Weather-Related Car Accidents in Fresno
The San Joaquin Valley is home to extreme micro-weather. The summers often produce extreme heat and the fall and winter produce thick tule fog. In the Central Valley, seasonal tule fog often results in school closures. Schools commonly postpone the start of the spring semester so parents and school bus drivers are not exposed to dangerous road conditions produced by tule fog. Dan Hardy of the National Weather Services Hanford station stated “Fog is our number one killer here when it comes to traffic collisions. When it’s really bad, there’s almost zero visibility.” If you have been injured in a weather-related accident contact Grossman Law Offices. Grossman Law Offices are located in Fresno and have over forty years of experience representing weather accident victims.
Most Dangerous Roads in Fresno, CA
Car accidents occur daily on interstates, highways, and streets. However, some roadways are more dangerous than others. The Grossman Law Office has compiled the following list of some of the most dangerous roadways in California:
Highway 99 – In a recent study Highway 99 was named the most dangerous roadway in the United States. The stretch of highway through Fresno was the deadliest section with 34 fatal accidents.
State Route 138 – California highway 138 has been nicknamed blood alley and California death way. Highway 138 is a steep and twisty two-lane road that has been undergoing improvements since 2006. In 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported that a five-year period prior to 2000, there were 56 deaths and 875 injuries on highway 138.
State Route 12 – California State Route 12 is a two-lane roadway that many truck drivers use to go from 160 to Interstate 5. There are many side roads with blind spots and headlights must be on at all times. This highway also allows passing in the opposite lane which leads to increased head-on collisions and other accidents.
Highway 17 – California State Route 17 is a scenic road that runs through the Santa Cruz mountains. Many accidents have occurred on this road due to sharp turns, blind curves, heavy traffic, and animals wandering into the road. In the winter months, because State Route 17 crosses a high precipitation area in the mountains, the roadway can become slippery from rain, snow, or ice especially at the summit.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Having a car accident is stressful, it’s important to stay calm and focused. After you have been involved in a car accident you should take the following steps:
Move vehicle out of traffic
If your car accident is minor, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe place and turn off your vehicle. Turn on hazard lights and for added safety use cones, warning triangles, or flares.
Check for injuries
Call the police even if the accident is minor. If you are unsure whether or not you’re injured request an ambulance when calling the police.
Gather information from others involved in the accident
- Obtain all drivers and passengers names, contact information, vehicle descriptions, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers.
- Gather all witness names and contact information.
- Write down the accident location and address, police officer’s name and badge number, and take photos of all vehicles involved in the accident. If possible, take pictures of all vehicles before they are moved.
- Never sign a document and don’t give anyone a statement unless it’s the police.
Call Us Today
In addition to injuries, every car accident victim suffers unique and individual losses. If you have been involved in a weather-related accident and sustained an injury, Grossman Law Offices can assist in identifying and quantifying all losses so that maximum recovery is accomplished. Grossman Law Offices work on a contingency basis meaning they will not get paid until a financial recovery is made for you first. Call Grossman Law Offices to discuss the merits of your case.