Eastbound Arden Way Site of Rear-End Collision
A rear-end collision near Sacramento caused a major injury to one motorist on the afternoon of July 24. The crash, according to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), occurred in Arden-Arcade around 5:00 p.m. along eastbound Arden Way just west of Bell Street. Two or three lanes of traffic were blocked following the collision between a BMW and Toyota Corolla.
Additional Information About the Rear-End Collision
The BMW sustained major front-end damage while the Toyota had significant rear-end damage. Tow trucks were needed to remove the vehicles from the accident scene. At least one person was transported to UC Davis Medical Center for the treatment of a major injury. The incident is under investigation by authorities to determine fault and how the rear-end collision occurred.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur more often than other types of accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about 1.7 million rear-end collisions happen every year. This results in 1,700 deaths and 500,000 injuries. Despite their frequency, the insurance companies often consider them no more than fender benders and try to underpay their clients. However, a rear-end collision can be anything but a mere fender bender.
Neck Injury in a Hit-From-Behind Accident
Although some people do not experience serious injury in a rear-end collision, others do. One of the main injuries is a strain of the cervical (neck) muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This is commonly called whiplash. Many people do not feel symptoms for up to 72 hours after the crash. This means they are likely to leave the accident scene, saying that they are not injured and refuse medical care. This is one of the biggest mistakes they can make.
Cervical strain and sprain can cause the individual to experience neck and arm pain, stiffness, and limited motion that is unrelenting. For some, this may resolve within several months. For others, the symptoms can persist for several years or longer. This can restrict the person’s ability to work, depending on their job.
Back Injury
For some people, back injury results from a rear-end collision. This can cause significant pain and financial distress. The person with a resultant back injury can endure not only restricted movement but be unable to work.
Spinal Cord Injury
During a rear-end collision, especially at a high speed, the spinal cord can be injured. This often occurs in conjunction with vertebral compression or fracture. When this happens, the injured party runs a high risk of paralysis, which can be temporary or permanent. In the latter case, the individual often faces permanent disability.
Liability
The driver to the rear of a hit-from-behind accident is usually held liable for the injured party’s damages. This is due to the driver in the rear’s responsibility to leave a proper amount of space between vehicles and to avoid driving above the speed limit. There are some instances, such as when a lead vehicle has broken brake lights, where the driver in front may share responsibility.
Investigation in a Rear-End Collision
It is important to gather sufficient evidence after a crash to obtain the compensation a client deserves. That is why accumulating evidentiary data is job one at our firm. Our investigators are sent to the accident scene as soon as possible before evidence is lost.
There, they examine pavement marks to determine if the vehicle to the rear attempted to stop, something that is absent in drunk or distracted driving. They also speak with witnesses and examine police reports for inaccuracies. Finally, our investigators use accident reconstruction techniques and obtain videos of the crash to determine liability. Once this is done, our lawyers use this information to build a strong case for our client.
Car Accident Lawyers in Sacramento
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. When a major injury occurs due to another driver’s negligence, placing a claim for compensation can help avoid financial distress. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area or (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. I can also be reached online.
Learn about my office by visiting:
Top 1 Percent and the Million Dollar Forum are groups I belong to as a member of California.
I am honored to have successfully helped many residents of Sacramento and Northern California for 38 years in obtaining compensation for traumatic injuries, government claims, wrongful deaths, and all kinds of traffic accidents.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/headlamp-accident-auto-blue-broken-2940/
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