What Are the Differences Between Accidents that Occur on Interstates and Those on Local Roads in West Sacramento?

West Sacramento, which is separated from California’s state capital by the Sacramento River, is one of the state’s fastest-growing cities. An increase in residents means an increase in motor vehicle traffic on both the city’s interstates and local roads. While a growing population may have economic benefits for the city, it may also lead to an increase in motor vehicle accidents.

As a driver on West Sacramento’s roadways, it is important to know the differences between accidents that occur on the interstates versus those on local roads. While the characteristics of accidents differ based on the type of road where the accident occurred, collision victims deserve compensation for their injuries. If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident on one of the city’s interstates or local roads, a West Sacramento car accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your damages.

Major Roadways in West Sacramento

West Sacramento is an urban area with a combination of interstates, highways, and local roads. The major interstate running through the city is Interstate 80, which is the area’s primary east-to-west route, eventually leading into Nevada. I-80 interchanges with U.S. 50, a major ten-lane freeway that runs through the city and across the country.

West Sacramento also has several major arteries, including California State Routes 84 and 275. State Route 84 is also known as Jefferson Boulevard and leads to the Delta. State Route 275 connects Tower Bridge Gateway in West Sacramento with Capitol Mall in downtown Sacramento via a bridge across the Sacramento River.

In addition to these major roads, there are numerous local roads throughout the city. Local roads comprise over 122 miles of West Sacramento’s roadways, as can be seen in the map linked above. These local roads typically have the lowest speed limits of the roadways in West Sacramento.

Differences Between Interstate and Local Roads in West Sacramento

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 1,090 motor vehicle accidents in Yolo County in 2020. These accidents occurred on interstates and local roads. Both types of roadways in West Sacramento have unique risks.

Speed Limits

The speed limits in West Sacramento vary based on the type of roadway. The city’s interstates and highways have higher speed limits than its local roads. For example, the speed limit on I-80 is 65 miles per hour. Whereas the speed limit on the city’s local roads ranges from 25 to 45 miles per hour.

Driver Behavior

There are often fewer distractions on West Sacramento’s interstates than there are on its local roads. For instance, drivers on local roads may be distracted while looking for specific addresses or parking spots. They may also drive more carelessly than on interstates because of the lower speed limits that tend to make them feel safer.

Traffic

West Sacramento interstates have fewer traffic hazards than local roads. The vehicles on the interstates are traveling in the same direction at relatively the same speed, while there are vehicles turning in multiple directions at various speeds on local roads. Further, there are not multiple traffic lights and signals on the city’s interstates like there are on the local roads.

Hazards

There are a significantly higher number of hazards, such as pedestrians, on the city’s local roads than on the interstates. Local roads have hazards such as bicyclists and animals. There are also more parked vehicles, signs, and other objects that can be struck on the city’s local roads.

Road Conditions

West Sacramento’s interstates have clear, well-marked directions of travel. The local roads can differ in directions, and turn-offs can be confusing to drivers. Further, the lanes on interstates are often wider than on local roads, giving drivers more room for maneuverability and more space between vehicles. 

Because of the higher vehicle traffic on the city’s interstates, the conditions of these roads are often better than on state roads that are traveled by fewer drivers because of increased road maintenance.

Despite the abundance of risks on local roads, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more motor vehicle accidents resulting in fatalities occur on highways than on local roads. This is likely due to the greater number of vehicles traveling on highways and the higher speeds at which they are traveling. The bottom line is that motor vehicle accidents happen on both types of roadways, and if you have been injured in such an accident, you should reach out to a car accident attorney in West Sacramento for help recovering compensation.

What to Do After an Accident on a West Sacramento Interstate or Local Road

Whether you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident on a West Sacramento interstate or local road, it is important that you take certain steps to support your claim for damages. After your car accident on a West Sacramento roadway, be sure to take the following actions:

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
• Get contact information for the other individuals involved in the accident.
• Get contact information for any witnesses to your accident.
• Call the police and request an official report.
• Seek medical attention right away.
• Notify your insurance company of the accident.
• Contact a West Sacramento car accident attorney.

Consulting with our personal injury lawyers at Triumph Law can give you the best opportunity to obtain maximum compensation for the injuries you suffered in your West Sacramento motor vehicle accident. If someone else was even 1% responsible for your accident, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your potential car accident claim and the damages you may be eligible to recover.

Damages You Can Collect After Your West Sacramento Car Accident

If another party held any fault in your accident on a West Sacramento interstate or local road, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the injuries and losses you obtained as a result. 

In California, individuals liable for actions that cause another person harm are required to compensate the victim for the injuries their negligence caused. Damages you can potentially receive from your accident claim include:

• Economic damages, including medical bills and lost wages
• Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering and unjust hardship
• Exemplary, or punitive damages

Our car accident lawyers in West Sacramento can investigate your motor vehicle accident and determine who can be held legally responsible for your injuries. Then, we can file a claim for damages. Do not try to negotiate with the insurance company or another attorney on your own.

Let a Car Accident Attorney in West Sacramento Help You Get Justice

In a city like West Sacramento where there are multiple interstates and local roads with increasing traffic, motor vehicle accidents are common and often unavoidable. If you have suffered injuries in such an accident, you are likely entitled to damages for those injuries and other losses. Contact our car accident lawyers at Triumph Law today for a consultation to discuss your accident claim and the potential compensation you can receive as a result.