Monday afternoon, in Natomas, California, a chain reaction crash led to at least two vehicles catching fire, one death, and two injuries.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a pickup truck driver traveling westbound on I-80 near I-5 did not see stopped traffic ahead which caused them to slam into a Toyota Tacoma, setting off a chain reaction with three other vehicles.
The driver of the Tacoma died at the scene after the first three vehicles were fully engulfed in flames. According to CHP officers, two others were injured and taken to the hospital, one with major injuries and the other with minor injuries.
Crews initially set out at 4:25 pm in response to reports of a multi-vehicle crash. Later, around 4:40 pm the Caltrans camera on I-80 in Natomas a large plume of smoke rising from the left lanes was visible.
What Can Cause Accidents Like This?
There are a few different factors that can contribute to causing accidents like the one that caused a multi-vehicle chain-reaction crash in Natomas on Monday. Causes may include:
- Driver inattention – distracted driving can prevent drivers from seeing the stopped traffic up ahead. Distractions such as using a smartphone, eating, or adjusting the radio can take the driver’s focus off the road leading to accidents.
- Speeding – if a driver is speeding they may not have enough time to stop when they suddenly come upon stopped traffic or the car in front of them suddenly slows down.
- Sudden traffic stops – unexpected stopped traffic can be a bit more difficult to spot, especially if the driver comes upon it after a bend in the road. If they are traveling at high speeds, such as driving on the freeway, and not paying attention it can lead to serious collisions.
- Traffic congestion – heavy traffic conditions can increase the likelihood and severity of chain-reaction crashes as many vehicles may be closely packed with little room to maneuver.
Legal Options Available for Victims and Families
Victims and their families may be able to take legal action to obtain compensation for damages they suffered in this accident.
“Accidents like this are not only extremely dangerous but can leave victims with serious injuries that require extensive treatment,” says Gerald Singleton, a personal injury attorney and Managing Partner at Singleton Schreiber, “Additionally, the family whose loved one died in this accident may be facing financial hardship due to funeral and burial costs, and the lost love, comfort, and financial support their loved one may have provided them.
“All parties involved may be eligible to file legal claims to help cover the expenses they are now facing in the aftermath of this tragic accident.”
Depending on the determination of who or what was the cause of this accident, victims and families may be able to file either personal injury claims or wrongful death claims.
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident or tragically lost a loved one in such an accident, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn how we may be able to help you. Call us at (916) 248-8478 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to set up your free consultation.
