Accident on SR 99 Results in Injuries
A traffic collision that involved a Homeland Security vehicle happened in the Florin area of Sacramento on January 14, and injuries were reported. The accident happened on northbound State Route 99, just south of the eastbound Fruitridge Road onramp around 2:51 in the afternoon, and involved multiple vehicles. Some of the vehicles involved, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), included a Honda, a black sedan and a pickup truck as well as a white and blue Homeland Security vehicle with its lights on.
Fault to Be Determined in Multiple-Vehicle Traffic Collision
The accident blocked the number four and five lanes. Emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department were called to the scene to assess what were described as multiple injuries. No further information was released. An investigation is underway by the CHP to determine how the traffic collision occurred.
Multiple-Vehicle Accidents in California
A traffic collision due to a multiple-vehicle accident is common in our area because of high-occupancy roadways and congestion. Because of this, even if a driver becomes aware of a multiple-vehicle accident up ahead, it may be difficult for them to get out of the way. Drivers who try to avoid the accident often cause a traffic collision of their own.
Why a Multiple-Vehicle Traffic Collision Happens
Commonly, a multiple-vehicle accident occurs because of a rear-end collision. When this happens, a string of crashes is precipitated as each vehicle impacts the one in front of them. In a worst-case scenario, more than five vehicles can be affected in this way. In addition, rear-end accidents precipitate others as described above.
Why Rear-End Accidents Occur
Frequently, rear-end collisions happen due to the following behaviors:
- Distracted driving: This occurs when a driver is focusing on something other than the road ahead such as texting, playing with the radio or GPS. By doing this, the driver may be unaware that the vehicle ahead has slowed down, often because of traffic congestion. This lack of awareness leads to a rear-end collision.
- Speeding: Speeding is responsible for many problems on the roadway, including the intensity of impact with another vehicle. One key factor is that the speeding driver is unable to control their car. Another aspect is that the driver to the rear may realize that the car ahead has slowed, but due to their speed, they are unable to stop in time. In urban areas, many communities have lowered the speed limit to counter this problem. Because of that, the number of accidents has dwindled.
- Drunk driving: Inebriated drivers are unable to judge both distance and speed accurately. This inability causes many rear-end accidents to occur.
Why You Need a Lawyer in a Multiple-Vehicle Accident
As you can see, a traffic collision involving multiple vehicles is complex and requires the insight an experienced injury attorney can provide. Our law firm will use investigators to gather pertinent evidence as to why and how the traffic collision happened.
This includes determining who was at fault and whether other influences were at play. For instance, a defect in the brakes or steering can often cause a traffic collision. In order to determine this, experts would need to examine the vehicle to see if a defect exists. That is why it is so important to preserve the vehicle after a traffic accident.
Investigating a Traffic Collision
At our law firm, we send our investigators to the accident scene. They interview witnesses and obtain video footage of the traffic collision from cameras located on intersection lights and local businesses. On occasion, an onlooker may capture the accident on their cell phone. The investigators also use accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability. Police reports are reviewed for inaccuracies that need to be corrected.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. A traffic collision can cause significant damage to both you and your family. If you would like my free and friendly advice, just call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also contact me online if that is more convenient for you.
In the past 38+ years, I’ve helped many Sacramentans obtain the damages they deserve in wrongful deaths, car accidents, and traumatic incidents.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/auto-accident-vehicle-insurance-3734396/
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