Four people were transported to a local hospital after a Sacramento County car accident the afternoon of Aug. 25. According to a CBS Sacramento news report, the crash occurred at Jackson Highway and Eagle’s Nest Road. California Highway Patrol officials said a Honda and another sedan collided after one of the drivers ran a stop sign. The impact caused the sedan to get pushed to the side of the road before it burst into flames. A good Samaritan stopped and rescued two people from the burning car. Four people were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. CHP officials are still investigating the crash.
There were 60 fatalities and 2,895 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County, according to CHP’s 2013 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Countywide, during the same year, 116 people died and 6,521victims were injured in car accidents.
Sacramento Accident, Right-of-Way Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that one of the drivers involved in the collision ran a stop sign at the intersection of Jackson Highway and Eagle’s Nest Road. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21802 (a), motorists are required to come to a complete stop at a stop sign and proceed with caution. Drivers must yield the right of way to vehicles that have approached from another highway or vehicles that are approaching so closely that they constitute an immediate hazard. Motorists are required to yield the right of way to such vehicles until they can proceed with reasonable safety.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In car accident cases, the at-fault motorist may be held financially responsible for the victim’s injuries, damages and losses, in addition to facing any citations, or in some cases, criminal charges. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitative care and pain and suffering. It is important to examine if a street intersection car accident, such as this incident, was also the result of a dangerous or defectively designed roadway. In such situations, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may also be held accountable.
If You Have Been Injured
If you have been injured in a street intersection car accident, it would be a good idea to file a police report and gather as much evidence as possible from the scene including physical evidence, photographs, contact information for eyewitnesses and other pertinent information from other parties involved in the collision. Get prompt medical attention, treatment and care for your injuries. Save all receipts and invoices relating to the incident and your injuries.
Contact an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases. Call the Demas Law Group P.C., at (916) 444-0100 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
