A fiery crash near Roseville has left four people dead and two more with serious injuries requiring hospitalization, according to recent reports.
The accident occurred when two vehicles, a Buick LeSabre and a Subaru, collided head on. According to a California Highway Patrol spokesman, the Buick LeSabre, which was carrying five passengers, caught fire upon impact. By the time help arrived, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Four of the five passengers were killed, while one passenger was taken from the vehicle alive. However, the unidentified passenger is currently in the hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Subaru also suffered serious injuries, but is in stable condition.
The car accident is still being investigated by the California Highway Patrol who have concluded that speed seems to have played a major role. They also noted that some deceased passengers were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. Officer Chad Hertzell, California Highway Patrol spokesman, stated, “Everything was just tossed around. It’s very difficult for us to investigate.” Along with factoring in speed, authorities are conducting toxicology reports to determine if drugs and/or alcohol were also a factor.
The Importance of Seatbelts and Speed
Two major factors in surviving a crash are the use of seatbelts and the speed at which the vehicle is going. Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death among those between the ages of one and 54 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2012, more than 2.2 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in emergency departments as the result of an injury from a vehicle crash. CDC research also reveals that seat belt use is the most effective way to protect yourself from injury or death during a crash, reducing your risk of crash-related injury and death by half.
Speed is also an extremely important factor in the chances of surviving a crash. Excessive speed occurs in 33 percent of all fatal crashes and is considered the third leading contributor of traffic accidents, according to research. That means that about 13,000 lives are lost each year due to speeding.
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident that was caused by an individual involved in risky behavior, such as speeding, it is imperative that you speak with a personal injury attorney. The experienced and professional personal injury attorneys at Ashley Injury Lawyers in Roseville are here to help. Our personal injury attorneys will see that you are properly represented and that your legal rights are fully exercised in an effort to receive compensation for your damages.
