Three Vehicles Collide on State Route 160 in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. A Saturday accident on July 14 involving three vehicles happened on California State Route 160. A report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that a GMC overturned in the collision and was resting on its roof. The Sacramento Fire Department, as well as emergency medical personnel, were called to the scene to help, along with tow trucks to clear the road.
What Happened
The crash happened near West Walker Landing Road a few minutes before 2:00 in the afternoon when a GMC Acadia, a Hyundai sedan, and an SUV were involved in a collision. Two lanes along SR 160 were closed while the accident was cleared and investigated by the CHP. The injured person was transported by medical personnel to UC Davis Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.
Rollovers Caused by Collisions
While rollovers are possible in any type of car accident, they are more common in certain vehicles. Narrower, taller vehicles such as vans, pickups, and SUVs are more likely to be involved in a rollover because they have a higher center of gravity. According to Consumer Reports, sideways forces such as when driving around a curve can affect a vehicle’s balance. The lateral force also increases with higher speeds and when a driver suddenly changes direction. For example, this happens when a driver going around a sharp curve overcorrects or their wheels contact soft soil or gravel at the side of the road.
Crushed Roof
Many vehicles are sold to the public with roofs that do not meet the standards necessary to support the structure when a rollover occurs and the roof becomes crushed. When this happens, the occupants of the vehicle are more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury.
Preventing a Rollover
Performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, obeying traffic laws and using common sense can help prevent rollovers. Some of the following suggestions should be kept in mind to avoid a rollover accident:
- Always wear a seatbelt. Almost 50 percent of fatalities from rollovers happen when someone inside the vehicle is ejected. Although some people believe that being thrown from a car can increase your chance of avoiding injury, it has been shown that up to 75 percent of those who are ejected become fatalities.
- Newer vehicles have better safety systems. While you may be fond of your older car, newer ones offer up-to-date safety features that can protect you better if you are involved in an accident. However, some vehicles are more prone to rollover despite safety systems.
- Rural areas with higher speed limits are places where rollovers often occur. This is because rural roads seldom have barriers and are undivided highways. Reducing your speed and driving carefully is important to avoid a rollover.
- Check your speed. The tendency for some vehicles to overturn is more likely when the driver is speeding as well as requiring more skill on the part of the driver. According to reports, 40 percent of rollovers with fatalities involve speeding.
- If you are carrying a load in your vehicle, use caution to distribute the weight evenly with heavy cargo placed near the vehicle’s center. Try to avoid loading heavy items on your roof.
- Maintain your tires in good condition. An underinflated or defective tire or one that has worn tread can cause a rollover. Checking your tires on a regular basis and replacing them when they are too worn can help avoid a rollover.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Rollover accidents can cause devastating injuries because of the brutal forces they cause. If this happened to you or someone you love, reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I will give you free and friendly advice.
Million Dollar Forum is a group I belong to composed of trial attorneys with a record of a verdict or settlement for a client in excess of $1 million.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/car-accident-clash-rome-highway-2165210/
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