I’m Ed Smith, a Napa car accident lawyer. A multiple vehicle Napa accident that occurred on Friday, December 29, 2017, left one person with serious injuries.
Accident Details
Officers from California Highway Patrol (CHP) released an accident report indicating that the collision took place at approximately 1:40 p.m on Silverado Trail near Oak Knoll. Officials reported that the accident happened when a red Ford Mustang had been driving south on Oak Knoll when it attempted to turn left into the northbound side of Silverado Trail.
While attempting the turning maneuver, the Mustang was struck by a passing GMC pickup truck that had been driving south on Silverado Trail. Photos taken at the scene of the accident show the Mustang nearly torn in half with major damage to the driver’s side. Photos also show the pickup truck with significant damage to its front end.
Serious Injuries
Napa Valley Fire Authority and CHP both responded to the incident after CHP received news that one or more individuals may have been seriously injured.
Responders found the driver of the Mustang with serious injuries and transported him to the nearby Queen of the Valley Medical Center for immediate emergency care. The driver of the pickup truck reportedly did not receive any injuries during the collision.
The injured motorist was identified as Elijah Clark, a 19-year-old resident of the nearby community of Vallejo. The driver of the pickup truck was identified only as a St. Helena resident, age 32.
Traffic
The crash left a considerable amount of debris on the roadway, making it unsafe for drivers to pass. CHP blocked traffic on the major thoroughfare for nearly an hour while they conducted a preliminary investigation and work crews removed the wreckage from the road.
Investigation
Authorities are still conducting an investigation into this collision. So far, the causal factors of the accident have not been determined. Additionally, CHP has not made any indication regarding whether or not DUI was involved.
Broadside Collisions
Collisions such as this one can be extremely serious. Broadside collisions, commonly referred to as “T-bone accidents,” have a high rate of fatality and severe injuries due to the fact that vehicle bodies are thinner on the sides and offer less protection to occupants.
Common causes of broadside collisions include drivers who run red lights, vehicles that laterally strike trees or poles. These accidents tend to happen more frequently at intersections where cars are driving perpendicular to each other, creating the window for a broadside accident to occur.
Injuries that are commonly sustained in broadside collisions include traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, neck injuries, chest trauma, and pelvic fractures.
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Napa Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Napa. Just one auto accident can affect the rest of someone’s life. If you’ve been significantly hurt in one, dial (707) 564-1900 for our friendly, free advice. Those living in other areas can also get in touch through AutoAccident.com or (800) 404-5400.
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