Sacramento Head-On Collision Injures Three People
A September 28 head-on collision in Sacramento seriously injured three people. The accident happened at the intersection of Cromwell Way and Florin Road at about 10:45 in the evening. According to a report by the Sacramento Police Department, at least one of the vehicles was speeding at the time of the crash. Both of the vehicles caught on fire after the impact of this high-speed collision. Both drivers suffered critical injuries in the accident, while a passenger in one vehicle was reported to have moderate injuries. The Sacramento police are in charge of an investigation into the crash to determine how it occurred and to assign fault.
Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles traveling in opposing directions hit one another. The problem is that both vehicles bring their momentum into the crash, increasing the final impact. So, if both vehicles are traveling at 30 mph, the force will be 60 mph in reality. Since many front-end crashes happen on the highway where the speed limit approaches 60 mph, the impact speed will be 120 mph. This increase in the force of the impact makes head-on collisions devastating to occupants in both vehicles. The best way to avoid an accident is to move out of the path of the other vehicle. On crowded streets and highways, this is virtually impossible without hitting adjacent vehicles.
Why Do Head-On Collisions Happen?
There are several reasons why such accidents happen. One is the increasing prevalence of distracted drivers on the roads. Loss of attention can lead to a vehicle entering oncoming traffic. Drunk or drug impaired drivers also are to blame for front end crashes. It is common for a drunk driver to weave from one lane into another. Inclement weather can result in lowered visibility, causing a driver to inadvertently enter a lane where the traffic flow is heading in the opposite direction.
Not all head-on collisions are caused by driver error. Some are due to poor signage, resulting in confusion for motorists. For example, some entrance and exit ramps are poorly marked, and it is easy for someone unfamiliar with the road to make a mistake, entering in the wrong direction. Sharp curves are the location of many front-end collisions. It is the responsibility of the governmental agency in charge of road maintenance to make sure there is clear signage warning drivers that a treacherous curve is ahead. Intersections see their fair share of head-on collisions when drivers make a left-hand turn against oncoming traffic.
Liability in a Head-On Collision
The blame for a head-on collision depends on the reason it happened in the first place. For instance, if a driver was reckless, drove drunk, or was distracted, the liability for the accident is clear. In cases where the accident was caused by road defects or inadequate signage, the government agency charged with maintaining the roads is to blame. This changes things somewhat since the process of filing a claim against a government entity is different. The injured party has six months to file a claim with the agency. After this, the government has 45 days to answer, either accepting the claim or rejecting it. When the claim is accepted, the government agency will most likely try to settle with the injured individual. If the claim is rejected, it gives the claimant six months to file a lawsuit. Alternately, if the initial claim is not answered in the 45-day period, you have two years to file a claim. Your attorney will ensure that all claims are filed in time.
What an Attorney Can Do
Head-on collisions can be devastating, and having an experienced attorney by your side can help. At our firm, we dispatch investigators to the crash site to gather evidence against the at-fault driver, obtain video footage of the accident from traffic surveillance cameras and nearby businesses if possible and interview witnesses. We also review police reports for inaccuracies. Once this is done, our lawyers use this data to build a strong case in favor of our client.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Car accidents can throw your life upside down, causing physical and financial harm. You have the right to be compensated for the damage a negligent driver causes. I can help you. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online by using our convenient contact us page.
I’ve helped clients in the Sacramento area for over 37 years obtain the compensation they deserve in car accidents, wrongful deaths, and all types of traumatic injuries.
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