Accident on SR 99 Involves Pickup and Trailer With Landscaping Equipment
A two-vehicle accident in Sacramento on January 23 resulted in a rollover and injuries. The crash occurred around 8:49 p.m. along northbound State Route 99, just south of the eastbound Florin Road exit ramp. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a Chevy pickup collided with a sedan that was towing a trailer loaded with landscaping equipment.
Additional Information About the Two-Vehicle Accident
The impact of the crash caused the pickup to exit the roadway and pass through a chain-link fence, where it ended up about 40 feet off the road. The smaller vehicle was left blocking the slow lane. Tow trucks had to be called to remove the vehicles, and four axles were reported as broken. Clean up was also required for small rock debris left on the roadway. It was not reported whether those who were injured were treated at the scene or transported to a nearby hospital.
Run-Off-Road Accidents
In some collisions, a run-off-road accident can occur, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities, especially if a rollover is involved. Vehicles most prone to rollovers include SUVs, light trucks, and vans because they are top-heavy. However, if the impact strikes a vehicle in just the right place, any car or truck can experience a rollover. Additional problems in a rollover that can amplify the injuries suffered can include:
- Roof crush occurs in some vehicles where the strength of the supporting structure isn’t enough to prevent the top of the car or truck from caving in. Although manufacturers are required to construct the roof and supporting structure so that it can hold three times the weight of the vehicle without caving in, this doesn’t always happen. Those who are in a roof crush accident are more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
- Defective airbags or seat belts: When an airbag or seat belt is defective, it cannot do its job of protecting those inside the vehicle. The manufacturer, designer, and others can be held financially liable in these cases.
Because roof crush or vehicle defects can result in more serious injuries, it is important that a vehicle be retained following an accident. This is so engineers can examine the vehicle to see if the manufacturer and others may be responsible through a product liability lawsuit. In the event it did contribute to the accident injuries, negligence does not have to be shown, only that the vehicle was used as intended and no alterations were made to the roof structure, seat belts, or airbags.
Investigating a Two-Vehicle Accident
A full investigation after a two-vehicle accident is necessary to provide proof of liability. Without this crucial element, it is difficult to successfully resolve a case. That is why we send our investigative team to the accident site as soon as possible. There, they perform accident reconstruction techniques that are vital in determining liability. They also speak to witnesses who saw the accident to gain valuable insight.
In cases where a vehicle rollover occurred, it is important to examine the car or truck to look for defects, poor infrastructure support that leads to roof crush and other problems. Our investigators also obtain videos from traffic surveillance cameras, and others found on nearby businesses. On occasion, a bystander might capture the accident on video, and it can be used to prove fault.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, you are welcome to phone me for my free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. We also have an online form that you can use to message me.
My law office has helped Northern Californians in obtaining compensation for their traffic accident injuries, traumas, and wrongful deaths since 1982.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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