Posted on Monday, February 13th, 2017 at 2:59 am
CBS Sacramento reported a story about a wrong-way car crash on Interstate 80 last week. The car crash occurred on the eastbound side of Interstate 80 just east of the Northgate Boulevard exit. It was raining that day; however, there was no rain in the area at the time of the accident.
From the report, it appears a woman was traveling the wrong way near the Raley Boulevard exit when she sideswiped a vehicle. She continued westbound in the wrong lane colliding with another vehicle. Two people were killed as a result of the car crash.
Wrong-Way Car Accidents in Sacramento
There are many reasons why a driver would go the wrong way on the interstate or another road. As indicated in the report, it had been raining in the area but not at the time of the accident. Weather can be a contributing factor in some wrong-way accidents. Heavy rain, fog, or slippery road conditions may result in a driver going the wrong way and colliding with another vehicle or object.
Another very common cause of wrong-way accidents is drunk driving or drugged driving. When a driver is drunk or taking drugs, he can get “turned around” because his ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by the drugs or alcohol. The impaired driver may not even realize he is going the wrong way. Drivers must be careful when taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs too. These drugs can have side effects or adverse reactions that can cause confusion resulting in driving on the wrong side of the road.
A driver can also become confused due to age or a medical condition causing her to drive on the wrong side of the road. A medical emergency, such as a heart attack or a seizure, can also cause a driver to cross the center line and drive the wrong direction. In some wrong-way car accidents, the driver is simply distracted and begins driving on the wrong side of the road.
In addition, confusing road signs are a cause of wrong-way accidents. If road signs are missing or confusing, it can cause drivers to take a wrong turn resulting in a wrong-way accident.
Who is at Fault in a Wrong-Way Car Accident?
The driver who is on the wrong side of the road, for whatever reason, is almost always at fault for a wrong-way car accident. However, you must still provide evidence that the driver was driving on the wrong side of the road, that he caused the collision by driving on the wrong side of the road, and you were injured because of the car crash.
An experienced Sacramento car accident attorney can help you gather the evidence you need and present your claim to recover compensation for your injuries. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to receive compensation for damages including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages, including loss of earning capacity
- Future medical expenses and ongoing personal care
- Property damage
- Emotional stress, mental anguish, and physical pain
- Scarring and permanent disabilities
You may also be entitled to compensation for other damages in addition to the damages listed above
Call A Sacramento Car Accident Attorney for Help
If you have been injured in a wrong-way car accident, our Sacramento car accident attorneys can help. Call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 to request a free, no-obligation legal consultation with one of our car accident attorneys. Our attorneys serve clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.
