Posted on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 at 3:58 am
A driver traveling the wrong way on Interstate 5 caused a deadly crash last week. According to an article in The Sacramento Bee, the traffic accident occurred near Richards Boulevard on Interstate 5 in Sacramento County. Deputies of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department were pursuing the vehicle. Two men in the vehicle being chased by the police died. A truck driver involved in the accident suffered major injuries and was transported to the hospital.
The chase began near El Camino Avenue and the Capital City Freeway. When police ran the vehicle’s license tag, they realized the vehicle had been reported stolen. When the vehicle entered J Street going the wrong direction, the police ended the chase for safety reasons. The vehicle then got onto Interstate 5 and began traveling north in the southbound lane. The vehicle traveled about half a mile before it crashed into a box truck.
The Sacramento CHP encourages anyone with information to contact the police.
Wrong Way Accidents
When a driver is traveling the wrong direction and causes an accident, the driver can be held liable for damages. In some cases, the driver is purposely traveling the wrong direction, as in the case above. However, there are other reasons why a driver might drive onto the wrong side of the road. Reasons for wrong-way driving include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Inadequate or poor road signs
- Poorly marked roads and ramps
- Lack of adequate signage
- The driver is unfamiliar with the area
- Lack of visibility
- Drivers suffering from a physical or mental impairment
How You Can Avoid a Wrong Way Driving Accident
You cannot control what another driver might do behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, you can take steps to decrease your chance of being involved in a wrong way accident. The most important thing you can do is to remain alert and avoid distractions. You need to be watching the road ahead of you so that you see a wrong way driver approaching in time to avoid a collision.
Another thing you can do is try to stay in the right lane when traveling on a multi-lane road. A wrong-way driver is likely to drive in the left lane when going the wrong direction because of the driver’s perspective; he is in the “right” lane. Furthermore, if you see a driver approaching from the wrong way, you can quickly pull off onto the shoulder to avoid the driver. If you are in the middle lane, you may not have anywhere to go to avoid a collision.
If you find yourself traveling in the wrong direction, try to pull off the road as quickly as possible. When it is safe to do so, you can execute a three-point turn so that you will be traveling in the correct direction.
Wrong-Way Accident Attorneys in Sacramento
If a wrong-way driver injures you, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. A driver who causes an accident can be held liable for medical bills, property damage, lost income, and other damages.
Contact The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to speak with a Sacramento accident attorney. We can help you file your accident claim. In addition, we handle the insurance company for you so that you can rest and recuperate after an accident.
Source: “Wrong-way driver fleeing deputies on I-5 causes major crash, 2 deaths.” Nashelly Chavez. The Sacramento Bee. 19 February 2018.
