Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident on Madison Avenue
A possible Sacramento drunk driving accident occurred on westbound Madison Avenue in the early morning on December 13, 2018. At least one individual suffered a major injury in the crash, and an ambulance was summoned to take that person to a hospital. The accident involved a Toyota Highlander, Toyota sedan and a van. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report, the collision blocked both the westbound and eastbound lanes of Madison. It took about 50 minutes to reopen at least two of the westbound lanes along Madison.
Details of the Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident
According to authorities with the CHP, the collision happened just before 7:00 in the morning near Date Avenue. Multiple tow trucks were required to clear the crash site. However, one tow truck was stuck in heavy traffic on the Madison Avenue ramp at Interstate 80 and was forced to skirt around the traffic on the side to reach the crash site. A phlebotomist from Mercy San Juan Medical Center was called upon to administer a test to one individual to determine whether drug or alcohol consumption contributed to the accident.
Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
In 2016, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported 489 collisions involving drunk or drugged drivers that resulted in injuries or fatalities in Sacramento. This statistic ranked Sacramento as the number one city out of 15 similarly sized cities in California. During that same year, 965 individuals were arrested for drunk or drugged driving in Sacramento, and those are the ones who got caught.
How Alcohol or Drug Consumption Affects the Driver
Drinking or using drugs and driving is not only illegal but dangerous for the driver and others sharing the roadway, including bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Some drivers who have been drinking believe they are still safe to drive. However, it can take between 30 minutes and two hours for the body to absorb the alcohol into the bloodstream. Drinking and driving with any amount of alcohol can be dangerous. Ways in which alcohol can affect the body include:
- Decreased reaction time
- Reduced ability to concentrate
- Impaired vision
- Altered judgment
- Adverse effects on coordination
How an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Helps
When a drunk or drugged driver cause a traffic accident, the injured person might benefit from consulting with a seasoned personal injury lawyer. The lawyer can assist by gathering the evidence in the case and negotiating with the insurance company so the injury will be fairly compensated. In the event an agreement cannot be reached with the insurance company, the lawyer can prepare a strong case for compensation in civil court. If a drunk driver is shown to be the cause of a collision, punitive damages may be sought in some California courts.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Drunk drivers are a major cause of motor vehicle accidents that can result in serious injuries or fatalities. If you or someone you care about was injured in an accident caused by this type of negligence, you may benefit from speaking to an experienced lawyer. For free and friendly advice, call me at (916) 921-6400, or if calling long-distance, I can be reached by using the toll-free number at (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is also available on my website, AutoAccident.com.
I have been privileged to have worked as a Sacramento car accident lawyer for 36 years, obtaining fair compensation for its residents, as well as for other Northern Californians, in all types of car accidents, wrongful death cases, and brain injuries, among other types of trauma.
Trial lawyers who have obtained a verdict or settlement for a client of more than $1 million are eligible to join Million Dollar Advocates. I belong to this group as a California member.
You can learn more about my law practice by looking over client reviews and seeing how we have handled some of our prior cases at:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/drink-driving-drunk-alcohol-808790/
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