Pickup Leaves After Hitting Gas Pump in Orangevale
I’m Ed Smith, an Orangevale car accident lawyer. A woman was left with head injuries in the early hours of July 17 after the driver of a pickup truck ran into a gasoline pump at a station located on Greenback Lane and then fled the scene. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the woman was a passenger in the vehicle that was involved in the collision. The pump, which was significantly damaged in the accident, had been turned off at the time, avoiding what could have been an even more dangerous situation.
What Happened?
According to authorities, the accident happened at one of the gas stations located around Greenback Lane and Hazel Avenue near Orange Tree Plaza Shopping Center shortly before 4:00 in the morning. The injured woman, who was abandoned by the pickup driver following the collision, was transported to a hospital for treatment by first responders. The reason for the accident is not yet known. However, the driver of the pickup is being sought by authorities.
Hitting a Gas Pump
When a vehicle hits a gas pump, a fire commonly erupts and can cause serious injuries as well as respiratory problems. Depending on the particular situation, the vehicle can also erupt in flames. If the station is open for business when the accident occurs, gas can be cut off to that pump and those in close proximity. From there, the fire is extinguished and the station is shut down until the debris is cleared and a new pump is installed. The station’s property damage and loss of revenue is covered by insurance, however, the insurer may seek reimbursement from a negligent driver.
Losing Control of a Vehicle
Drivers can lose control of their vehicle for a variety of reasons, and it can happen in all types of accidents. One such event occurs when the driver must make an evasive maneuver to avoid an accident. In such situations, the initial act of turning the wheel to avoid another object does not cause loss of control. Rather, it is the maneuver that realigns the vehicle on its original path. It only takes half the amount of steering deviation initially used to get back on track. Using more than that causes the driver to lose control of his or her vehicle. Other reasons may include drunk driving, fatigue or distractions like texting on a cell phone when operating a motor vehicle.
Burn Injuries Caused by an Accident
One of the most prevalent types of injury that can befall someone hitting a gas pump are those related to burn injuries. This is often the result of the fireball or explosion that erupts after the pump is hit. Burns are often catastrophic injuries. In an accident of this type, if the vehicle catches on fire, occupants can be burned. The degree of injury depends on the extent of the burn itself.
Differences in Burn Injuries
The harm done by a burn is linked to damage that occurs to the skin, muscle and bone. This is measured according to the depth of the burn and is described in degrees. Following an injury, the extent of the burn is evaluated. For instance:
- First-Degree Burns: These usually affect only the top layer of skin. They cause a mild degree of pain and generally heal on their own.
- Second-Degree Burns: This burn goes past the initial layer of skin, called the epidermis, and enters the subsequent layer or dermis. Besides being deeper, it is more painful and causes blisters to erupt on the skin. This may be managed in an out-patient setting, depending on the age of the patient and other circumstances.
- Third-Degree Burns: This type of burn erodes all skin layers. The damage is measured according to the size of the burn. Since the integument or skin is essentially removed, the chance of infection is higher. This usually requires medical intervention.
Orangevale Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Orangevale car accident lawyer. If you are injured in a car accident or suffered burn injuries, you need an experienced injury lawyer at your side. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in the area and toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice.
I’ve helped residents of Orangevale and the surrounding Northern California area obtain the compensation they deserve in many types of car accidents as well as traumatic brain injury and wrongful death.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates, a forum of top-ranking trial lawyers who have won in excess of $1 million for a client.
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