A 22-year-old woman was killed Sunday night in a tragic car crash that took place on westbound Interstate 80 near Antelope Road in Citrus Heights.

According to information provided by the Highway Patrol, a white Mercedes 190E being driven by a woman in the number two lane at an unknown speed came into contact with an orange Honda Element going approximately 75 miles per hour in the next lane over.  The Mercedes apparently clipped the Honda, causing both vehicles to spin out of control and collide with each other and the center median.  The driver of the Honda and two of his passengers were taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with various personal injuries ranging from pain and abrasions to a broken arm. A third passenger was transported to San Juan Medical Center for cuts to his face.

The identity of the woman who tragically died in the Mercedes has not been released pending notification of relatives.  We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the woman.

We also wish the best to persons injured in this accident and wish them a fast and complete recovery.

California Auto Accidents

Although the information available is limited and the investigation into the crash is ongoing, it appears that this collision was caused by driving at an unsafe speed, a violation of California Vehicle Code §22350, and an unsafe lane change, a violation of Vehicle Code §22107.  It appears that both vehicles were traveling in excess of the speed limit.  However, it is unclear which vehicle turned into which vehicle’s lane.  Sometimes the CHP traffic collision report will help determine who was at fault based on witness statements and the physical evidence at the scene of the collision.  However, further investigation, including accident reconstruction, is sometimes necessary to get to the bottom of which driver was entirely or mostly at fault.

This tragic collision illustrates the need to drive at a safe speed and to always pay attention to where your vehicle is in relation to other vehicles on the highway.  High speed collisions create a greater possibility of serious injury or death.  The California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicates that, in 2008, there were 3,113 fatal collisions.  Driving at or near the speed limit, or at least with the flow of traffic, drastically decreases your chances of being involved in a high speed collision on the freeway.

Hiring a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer

Persons injured and the family of persons killed in any type of car accident are urged to consult with a knowledgeable Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney. It is important to get legal advice quickly so that all rights are protected. An experienced Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer will investigate all circumstances of a catastrophic accident and provide legal guidance.  In California, a party whose negligence contributes to a collision has civil liability for damages, including medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

The Demas & Rosenthal personal injury law firm is not currently representing anyone mentioned in this article at the time it was posted. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your legal rights and options, call us or another well recognized and respected personal injury law firm. Please do not rely or act solely upon the information provided in this article. Please consider getting a consultation immediately. The best personal injury law firms will provide a free consultation. Demas & Rosenthal will provide a free, confidential consultation to the persons who were not at fault named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.