According to a report from KCRA 3 NBC News, a 16-year-old was killed and two other younger teenagers were injured in a rollover crash in Sacramento County. It is a horrific tragedy. Here, our Sacramento personal injury attorney explains what we currently know about the crash, highlights the dangers of rollover accidents, and explains why teen drivers face heightened safety risks.
16-Year-Old Driver Killed in Rollover Crash
A teenager was killed and two other teens suffered serious injuries near Antelope, California, just outside of Sacramento. The deceased, identified as 16-year-old Reuben Anikhimik, was the driver. The accident happened when the teen driver changed lanes and struck a pickup truck. The sedan that the teenagers were in rolled over and hit a nearby utility pole. While the fatal collision is still under a more comprehensive investigation, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) noted that speed and distracted driving may have been factors.
Rollovers are Among the Most Serious Type of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Rollovers are particularly dangerous, violent vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, these crashes have a heightened rate of catastrophic injuries and fatalities. The occupants inside are vulnerable to being thrown around, potentially leading to broken bones, severe head trauma, spinal cord damage, and other life-threatening injuries. Rollovers can happen for many different reasons. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their vehicles are not unreasonably susceptible to rollovers.
Teen Drivers Face Dramatically Higher Risks
The data is overwhelming: Teenage drivers are dramatically more likely to end up in a serious crash. On a per vehicle mile travel basis, 16-year-old drivers and 17-year-old drivers are nearly four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than are older drivers. Many states, including California, have implemented a graduated driver licensing (GDL) program to help reduce the risk that younger drivers face. Here are some of the key reasons why teens are more likely to crash:
- Inexperience: Teen drivers often lack the essential experience needed to navigate complex road scenarios safely. Inexperience can lead to delayed reaction times, difficulty in recognizing and reacting to road hazards, and a greater likelihood of mistakes.
- Risk-Taking: Adolescents are more likely to take risks while driving, such as speeding or not wearing seatbelts, which significantly increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries. The propensity for risk-taking presents itself as both impulsivity and overconfidence.
- Susceptibility to Distractions: Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Teen drivers are particularly susceptible to various distractions, including the use of mobile phones, talking with friends, or even adjusting controls on the radio or a GPS.
Schedule a Free Case With a Top Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Sacramento personal injury attorneys have helped victims and families secure more than $25 million in compensation. If you or your loved one was hurt in a rollover crash, we can help. Contact us now for a free case review. We represent victims throughout Sacramento County, including in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Arden-Arcade, and Citrus Heights.