Sacramento Pickup Rollover
On November 23, a Sacramento pickup rollover accident happened along westbound U.S. 50 just east of Stockton Boulevard shortly after 10:00 at night. It was a single-vehicle crash. For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the pickup, which ended up on its side facing the wrong direction in the number two lane. The Sacramento Fire Department was called to assist in getting the occupants out of the pickup when it appeared that the doors would not open.
Good Samaritans Try to Help
Local citizens stopped to try and help push the rolled pickup back into an upright position. They were trying to assist so the occupants could be freed, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). In addition to rescue personnel, an ambulance was called to transport those injured to a hospital.
Losing Control in a Sacramento Pickup Rollover
Losing control of a vehicle is based on many things, including weather conditions and speed. In addition, defective brakes, worn tires and distracted driving all play a part. In order to avoid an auto accident, there are ways to stay safe after control is lost:
- Do not panic: One of the worst reactions a driver can have is to panic. Preparation is a way to avoid panic. Just remember you have options after losing control that can save your life and that of other drivers.
- Don’t press on the gas pedal: Whether it is a mistake or just a reflex reaction, many drivers accelerate after losing control. This only makes matters worse.
- Braking too hard can be a mistake: Once you’ve entered a skid, braking hard will make it worse and may make it less likely you can gain control once again. Experts recommend that an out-of-control driver apply the brakes gently for a few seconds, then stop. You can repeat this maneuver if needed. The aim is to stop gradually.
- Use the emergency brake: If braking slowly does not work at all, there may be a problem with your brakes. This can be due to worn brake pads or defective brakes. In this case, you may need to use the emergency brake. This can help, however, in many types of vehicles, the emergency brakes are incapable of stopping a moving vehicle.
- Move away from the skid: You want to move out of the direction of the skid, but don’t attempt to do it quickly. Gradually turn the wheel in the opposite direction. If you attempt to do it too quickly, you will begin skidding in that direction.
Brake Failure in a Sacramento Pickup Rollover Crash
Brake failure is every driver’s nightmare. Without warning, you use your brake and nothing happens. It can be due to a defect, low fluid or worn brake pads. If you can depress the pedal and nothing happens, you need to use other maneuvers to stop the vehicle. Downshifting to a lower gear may help. In a situation where not stopping quickly is going to precipitate a crash, it is possible to downshift several gears. Be forewarned that this may damage your transmission.
Incidence of Rollovers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rollover crashes accounted for more than 7,600 deaths in 2010. That was about 35 percent of all the traffic fatalities involving passenger vehicles. The majority of those who died in rollover crashes were not using seat belts at the time. The risk of rollover makes it vitally important for anyone in a vehicle to wear a safety restraint, which keeps the body from being tossed around in the vehicle or ejected and helps to prevent head and traumatic brain injuries.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
A rollover can cause serious injuries that require an extensive hospital stay and resulting medical bills, time lost from work and other expenses. When negligence was the cause of the accident, an attorney experienced in rollover crashes can help. By conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident and compiling all the expenses, he or she can present a strong case for compensation, including for future medical costs if necessary.
Car Accident Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you may benefit from the insight an experienced attorney can provide. Reach out to me in Sacramento by calling (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 outside of the area for free and friendly advice. You can also contact me online by using our convenient contact us page found on my website AutoAccident.com.
I’ve been privileged to help residents of Sacramento for the past 36 years as well as others in the wider Northern California area receive the compensation they deserve in all types of car accidents, brain injuries, and wrongful deaths among others.
I am pleased to say that I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates. We are a group of trial attorneys who have won more than $1 million for a client.
When you retain an attorney, it is best to learn about his or her practice ahead of time. You can read the comments by my previous clients as well as some of my peers on the following pages where you also find examples of how I resolved prior cases:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_14706609_l-2015
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