Intersection Crash at Bradshaw and Jackson Roads in Sacramento
A Sacramento traffic collision occurred on August 18 between two vehicles that resulted in injuries. The accident happened at the intersection of Bradshaw and Jackson roads at about 6:56 in the evening. Two cars were involved in the traffic collision, a blue Kia Spectra, and a green Ford Focus. Sacramento Fire was called since one of the cars leaked fluid on the right side of the road.
As reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), one of the drivers could not exit their vehicle. Authorities closed the road until 8:11 at night to clear the accident and investigate the circumstances surrounding it. There is no word whether the participants were transported to the hospital at this time.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections, whether rural or in the city, are the location of many accidents. Statistics show that half of all serious accidents happen in intersections. Of the roughly 17,250 fatal accidents that occur daily in the United States, approximately one in five happen in intersections. Studies show that there are 165,000 traffic accidents in intersections due to red-light runners, which alone cause about 800 deaths each year.
Reasons So Many Traffic Collisions Occur in Intersections
The primary reason for the vast majority of intersection accidents is the complexity of the crossroads and the traffic that enters it every day. Besides, many drivers are oblivious to the stop and go traffic at an intersection and choose to speed up when they should slow down. This can lead to a rear-end accident.
Many motorists even run a red light, risking a side-impact crash with another legally crossing vehicle. Distracted driving is another problem for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Not focusing on the road can lead to a traffic collision.
Improper Design of Intersections
Planning an intersection is an important element in assuring safety. Municipal and private entities usually work together to achieve this. However, mistakes do happen. When this occurs and a driver is involved in an intersection accident, it is possible to file a claim against the contractor and the city agency in charge. Common design mistakes are:
- Poor signage confusing those who use the intersection
- Poorly marked lanes
- Signs that are difficult to read or understand
- Visibility issues, including sun glare
- Lack of road shoulder space
- Signs are hidden by foliage
- Roads that are not maintained
- Roads lacking guardrails or a median barrier
Taking a Government Agency to Task for a Traffic Collision
When the plaintiff (the injured party) takes the municipal government agency to task, it is different from other types of personal injury claims. For example, the deadline to file is shorter. Initially, the injured party or their Sacramento personal injury lawyer files an administrative claim with the city outlining what happened and their damages within six months of the traffic collision. Once it is filed, the city has 45 days to respond. If it is rejected, the lawsuit has to be filed within six months. If the government fails to respond, the claimant has two years to file a lawsuit.
Investigating an Intersection Accident
Because of many variables associated with an intersection accident, it is crucial that our investigators arrive on the scene as early as possible. There, they search for evidence that will establish liability. Witnesses are a good source of information, and our investigators interview them. They also ask for video footage from cell phones or traffic surveillance cameras.
Other means of gathering evidence include reviewing the police report for mistakes or inaccuracies. Such reports are often used as proof in negotiations with insurance companies and in court. In addition, accident reconstruction techniques are used to determine liability. Once all this data is accumulated, they turn it over to our legal team.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento car accident lawyer. If you were hurt due to another’s reckless behavior, call me to schedule an initial case review. This time together will give you an idea of your options going forward. You can reach me for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 or use my convenient online form.
I’ve helped Sacramentans since 1982 obtain the compensation they deserve in car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful deaths and traumatic injuries.
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You can learn more about my practice by visiting the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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