While there are thousands of car accidents in California every day, some are more serious than others. That danger increases when you add the number of vehicles and people involved.
Three-Vehicle Accident in Stockton Kills One, Injures Two Others
An afternoon car accident in Stockton resulted in the death of one person and critical injuries to another. According to a story in the Stockton Record, three vehicles collided with each other on Bianchi Road on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Two people in the three vehicles involved–a silver Kia Crossover, a gold sedan, and a black Chevrolet Impala–were injured and transported to local hospitals.
The passenger in the silver Kia was said to be critically injured, while the driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene by Stockton police. The driver of the gold sedan was treated for minor injuries and released at the scene by police.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collision.
How Common Are Fatal Car Accidents in Stockton?
Unfortunately, fatal car accidents like the one above aren’t uncommon in Stockton. According to data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 21 fatal car accidents in Stockton in 2022.
While any car accident carries the risk of serious injuries or fatalities, multi-vehicle accidents often carry more of a statistical probability of these risks. There are several reasons for this, but the main one is that more people and vehicles are involved, often with multiple points of impact and differing degrees of speed. Thus, the odds are increased that a driver or passenger in one of the vehicles will suffer more severe injuries.
Some of the more common types of severe and fatal injuries in these accidents include:
- Head injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries are common causes of fatalities in multi-vehicle accidents, especially in collisions involving high speeds or heavy vehicles.
- Spinal cord injuries – Car accidents frequently lead to injuries of the spinal cord, which can cause paralysis, permanent disability, and even death. These injuries are often sustained in high-speed collisions where the force of impact is significant.
- Internal injuries – Organ damage, internal bleeding, punctured lungs, and other internal injuries can be fatal in multi-vehicle accidents, particularly in accidents where the victim was not wearing a seatbelt.
- Broken bones – Broken bones are a common injury in multi-vehicle accidents and can be especially serious if they occur in the neck or back.
As with any accident, getting to safety and checking for any injuries should be your top priority if you’ve been involved in a car accident. From there, make sure to document the crash scene and any damage, and also make sure to get the contact information of the other people involved. This will be important if you want to take further action.
Legal Support After a Stockton Car Accident
A car accident is almost always a stressful and traumatic experience, but even more so when it results in serious injuries or fatalities. That’s why it’s important to understand your legal options, should you find yourself in this situation. By working with our team of experienced Stockton car accident lawyers at Maison Law, you can pursue a claim for the available benefits and support that California law offers. This includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial expenses, in the event the accident was fatal
Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll make sure that you get the support you need.