Sacramento Rollover Accident Fatality
A Sacramento rollover accident on New Year’s Day at around 6:00 p.m. claimed the life of one person and caused injuries to another. The accident happened along Highway 50 westbound on the east side of Watt Avenue when the vehicle rolled numerous times, causing heavy rush hour traffic to back up along the highway for hours. I would like to extend my prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of those who lost a loved one in their time of sorrow and loss.
Details of the Sacramento Rollover Accident
Metro Fire reported that one of the individuals involved in the rollover crash had to be extricated from the vehicle. The injured person was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment and evaluation. Caltrans reported that the lanes were reopened shortly after 9:30 p.m. It is unknown at this time whether alcohol or drugs played a part in the accident, however, it is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to determine the cause.
Causes of Rollovers
Rollovers often result in fatalities and serious injuries because the occupants of the vehicle are tossed around. If they are not wearing seat restraints, they may be ejected from the vehicle, which has a high rate of fatalities. However, there are factors that may contribute to a rollover. These include:
- Speed: Speeding can result in a rollover accident because the driver has less control over a vehicle at higher speeds.
- Tripping: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 95 percent of rollovers are caused by this action. Tripping happens when a vehicle’s tires strike something such as a bump in the road, soft shoulder or curb. In cases where road damage caused an accident, compensation can be sought from the government entity that has the responsibility for repair and maintenance.
- Type of vehicle: Certain vehicles are more prone to rollovers than others, especially light trucks, vans and SUVs. In some cases, a crushed roof can contribute to traumatic head injuries, which are life-threatening. A fault in engineering can be compensated by the manufacturer, parts maker and others.
- Equipment failure: Faulty tires, brakes, steering or other auto parts can contribute to a rollover accident. Auto manufacturers, designers, parts suppliers and others can be held accountable for financial losses.
- Other vehicles: When an accident occurs between several vehicles, any vehicle can be involved in a rollover if the point of collision is just right. T-bone accidents commonly cause a Sacramento rollover accident.
Crushed Roof and Testing for Crashworthiness
Rollovers are further complicated by issues surrounding roof strength. In a rollover, the weight of the vehicle must be supported by the roof. When this does not happen, the roof collapses in on the occupants or causes the windows and doors to buckle, enabling occupant ejection. There are laws that govern manufacturer specifications for roof strength. The roof must be able to support up to a minimum of 2.5 times the weight of the vehicle, according to federal standards. This is not always adhered to, and often the design of the vehicle is to blame. An attorney can check to see if the same type of vehicle has previously been involved in crushed roof accidents. In addition, the attorney can check if the vehicle’s design, such as poor structural support, made it more likely for this to happen. If so, the claim can incorporate this product liability. It is important to hold onto the damaged vehicle so an accident expert can inspect it.
Help From a Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
It’s always terrible to lose a loved one in an accident, but that loss is compounded when negligence by another person or entity was the cause. In cases such as these, the family may be able to obtain compensation for that loss with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. By examining the evidence in the case and conducting their own investigation, an injury lawyer can help the family recover the financial damages.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death lawyer. If your loved one died in a motor vehicle accident that was caused through another’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to fair compensation. Please give me a call at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento region for free and friendly advice. In addition, you can reach me at (800) 404-5400 from outside the area code. I also have a contact form located at the website I own and founded at AutoAccident.com. If you decide to use this way of contacting me, I will get back in touch with you promptly.
I’m a forum member of Million Dollar Advocates, a group that was organized to recognize the nation’s top trial attorneys who have obtained a verdict or settlement for a client in excess of $1 million. In addition, I belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, a group established for attorneys who have exhibited legal excellence.
I have been privileged to have helped the residents of Sacramento and other Northern Californians for 37 years in obtaining fair compensation for all types of motor vehicle collisions, traumatic injuries and motorcycle crashes.
When you have experienced a personal injury, it can be difficult to decide who to phone for advice. This is why I have posted links to my client reviews and information about our prior cases, which you can find at:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_5215698_l-2015
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