I-80 Near Madison Avenue Closed, Causing Traffic Delays
A multiple-vehicle crash in the North Highlands area of Sacramento closed westbound Interstate 80 on August 13 for almost one hour. The crash occurred near Madison Avenue around 2:00 p.m., prompting Caltrans to close the highway in one direction.
The timing led to multiple delays all the way to Citrus Heights as traffic was held at a standstill. Motorists were alerted to the accident and asked to avoid the area if possible. There is no information at this time about the nature and cause of the multiple-vehicle crash or if anyone was injured.
Multiple-Vehicle Crashes
It is well-known that a multiple-vehicle crash can have a profound effect on traffic. But what about the impact they have on human life? Annually, 13,000 fatalities occur because of a multiple-vehicle crash, which is roughly 40 percent of all traffic crashes. Part of the problem is that there is a “bouncing effect” where one vehicle hits another and bounces away from the collision, and strikes another vehicle. This has implications for all occupants involved.
Safety Devices in a Multiple-Vehicle Crash
Consider a vehicle that is hit in the rear, pushed into an adjacent lane, only to be side-swiped by a third and possibly fourth car. This happens frequently, especially on a crowded highway where drivers have little room to move.
The biggest problem is that once a vehicle is hit, the safety features are activated and cannot be deployed again. For instance, an airbag will deploy after the vehicle is hit the first time, but will not be useful if the car is struck again. This is a critical element and one that explains the severity of injuries in a multiple-vehicle crash.
Treating the Injured May Be Difficult in a Multiple-Vehicle Crash
Multiple-vehicle accidents result in traffic jams that can prevent ambulances and emergency personnel from reaching the injured. This makes it difficult for injuries to be evaluated and treated. In addition, if the injured parties need to be transported to the hospital, transit time will be slowed, and this delay can be disadvantageous or fatal in some cases.
Fault in a Multiple-Vehicle Crash
Establishing fault in a multiple-vehicle crash can be difficult unless one of the drivers admits liability. To establish fault, it is necessary to prove that one or more of the drivers was negligent. If surveillance or nearby business cameras are available, the video footage can help. However, on a highway, surveillance cameras are hard to come by. At our law firm, we send investigators to the accident scene to gather evidence. They do this by interviewing witnesses, using accident reconstruction techniques, and reviewing police reports. Our investigators also examine the vehicles for auto defects, such as defective brakes or accelerators, that may have caused the accident.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Besides thoroughly investigating the multiple-vehicle crash, our legal team works hard to obtain the compensation you deserve. The insurance company often urges the injured to take a low-ball offer that they might know will not cover the damages. Once the offer is accepted, it is impossible to ask for further compensation even if surgical or medical treatment is needed. Your attorney will make it clear that the amount is not appropriate and fight for your rights.
North Highlands Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands car accident lawyer. If you’ve been injured in a multiple-vehicle accident, you need the insight an experienced lawyer can provide. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online.
I’ve helped residents of Sacramento, North Highlands, and the remainder of Northern California obtain fair compensation for car and pedestrian accidents, wrongful death cases, and other trauma.
Learn more about my firm by clicking on the links below:
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Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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