Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

Types of Car Accidents in Sacramento

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 their 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 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 traveling 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. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents in California 

In addition to understanding what types of crashes you might be involved in, you must also know the potential causes of these crashes. Regardless of the crash, the cause will often fall into one of four categories. 

• Speeding: When drivers speed, it takes more time to come to a safe and complete stop. Additionally, speeding reduces the amount of time drivers have to react to road and weather hazards. If you notice a speeding vehicle, it is best to move to a different lane and allow them to pass. 
• Impaired driving: Drunk and drugged drivers contribute to thousands of accidents in California each year. Impaired drivers may have a slow reaction time to other vehicles and traffic signals. Additionally, an impaired driver may be operating the vehicle if they are swerving, braking erratically, or speeding. When this happens, keep your distance and report the vehicle to law enforcement. 
• Distractions: Too many drivers engage in distracted driving, but you must know there are more distractions than just texting behind the wheel. Other distractions may include eating, daydreaming, or adjusting the GPS. Distracted drivers may show signs similar to impaired drivers, so keep your distance. 
• Failing to obey traffic laws: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or improperly changing lanes all contribute to Sacramento car accidents. When you are at an intersection, double-check for cross-traffic before continuing. When traveling on a multi-lane road, always be aware of other vehicles and be on the lookout for drivers who may cut you off. 

You must remember that the most dangerous thing on the road is other drivers. Thus, you must always be alert to reduce your chances of being in a Sacramento car accident. 

What Injuries Do Car Accident Victims Sustain in California? 

Depending on the accident’s severity, injuries may range from minor bumps and bruises to life-threatening injuries. You must remember that injuries that appear to be minor may result in a severe injury later. Furthermore, some injuries might not even show symptoms until a few days or weeks after the crash. That is why you must seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can perform a complete check-up and diagnose any injuries. 

Some of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents include: 

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken bones 
• Internal bleeding 
• Organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Cuts and bruises 

In addition to external and internal injuries, a car accident victim might also suffer from psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. 

What Compensation May I Receive for My Sacramento Car Accident? 

Regardless of what type of accident you were in or the injuries you sustained, recovering financial compensation can be a lengthy and complex process. While money will not take away the pain, it can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. After thoroughly reviewing your case, your injury attorney may be able to secure compensation for the following losses: 

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering 
• In-home rehabilitation 
• Physical therapy costs 

In some rare cases, a court may award you punitive damages. These damages are not to cover any loss in particular. Instead, punitive damages are a way to punish the defendant further and deter similar behavior from others in the future.