Westacre Road Pileup in West Sacramento
A West Sacramento six-car pileup occurred on the evening of July 22. The accident happened around 9:00 in the evening along Westacre Road between Michigan Boulevard and Rockrose Road, according to authorities with the West Sacramento Police Department. The multiple collisions caused one vehicle to partially go underneath another and resulted in extensive damage in the domino-effect crash.
Additional Details on the Accident
The vehicles that were hit in the pileup were parked at the curb at the time of the collision and were struck from behind. The area was closed off by police for several hours while the incident was investigated, and the vehicle that caused the collision was removed as evidence. No injuries were reported, and the use of alcohol or drugs by the driver has not been excluded.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents often result in a pileup of two or more vehicles. Whether this happens on a busy highway or on an urban thoroughfare, the most common cause is driver error. Here are some frequent ways this occurs:
- The driver to the rear is not paying attention to the road: In this case, the driver is usually distracted. This includes texting, playing with the radio, looking for a fallen item, or talking to a passenger. Distracted driving has become the leading cause of accidents, surpassing drunk driving. A motorist who is distracted often does not see the lead vehicle slow down in time to stop and avert a collision.
- Drunk driving: While no longer the number one reason for car accidents, this behavior causes the loss of many lives every year. Inebriated drivers feel they are capable of driving, but nothing is further from the truth. In actuality, the driver loses the ability to think clearly and no longer takes precautions that keep the road safe such as speeding.
- Fatigue: In today’s world, where far too many people are working longer or holding down additional jobs to make ends meet, fatigue is common. Falling asleep at the wheel or even nodding off for a few seconds can cause a horrific accident. Staggered work hours or other measures to ease the burden on people, such as public transportation or shared driving plans, can help.
- Road rage: Some drivers display a typical sign of aggression on the road, such as tailgating. This is often done as a means of making the lead motorist speed up.
- Mechanical failure: On occasion, the vehicle to the rear experiences mechanical problems such as brake failure. When this happens, the driver is unable to stop in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front. Brake failure can be due to a lack of maintenance or a manufacturing defect. In the latter case, a product liability lawsuit can be filed against the manufacturer. Your personal injury attorney will be able to investigate the defect.
Investigating a Rear-End Collision Pileup
In any accident, gathering evidence is a vital part of a successful conclusion. We send our investigative team to the scene of the crash before evidence can be lost or hidden. The investigators examine the pavement for skid marks that indicate an effort to stop, something that is often absent in distracted or drunk driving. They interview witnesses and review the police report of the pileup, looking for inaccuracies.
Our investigators also obtain video footage of the accident from traffic surveillance or cell phone cameras. In order to obtain a clear picture of the progression of the crash, the investigators employ accident reconstruction techniques. Once compiled, the evidence is released to our legal team. Our lawyers use it to build a strong case for our clients.
West Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento personal injury lawyer. When a negligent driver causes your injuries, you have the right to compensation. For free and friendly advice, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. An online form is available too.
I belong to Million Dollar Advocates and the Top 1 Percent as a California member.
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I’ve successfully handled many traffic collisions, wrongful deaths, and cases involving serious injuries over my 38 years as a lawyer and can help you too.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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