Accident on West 4th and M Streets Causes Serious Injuries
Serious injuries sent four people to three different hospitals after an accident in the western part of Rio Linda recently. It happened at the intersection of West 4th Street and West M Street shortly after 4:30 p.m., according to a report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Additional Details
Authorities said that a white delivery van and a Saturn sedan collided and completely blocked the roadway. Those suffering serious injuries were transported to Sutter, UC Davis, and Mercy San Juan Medical Centers. The CHP is in charge of investigating the collision to determine fault. At this time, there is no further word about the extent of the injuries.
Rural Intersections Can Be Dangerous
When traveling on rural roads, it is important to be alert for drivers who are passing a slower vehicle, especially near an intersection or on a curve. Many types of accidents, such as head-on collisions, are more common on rural roads since they normally have only one lane in both directions. This means that a driver, attempting to pass, will need to go into the opposing lane. A problem arises when a third vehicle is heading in the opposite direction as the passing vehicle.
In addition, police presence on rural roads is less than in urban areas. This gives drivers the chance to speed without getting caught.
Serious Injuries in Intersection Crashes
There are a variety of different types of injuries resulting from an intersection accident. Some of the most common are:
- Traumatic brain injury: Head-on crashes often cause a traumatic brain injury. This is because the impact is doubled due to the momentum of both vehicles. TBIs occur when the individual’s head strikes the steering wheel, dash or windshield or from the strong jolt upon impact. They may range from hemorrhage to causing insufficient blood flow to the organ or other serious conditions.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are common in all types of car collisions but even more so in a frontal crash. If the individuals see the accident approaching, they may try to brace themselves for the impact, which can result in fractures to the arms. In addition, the pelvis or collarbone can be broken by the force of the impact.
- Abdominal trauma: Although the seat belts are designed to prevent serious injuries, the stress on the body of a high-speed impact can end up causing abdominal trauma. This can include internal bleeding or organ damage. These injuries are life-threatening and can require emergency surgery.
- Spinal trauma: Damage to the spinal cord can cause temporary or permanent paralysis, requiring around the clock care for the injured person.
- Chest injuries: Just as the shoulder belts and airbags protect the people inside a vehicle, they can still cause injuries such as bruising. Injuries to the chest can occur from striking the interior of the car if the person is not using a safety restraint and lead to broken ribs and lung or heart damage.
Reasons for Intersection Crashes
Some of the reasons for intersection crashes are:
- A driver follows the vehicle in front too closely, causing a rear-end crash.
- A driver fails to yield to another motorist or a pedestrian.
- Motorists who have an erratic speed pattern can cause an intersection crash.
- Passing another vehicle can lead to a collision in an intersection.
- A motorist who ignores traffic signals may hit other drivers who are legally in the intersection.
- Speeding is a major cause of accidents.
- Drivers who turn improperly are dangerous in an intersection.
Investigating an Accident With Serious Injuries
As with any other accident, it is necessary to gather evidence that proves negligence. Our investigators do this by:
- Talking to witnesses
- Reviewing the police record for mistakes
- Obtaining videos from traffic surveillance cameras and cell phones
- Using accident reconstruction techniques to prove liability
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer. After an intersection accident, it is necessary to obtain the insight of an attorney. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online if that is more convenient for you.
I’ve helped Sacramentans and residents of Rio Linda obtain the compensation they deserve in car crashes, wrongful deaths, and all types of traumatic injuries.
I am a member of the organizations listed below in addition to many others:
Click on the following links to learn more about my practice:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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