i 80 car explosion | Northern California Personal Injury Blog

Serious Accident on I-80 in Richmond Leaves Three Injured, One Dead

By Kelly Balamuth on July 7, 2011

In a story on KTVU news, a three car crash in Richmond left one person dead and others seriously injured. The collision took place on an on-ramp to the eastbound I-80 where one of the three cars exploded on impact. Witnesses stopped to help and were attempting to pull victims from the fiery wreck when emergency workers arrived. Three people involved in the crash were taken to local hospitals for treatment of serious injuries, while unfortunately, the fourth victim was declared dead upon arriving at the hospital. The driver of one of the cars fled the scene, according to eyewitnesses. He or she was seen jumping over the freeway median and running across the westbound side of I-80. Although that driver is considered a suspect, police do not know who is to blame for the crash since they have not yet been able to talk to those involved.

According to early data projections from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009 there were an estimated 33,963 deaths from motor vehicle crashes nationwide. While that number is staggering, it actually represents an 8.9 percent decrease from 2008. If after the data is finalized these projections remain accurate, fatalities will be the lowest on record since 1954. Traffic fatalities have been decreasing each year since reaching a peak in 2005.

When drivers fail to use “reasonable care” as defined by the law while driving, they are considered negligent. A motorist who drives negligently can be held responsible for injuries or damages he or she causes. The San Francisco car accident attorneys at Balamuth Harrington can help you find the best method to recover any compensation you may be owed. Call us today to discuss your situation at 1-888-254-1234.