variety of car accident injuries, pedestrian crashes, and truck accidents.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, a forum of top trial lawyers who have won in excess of $1 million for a client.
When you are looking to retain an attorney, you want to know as much as you can about their practice. Check out mine on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/maintenance-street-street-sweeper-724760/
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