5-Mile Stretch of I-5 in Sacramento is One of State’s Deadliest

This five-mile stretch of I–5 in Sacramento might be short, but it’s one of the deadliest highway strips in all of California. This segment, located between Del Paso Road and Railyards Boulevard, has gained a notorious reputation over the years due to its history of traffic fatalities and injuries. 

MoneyGeek used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to analyze 4,452 miles of road. This analysis focused on 10,370 fatal car accidents that occurred between 2017 and 2019. The study found that this stretch of I-5 saw 16 fatalities during that period, placing it among the top 5 most dangerous stretches in the state.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured or killed in an accident along this 5–mile stretch of I–5 in Sacramento, you may have the right to financial compensation. With help from a reputable Sacramento car accident lawyer from Triumph Law, you can explore your legal options and make the liable party pay. Contact our team today to find out what compensation you may be entitled to.

What Makes This Stretch of I-5 So Dangerous?

This stretch of I-5 is infamous for its dangers, due to several contributing factors. The most common factors include excessive speed, distractions behind the wheel, and impaired driving. In fact, the most recent crash data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS Crash Ranking Report) suggests that one in four fatal accidents in Sacramento County happen because of a drunk driver.

Other factors contributing to the hazardous conditions could include the design of the roadway and the types of drivers who use it most often. According to North Sacramento CHP Public Information Officer A. J. McTaggart, “A lot of semi-trucks on this roadway.

When you combine semi-trucks and automobiles, the accidents that do occur can be deadly. They are typically more deadly because you have loaded trucks that are higher weight. You also have people that may be on this portion of the freeway they may be driving faster.” This part of the I-5 is a straightaway that exits the heart of the city, going northward. The lack of curvature can tempt some drivers to speed. The combination of reckless drivers and an abundance of big rigs can be deadly.

What You Can Do if You Are Injured in a Collision

Collisions along this busy and dangerous stretch of the I-5 can be devastating. Right after the accident, you might be in shock, experiencing significant injuries, and feeling emotionally shaken. It’s understandable to be anxious and unsure of what steps to take next.

With the help of a reputable Sacramento personal injury lawyer like Triumph Law, you can get through this horrific experience without having to cover all of the costs. Reaching out to us immediately after your accident will ensure you receive the essential guidance you need from the very beginning.

In addition to contacting us, there are specific steps you can take in the minutes and hours following your collision. These actions can strengthen your claim against the responsible party, helping you secure the fair compensation you deserve.

Call 911

Even if the accident initially seems minor, it is in your best interest to call emergency responders. This stretch of the I-5 is particularly hazardous and prone to unsafe motorists. Responding officers can help maintain control of the accident scene, which can help reduce the likelihood of a multi-car pileup and preserve the evidence surrounding the collision.

Furthermore, law enforcement officials will file an accident report on your behalf. If property damages are greater than $1,000 or someone suffers serious bodily injury or death in a collision, you are legally required to file a crash report with the Sacramento police department per the CA Department of Motor Vehicles. When you contact first responders for help, they can handle these filings on your behalf.

Get Medical Attention

The heavy congestion on the I-5 could increase your risk of suffering a critical injury. Even if your injuries do not feel serious at the time, it’s important to visit a hospital immediately after the accident. Following a crash, the high levels of adrenaline can mask any injuries you might have sustained. For this reason, it should be a top priority to get medical help immediately after the accident.

Gather Information and Document Everything

Collect the following details from all drivers involved in the accident: their insurance information, driver’s license, and vehicle registration. Talk to any witnesses who stayed at the scene and obtain their contact information for any future statements. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, capturing the damage to all vehicles and any visible injuries.

These images can help investigators determine the cause of the collision. Additionally, maintain detailed records of all communications from insurance companies and medical facilities you visit.

Hire a Legal Advocate 

You may not know who is responsible for causing your injuries or whether you have grounds for a claim. Taking legal action can seem impossible when your injuries have taken over your life. However, with the number of collisions that occur on this stretch of I-5, taking action against the liable party may be one of the best ways to help reduce the number of injuries and deaths.

If your Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer determines that city officials have failed to take any action to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, we may be able to hold them accountable via a tort claim. Your decision to take action could result in additional safety measures being implemented if the city and the government agencies responsible for road safety and maintenance take your collision seriously. Our legal team is standing by, ready to help you explore your options further.

Seek Expert Guidance from Triumph Law

With the holiday season quickly approaching, this already-busy stretch of the I-5 is likely to become even more dangerous. Driving responsibly and defensively is essential for all motorists as we aim to bring the annual accident rate down to zero. If you or a loved one still end up in a car accident, you can help by taking legal action against any liable parties.

If you have been in an accident on the I-5 in Sacramento, then you should choose a local legal team to build your injury claim and represent you in and out of court. Contact the award-winning law firm of Triumph Law now. Complete our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today!