Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

J.G. Winter Law, a leading personal injury law firm in California, strives to empower you with the knowledge to navigate the complex legal landscapes of your car accident claim. We understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and build a solid case to recover your losses.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Understanding the different types of car accidents can help you understand the risks of the road and possibly prevent a crash. If you are in a crash, knowing what type of collision you were involved in can help you better explain to the police, attorney, and insurance company what accident the other driver caused. 

Some of the most common types of car crashes in Sacramento include: 

Rear-End Collisions 

A rear-end accident is when the car behind you collides with your vehicle. The most common cause of these crashes is tailgating. Determining who is at fault for this crash is often straightforward since California law requires all drivers to keep a safe distance between vehicles. The appropriate distance between vehicles is on a case-by-case basis, but a good rule of thumb is to leave at least a car’s length of space between vehicles. You may want to leave more room if there are hazardous road or weather conditions. 

Sideswipe Accidents 

Sideswipe accidents occur when the side of one car collides with the side of another. These collisions often happen on multi-lane roads when one car travels out of its lane and into the lane of oncoming traffic. This can happen for various reasons, including the driver drifting into the other lane because they are not paying attention or when the driver fails to check their blind spots before merging. 

Side-Impact Crashes 

Experts often refer to side-impact collisions as a T-bone accident because the shape of the vehicle’s form resembles a T. These crashes occur when the front end of one vehicle hits the side of another. Airbags or crumple zones often protect the driver and passenger of the vehicle that crashed into the side, but the same cannot be said for the other driver. These crashes typically occur at intersections when one driver runs a red light or stop sign. 

Head-On Collisions 

Head-on accidents in Sacramento are among the most dangerous types of crashes. These accidents happen when two vehicles travelling in opposite directions collide with each other head-on. They often happen at high speeds, increasing the chances of a driver sustaining a severe injury. 

Hit and Run Accident

A hit and run accident case refers to a situation in which a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident leaves the scene without identifying themselves or assisting the injured as required by law. This activity is illegal and can result in fines, loss of driving privileges, or even imprisonment, depending on the situation and laws.

Most Common Auto Accident Injuries

Auto accident injuries can range from mild to severe or even fatal. These injuries cause physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. Some common types of auto accident injuries are listed below.

Whiplash

Whiplash Injury is a common injury in rear-end collisions. It damages the neck muscles and ligaments due to sudden back-and-forth neck movement.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic Brain injuries happen when the brain is injured by a sudden force or impact, usually during a high-speed collision. It can have long-term effects, including cognitive issues, emotional problems, and physical disabilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

It can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting a person’s mobility and sensation.

Internal Injuries

These are dangerous because they are not immediately apparent. They can include organ damage, internal bleeding, and broken ribs.

Broken Bones

These are common in high-impact collisions, and they can take a long time to heal, affecting mobility and requiring extended physical therapy.

Psychological Trauma

Accidents can cause mental health issues like Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Common Causes of Auto Accident Injuries

Identifying the cause of an auto accident is crucial for your personal injury claim. Below are listed the top 10 common causes of auto accident injuries in Sacramento.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or any other activity that diverts the driver’s attention from the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents.

Drunk Driving

Drinking and driving impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It reduces reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination, all of which are necessary for safe driving.

Speeding

Driving above the speed limit is a dangerous practice. It reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway and extends
the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, leading to an accident.

Reckless Driving

This involves disregarding the rules of the road and includes practices like changing lanes without signaling, tailgating, and other aggressive driving practices.

Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow, can increase the chances of an accident by reducing visibility and making roads slippery.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Ignoring traffic signals is a significant cause of accidents. Drivers running red lights or stop signs can collide with other cars or pedestrians, leading to severe injuries or death.

Teenage Drivers

Inexperience and lack of driving skills often make teenage drivers a risk on the road. They are more likely to underestimate hazardous situations and not be able to respond to them as effectively.

Night Driving

Limited visibility and fatigue during night driving increase the risk of accidents. Some drivers may also be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at night.

Defective Car Parts

Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, airbag failures, and other car defects can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can prevent these situations.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Not using the turn signal or checking the blind spot before changing lanes can cause a collision with other vehicles.

New Study: The Most Dangerous Intersections in Sacramento

Sacramento, the capital of California and a major city in Northern California witnesses many motor vehicle accidents each year. Intersection-related accidents reportedly make up over 20% of total vehicle accidents and cause 33% of total injuries and casualties in Sacramento.

Between 2013 and 2017, there were more than 5,500 crashes at intersections in Sacramento, leading to 6,695 injuries and 46 fatalities. According to a recent survey, these are Sacramento’s 10 most dangerous intersections. This information could be crucial for residents and visitors to avoid potential accidents.

• Arena Bl & Truxel Rd
• Los Robles Bl & Marysville Bl
• 12Th St & I St
• Franklin Bl. & Mack Rd
• 56th St. & J St
• 9Th St & X St
• Gateway Park Bl & Truxel Rd
  
• 19Th St & X St
• Florin Rd & Freeport Bl
• Fruitridge Rd & Power Inn Rd

What Makes a Dangerous Intersection?

An intersection becomes dangerous when certain features or conditions increase the likelihood of vehicular accidents, pedestrian injuries, and other mishaps. Many factors, both environmental and human, can contribute to making an intersection hazardous:

High Traffic Volume: Intersections with significant vehicular traffic, especially during rush hours, can increase collision risks.

Pedestrian Activity: Intersections frequented by pedestrians, especially without proper crosswalks or pedestrian signals, can be hazardous.

Limited Visibility: If buildings, trees, or other obstructions limit visibility at an intersection, it can make it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

Complex Traffic Patterns: Intersections with multiple lanes merging or splitting can confuse drivers, leading to accidents.

Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, or lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents.

Difficult Turns: Some intersections might have sharp turns or require drivers to merge quickly, leading to potential collisions.

​​Poorly Designed Infrastructure: Some intersections might have design flaws, like sharp turns, blind spots, or short merge lanes.

Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting during nighttime or during low-light conditions can hinder visibility and judgment.

Sacramento Car Accident Statistics

Sacramento car accident statistics over the last half-decade reveal a concerning upward trend. Between 2013 and 2017, there were more than 26,000 motor vehicle accidents alone in Sacramento. Car collisions have increased except for 2020, an atypical year due to the global pandemic.

In 2020, Sacramento saw a total of 50 deaths due to such accidents. Later in 2021, the city recorded 3,842 auto accidents, a sharp rise from the 2,931 incidents reported in 2020. Although this increase appears substantial, it is worth noting that the lower number of casualties in 2020 was likely a result of decreased road traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with this factor considered, the 2021 figure surpasses 2019, when 3,649 car accidents were reported, indicating a rising trend outside the unique circumstances of the pandemic year.

Turning our attention to the larger context of California, the state reported over 3,900 fatal motor vehicle accidents and an astonishing 277,000+ injury-related incidents in 2022 alone. This makes 2022 one of the deadliest years for motor vehicle accidents.

A particularly distressing dimension of these statistics is the rise in alcohol-related accidents in Sacramento. In 2021, the city saw 424 drunk driving incidents, increasing from 302 in 2020 to 323 in 2019. This makes 2021 the year with the highest number of alcohol-related accidents in the last five years, outpacing other years by almost 100 incidents.

Why Hire J.G. Winter Law For Your Car Accident Claim In Sacramento, CA?

J.G. Winter Law is a top-rated personal injury law firm in Sacramento, California. Our expertise primarily lies in personal injury cases, including car accident-related ones. We understand the trauma and pain you and your family go through after a car accident.

Our dedicated and experienced Sacramento car accident attorneys are here to fight for your justice. We are known for our relentless pursuit of the highest possible compensation for our clients. Moreover, we work on a “contingency basis, ” meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. More than legal representation, with J.G. Winter Law, you get a team that cares about your well-being and recovery.

What Should I Do Immediately Following an Auto Accident?

In the immediate aftermath of an auto accident, it’s crucial to follow a series of steps to ensure everyone’s safety and adequately document the incident for legal and insurance purposes. You should consider the following steps after an auto accident.

Ensure Safety: The first and most crucial step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. Move your vehicle out of the traffic flow to a safe location.

Check for Injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries and seek medical help. Even if you don’t feel pain, it is best to get a medical check, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Please do not attempt to move someone who’s seriously injured unless it’s necessary for safety reasons.

Document the Scene: Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene, including the other vehicle involved and other damages you sustained.

Exchange Information: You should exchange contact numbers, addresses, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Also, collect contact information of eyewitnesses if there is any.

Don’t Admit Fault: Even if you believe you may be at fault, do not admit liability at the scene. The determination of fault should be left to the court.
Consult a Lawyer: You should connect with an auto accident lawyer in Sacramento as they help protect your rights and ensure fair treatment from insurance companies.

What Kind Of Compensation Can I Receive In a Personal Injury Case Related To a Car Accident?

You are entitled to various types of compensation in your personal injury case related to a car accident. The compensation depends on the case’s specific circumstances, including the injuries’ severity, the impact on the life, and the conduct of the at-fault party. You must contact a Sacramento car accident lawyer to understand the potential compensation in your case. Below are listed some common types of compensation a victim may receive:

Medical Expenses

This includes all costs related to the medical treatment of your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical expenses related to the accident.

Lost Wages

If the injuries you sustained in the accident caused you to miss work, you might be entitled to compensation for the wages you lost during that period. If your ability to work in the future has been compromised, you might also receive compensation for lost earning capacity.

Property Damage

This includes compensation for any damage to your vehicle or other property due to the accident.

Pain and Suffering

These damages are awarded for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. This might include compensation for physical discomfort, anxiety, stress, and other harmful effects of the injuries.

Loss of Consortium

In some cases, if the accident has significantly impacted the relationship between you and your spouse, compensation may be awarded for “loss of consortium,” which refers to the loss of companionship, affection, comfort, or sexual relations.

Punitive Damages

These damages are less common and only awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was especially egregious or reckless. Punitive damages are not just to compensate the victim but also to punish the liable party.

Local Courthouse – Car Accident Lawyer Near Sacramento, CA

If you or your loved one have been involved in a car accident in Sacramento, California, we know you are going through a tough time. Hiring the right car accident lawyer can make a significant difference when dealing with such a difficult time. You will spend hours and hours at your local Sacramento Courthouse trying to figure out what to do on your own. If you don’t hire a lawyer, you might waste countless hours and likely receive less settlement than you could have gotten with professional help. That’s why hiring the right lawyer can help to resolve your case and settle it faster. Most importantly, you’re more likely to receive a larger settlement.

At J.G. Winter Law, we’re here to help, and it won’t cost you anything to consult with us. If you have any questions or want to know how much you might be owed, contact us for a free consultation. In California, you have up to 2 years to file a claim and sue for compensation. If you decide to go to the court by yourself, you can find Sacramento County Courthouse at 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. But, if you want professional help, our car accident lawyer in Sacramento would gladly assist you.

Get directions to Sacramento County Courthouse