The California Highway Patrol’s investigative team is examining the crash to try to determine what led the driver to cross the median. At this point, there are no witnesses’ statements indicating that the driver was behaving recklessly prior to the crash.
What Caused This Accident?
There could be a great deal of speculation as to the cause of this accident before the investigative team releases its findings, and as with most speculation, there is no way to know if any of it is accurate. However, a tire tread was reportedly missing from the Expedition, which could be indicative of tire or mechanical failure being a possible cause of the accident. Of course, until the investigative team finishes its inquiries, the cause of this accident will remain a mystery.
How Often Do Freeway Crashes Happen?
According to California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System, 118 drivers and passengers died in Sacramento County in 2010 traffic accidents and another 7,348 were injured. Given the fact that there are five major interstate highways merging in Sacramento, many of these accidents do occur on freeways. Although crashes on surface roads at intersections make up the largest single block of collisions, interstate accidents often involve fatalities and serious injuries, because of the high speeds of drivers on these highways.
Who Will Be Liable?
The deaths and injuries caused in this crash will eventually be labeled as the "fault" of one or more of the drivers involved in this crash. That person (or persons) will face liability for the injuries and the pain and suffering caused by this accident. In the event that a mechanical problem or defective tire were found to be the main cause of the accident, this case could also evolve into a product liability case against the car manufacturer (in this case, Ford). Regardless of who is ultimately assigned at fault for this accident, he/she will be liable for the resulting damages, including injuries and wrongful death. An experienced personal injury attorney could help the victims and their families understand their rights pertaining to this accident.
