Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer

Driving in Sacramento can be convenient, but it also comes with dangers. Car accidents happen often in the city, and they can cause serious injuries or even death to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. In 2021, California had more than 4,000 fatalities and over 200,000 injuries from car crashes, and many of them occurred in Sacramento and its surrounding areas. To stay safe on the road, you need to know the high-risk areas and avoid risky behaviors. If you have been hurt in a car accident in Sacramento, you need a reliable legal partner. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we have the experience and skills to help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. We offer a free consultation with a Sacramento car accident lawyer who can review your case and advise you on the best course of action. Contact us today, and let us fight for your rights in this difficult time.

Sacramento Car Accident Statistics

We looked into the accident data from the last five years in Sacramento to understand the trend of accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. Surprisingly, we found a 12% increase in such accidents from 2019 to 2023. Despite efforts to improve safety measures, the numbers indicate a concerning rise in incidents. This calls for a deeper examination of the underlying factors contributing to these unfortunate events, urging for more proactive measures to ensure the safety of Sacramento residents and visitors alike.

Primary Collision Factor

• Unsafe Speed: 735
• Right-of-Way: 603
• Traffic Signals/Signs: 464
• Improper Turning: 363
• DUI: 186
• All Other Factors: 479

Which Roads and Intersections in Sacramento Are the Most Dangerous?

Car accidents in Sacramento can happen anywhere, with certain areas being more accident-prone:

Downtown Sacramento

• J Street and 15th Street: This intersection is notorious for its high volume of traffic and frequent red-light violations. According to a report by the Sacramento Bee, this intersection had the most collisions in the city in 2019, with 38 crashes and 52 injuries.
• Capitol Mall and 9th Street: This intersection is near the State Capitol building and several government offices, making it a busy area for commuters and visitors. The intersection has multiple lanes and crosswalks, which can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents. In 2019, this intersection had 24 collisions and 28 injuries.
• I Street and 5th Street: This intersection is close to the Amtrak station and the Old Sacramento district, attracting a lot of pedestrians and tourists. The intersection also has a railroad crossing, which can cause delays and congestion. In 2019, this intersection had 23 collisions and 25 injuries.

Major Highways

• I-5 and US-50 interchange: This interchange is one of the busiest in the region, connecting Sacramento with other major cities and destinations. The interchange has multiple ramps and bridges, which can create bottlenecks and lane changes. According to Caltrans, this interchange had 1,094 collisions and 1,387 injuries between 2015 and 2019.
• US-50 and Watt Avenue: This interchange is a major access point for the eastern suburbs of Sacramento, such as Rancho Cordova and Folsom. The interchange has several exits and entrances, which can cause weaving and merging issues. According to Caltrans, this interchange had 1,005 collisions and 1,190 injuries between 2015 and 2019.
• I-80 and Madison Avenue: This interchange is a main route for the northern suburbs of Sacramento, such as Citrus Heights and Roseville. The interchange has a complex design, with multiple levels and curves. According to Caltrans, this interchange had 857 collisions and 1,038 injuries between 2015 and 2019.

Residential Areas

• Freeport Boulevard and Fruitridge Road: This intersection is in the South Land Park neighborhood, a residential area with many schools and parks. The intersection has a high volume of local traffic and pedestrians, especially during peak hours. According to the Sacramento Bee, this intersection had 19 collisions and 25 injuries in 2019.
• El Camino Avenue and Howe Avenue: This intersection is in the Arden-Arcade area, a mixed-use zone with many homes and businesses. The intersection has a wide span and multiple turn lanes, which can create visibility and signaling problems. According to the Sacramento Bee, this intersection had 18 collisions and 23 injuries in 2019.
• Florin Road and Stockton Boulevard: This intersection is in the Florin area, a diverse and densely populated community. The intersection has a lot of commercial activity and public transit, which can generate a lot of traffic and pedestrians. According to the Sacramento Bee, this intersection had 17 collisions and 22 injuries in 2019.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Sacramento?

A car accident can be a scary and stressful event, but you need to act quickly and wisely after it happens. Your health, safety, and legal rights depend on it. In Sacramento, where the roads can be busy and chaotic, you need to be ready for anything. Here are the important steps you should follow after a car accident.

Keep Records

After a car accident, it’s important to keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses. This documentation should include hospital visits, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical-related expenses. These records are necessary for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a clear picture of your physical injuries and the treatment required. Secondly, they serve as evidence should you need to pursue a personal injury claim. Remember, detailed and organized documentation can significantly strengthen your case.

Follow Medical Advice

Your health is the top priority after an accident. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and recovery instructions carefully. This adherence is not just important for your health but also impacts the legal aspects of your case. Ignoring medical advice or skipping treatments can be misconstrued as an indication that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. This can weaken your personal injury claim. Therefore, attending all scheduled medical appointments and following through with prescribed treatments and rehabilitation is advised.

Notify Your Insurance

Quickly reporting the accident to your insurance company is a critical step. Most insurance policies have a clause requiring prompt reporting of any accidents. Delaying this notification can sometimes lead to the insurance company denying your claim. When reporting, provide factual information about the accident. However, it’s advisable to consult with a car accident lawyer before giving detailed statements or accepting any settlements, as these can impact your ability to seek further compensation.

Preserve Evidence

When you file a car accident claim, you need to have solid evidence to back it up. That means keeping everything that was damaged in the crash and not fixing your car until it’s been inspected and recorded. You also need to take pictures of the accident site, your car, and your injuries. And don’t forget to get the names and stories of any witnesses because they can help you prove what happened. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of winning your case.

Call a Lawyer

After a car accident, you need a good lawyer to protect your rights and get you the money you deserve. Text Kevin Accident Attorneys is the right choice for you. We have helped our clients get millions of dollars in compensation. We have won awards and honors from top legal groups. We know how to handle personal injury cases and deal with insurance companies. We can also take your case to court if needed. A car accident can be hard to deal with, but you don’t have to do it alone. You just need to follow some simple steps to help your recovery and your case. Get the right documents, follow your doctor’s advice, report the accident to your insurance, keep the evidence, and hire a great law firm like Text Kevin Accident Attorneys. We will help you get through this tough time with ease.

Further Reading

• Why Car Accident Photos Are So Important
• What Happens if You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours?

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries

Injuries from car accidents in Sacramento can vary from minor to severe, including:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions where the sudden force of the impact causes the neck to jerk back and forth. This rapid movement can damage the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes blurred vision or fatigue. Although many people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, some may experience chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications. It’s important to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine, as symptoms of whiplash can sometimes take days to appear.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Concussions and TBIs are also common in car accidents, especially in collisions that involve a sudden jolt or blow to the head. A concussion is a mild form of TBI that can temporarily affect brain function, leading to symptoms like headaches, confusion, memory problems, and dizziness. More severe TBIs can result in prolonged unconsciousness, amnesia, and permanent brain damage. The effects of TBIs can impact cognitive function, emotional regulation, and even physical abilities. Rehabilitation for severe TBIs might involve a team of medical professionals, including neurologists, therapists, and specialized nurses.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of a car accident can easily cause broken bones and fractures. The most common fractures in car accidents are to the arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis. These injuries can range from simple fractures, which might require a cast or splint, to more complex ones that need surgical intervention. Recovery times can vary depending on the severity of the break. For example, a simple arm fracture may heal in a few weeks, while a more complex hip fracture can take months. Besides the immediate physical pain, broken bones can sometimes lead to longer-term issues like arthritis or physical disabilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries that can occur in car accidents. These injuries happen when there’s damage to the spinal cord, which can result in a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation, below the injury site. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on where the injury occurred and whether the spinal cord was partially or fully severed. Some spinal cord injuries can lead to temporary symptoms, while others may result in permanent disabilities, such as paralysis. Treatment for spinal cord injuries often includes surgery, physical therapy, and sometimes lifelong care.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

It’s natural to worry about the expenses of securing a car accident lawyer in Sacramento following a collision. Car accidents can lead to substantial financial strain, including hefty repair costs, lost wages due to inability to work, and medical bills. However, at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we handle all cases on a contingency fee arrangement. This approach allows you to engage a lawyer without any upfront fees. Our legal fees are only incurred if we successfully win your case. Should we fail to secure a settlement or judgment in your favor, you owe us nothing.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Car Accident in Sacramento?

Many people wonder whether they can recover compensation if they were partially at fault for their accident. This situation occurs more often than you may think. For example, if you were hit by a driver driving on the wrong side of the road but failed to have your headlights on at night, you may partially share in the liability for the accident. Under California law, if you are partially responsible for your accident, you can still recover compensation. That said, the amount you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 2 percent responsible for your accident, you would be able to recover 98 percent of your total damages.

What Causes Car Accidents in Sacramento, CA?

Under California law, those injured in car accidents due to another’s negligence can seek compensation. Key factors include:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major concern in Sacramento, mirroring the statewide issue in California. Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is considered distracted driving. This often includes using a cell phone to talk or text while driving, which is clearly against the law as outlined in California Vehicle Code Section 23123. Additionally,  California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5 specifically addresses the issue of texting while driving. These laws are designed to reduce accidents caused by drivers not fully focusing on the task of driving. In Sacramento, with its mix of busy city streets and highways, following these laws is vital. Ignoring these rules can lead to a driver being deemed negligent and responsible for any resulting damages from an accident.

Speeding

Speeding is a frequent cause of traffic accidents in Sacramento. According to California Vehicle Code Section 22350, it’s illegal to drive at a speed considered unsafe for the current conditions, which can sometimes mean driving below the posted speed limit. In Sacramento, factors such as heavy urban traffic, varying weather conditions, and areas with a lot of pedestrian activity can necessitate slower driving. Drivers involved in accidents due to speeding or driving too fast for conditions can be held liable for the resulting damages. Such behavior is considered a breach of the legally required standard of care.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield the right of way is a common form of negligence on Sacramento’s roads. Busy intersections and areas with high pedestrian traffic, including those near popular destinations and city landmarks, often witness these incidents. As per California Vehicle Code Section 21801, drivers are required to yield the right of way in various scenarios, including when making left turns or when pedestrians are present in crosswalks. Accidents in Sacramento frequently occur when drivers overlook these rules, resulting in collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. In these cases, the driver who failed to yield is usually found at fault and held responsible for any injuries and losses suffered.

Sacramento Car Accident FAQs

Contact Our Sacramento Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Sacramento, you need to call Text Kevin Accident Attorneys right away. You don’t have to pay us anything until we win your case. For a no-cost case evaluation with a Sacramento car accident lawyer who has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, contact our office today.

Sacramento FAQs

Sacramento Points of Interest