Single-Vehicle Collision in Folsom Related to Drunk Driving
A single-vehicle collision on November 5 occurred on Folsom-Auburn Rd, just north of Folsom Lake Crossing at about 7:00 p.m. and injured three people. Rescue personnel with the fire department found two people trapped inside of the vehicle and extricated them. Those injured in the single-vehicle collision were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Traffic was completely blocked on Northbound Folsom-Auburn Road, and officers from the Folsom Police Department were on hand to direct motorists away from the area. Investigating authorities concluded that the single-vehicle collision was related to drinking and driving. At this juncture, it is unknown if the driver was charged with a DUI or not.
Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving is a major cause of traffic collisions each year, causing many fatalities. Approximately 11,000 people died in 2017 due to a drunk driving accident. A driver is unable to control his or her vehicle due to lack of coordination, judgment, and cognitive ability.
This explains the high correlation between single-vehicle collisions and DUIs, particularly run-off road accidents. The percentage of alcohol-related single-vehicle crashes resulting in death hovers around 65 percent of all single-vehicle crashes. Young drivers between 16 and 24 are primary targets for the effects of drunk driving.
Reasons for Single-Vehicle Collisions
Aside from drinking and driving, there are other reasons single-vehicle collisions occur:
- Speeding: Losing control of one’s vehicle is a major cause of single-vehicle crashes. Driving too fast for road conditions or above the speed limit results in a driver not being in command of their vehicle. Even if a driver is maintaining the posted speed limit, other factors such as a sharp curve or a slippery road can result. Drivers are obligated to proceed with an abundance of caution when such conditions present themselves.
- Road defects: Many times, governmental agencies fail to maintain the roads. Because of this, potholes and poor signage exist. This can cause a run-off road accident as a driver fails to navigate safely around a pothole or does not expect a sharp curve ahead and takes it at an unsafe speed. If this happens, your attorney can file a claim against the government agency in charge.
- Inexperienced drivers: A young or inexperienced driver may not respond as they should to road defects or an animal running across the road. In an effort to avoid the problem, they may slam on their brakes or turn the wheel abruptly, causing a run-off road accident.
- Distraction: Distracted driving is an overwhelming problem on the roads and causes many accidents generally. It is also a reason single-vehicle accidents occur. Not paying attention to what is happening around them can cause a driver to go off the road or crash into the median.
- Vehicle defects: Sometimes, a vehicle’s brakes, steering apparatus, or tires fail to function appropriately and cause a single-vehicle accident. When this occurs, a product liability claim can be filed against the manufacturer to collect damages in the crash.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
Drinking and driving is a major reason for single-vehicle crashes. The driver who drinks is liable for any damages that occur. This includes the other people in the vehicle. A passenger has the same right to be compensated for their injuries as do drivers on the road. In a single-vehicle crash, there is usually no one else to hold responsible for the accident except the driver of the vehicle. In some cases, the driver does not have insurance. If you have automobile insurance or a family member living with you does that includes uninsured motorist protection, you can use it to obtain compensation. The insurance company may argue that the passengers knew the driver was intoxicated and were negligent in boarding the vehicle. However, it is often difficult to know the driver was drinking enough to cloud his or her judgment.
What an Attorney Can Do to Help
In a drunk driving accident where a passenger is in the vehicle, we need to prove the single-vehicle collision would not have happened were it not for the driver’s drunkenness. Our firm dispatches our investigative team to the crash site, where they use accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability. They also review the police report to ensure it is accurate. If the driver is cited for drunk driving, all aspects of that case are used to prove negligence. In addition, the investigators will check into the possibility that the accident was caused by road hazards and vehicle defects. Sometimes, another vehicle is involved and causes the driver to veer off the road without stopping. Traffic surveillance cameras are helpful in showing this infraction. Once all evidence has been amassed, our investigative team turns it over to our lawyers, who use it to build a strong case against the defendant.
Folsom Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Folsom car accident lawyer. Let me help you. You can reach me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also contact me online.
I’ve helped clients since 1982 in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and other traumatic injuries.
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