Woman Injured in Chico Accident
On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, a woman was sent to a local hospital after she was involved in a two-vehicle collision that took place in Chico.
Crash Details
Officers of the Chico Police Department (CPD) reported that the collision occurred just prior to 8:30 p.m. when a driver had been heading north along Fir Street in a Toyota sedan. The Toyota was struck by an SUV of unidentified make and model that drove through a red traffic light while driving east along Highway 32.
Response and Injury
Pictures taken at the accident scene show major damage to the driver’s side of the sedan. The driver of the Toyota had to be removed from her vehicle by Chico Fire Department personnel who used the jaws of life to complete the extrication.
The woman reportedly received injuries during the accident and was sent to a nearby hospital for treatment. Medical officials reported that the woman’s injuries were not severe.
Investigation
CPD officers are conducting an incident investigation in order to identify the causal factors involved in this accident. So far, officials have not made any indication as to whether or not alcohol or drugs are suspected to have played a part in the crash. Factors under investigation may include speeding, malfunctioning auto parts, driver distraction, roadway defects, and more.
Traffic
Traffic along Fir Street was reduced to a single lane while police conducted preliminary investigations and workers cleared dangerous debris from the roadway. Additionally, area traffic lights were damaged during the crash. CalTrans was contacted to make the necessary repairs.
Broadside Accidents
Accidents such as this one, in which the broadside of a vehicle is struck head-on, are particularly dangerous. Because vehicles are at their thinnest near the doors, collisions that impact that area are liable to leave vehicle occupants with severe injuries such as chest trauma, abdominal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, arm injuries, and more.
Additionally, broadside accidents typically occur at intersections, where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers heading in all directions are liable to become involved in the accident. For this reason, among others, intersections are places where drivers should pay close attention in order to avoid a collision.
High Crash Frequency Intersections in Chico
Because of a variety of factors like low lighting, heavy traffic, or inadequate signage, certain intersections tend to be the site of more accidents than others. These intersections in Chico have been the site of a relatively high number of crashes over the past 12 years:
- East Avenue and Esplanade
- Cohasset Road and Esplanade
- 5th Street and Hickory Street
- 8th Street and Salem Street
- Connors Avenue and East Avenue
More Content by Ed Smith, Chico Car Accident Attorney:
Chico Car Accident Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico car accident attorney. If a vehicle accident has left you with serious injuries, get in touch with me on AutoAccident.com or by calling either (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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pic: “mashpee mass ambulance” by Mister Falcon under CCA-SA3U
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