Case: Azizi

Auto versus Auto Collision Involving Roadway Sinkhole and Highway Safety Concerns

Location: State Route 12 East of Sacramento City Limits
San Joaquin County, CA

Client: The Brandi Law Firm
Thomas J. Brandi, Esq.
San Francisco, CA

Case Description

Auto versus Auto Collision

Incident Overview:

This case involved a tragic auto collision on State Route 12, east of Sacramento, in San Joaquin County, CA. The accident occurred at night when a westbound vehicle encountered a sinkhole in the roadway. The driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the double-yellow line, and crashed head-on into an eastbound vehicle, resulting in multiple fatalities. The case centered on questions related to highway maintenance, roadway design, and the adequacy of safety measures such as median barriers and rumble strips.

Services Provided:

Highway Maintenance Review: EES evaluated the maintenance records and procedures in place for the section of State Route 12 where the sinkhole occurred, determining whether proper inspections and repairs were carried out in a timely manner.

Highway Design Assessment: Our team reviewed the design of the highway, including lane width, shoulder conditions, and overall alignment, to assess if the roadway’s design contributed to the accident.

Accident History Analysis: EES investigated the history of accidents along this section of State Route 12, identifying patterns of previous incidents and evaluating whether the roadway had been recognized as a safety concern.

Rumble Strip and Median Barrier Evaluation: We examined whether the absence of rumble strips on the median and shoulder or the lack of a median barrier contributed to the severity of the collision.

Highway Safety Improvement Program Review: EES reviewed the state’s highway safety improvement programs to determine if this section of the highway had been flagged for upgrades and whether any safety improvements were planned or implemented prior to the accident.

Issues Addressed

Highway Maintenance

Assessing the Condition and Upkeep of the Roadway A critical issue in this case was the sinkhole in the westbound lane, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. EES reviewed the highway maintenance practices, including the frequency of inspections and the timeliness of repairs, to determine if the responsible agencies fulfilled their obligations to maintain the roadway in a safe condition. Our evaluation focused on identifying whether the sinkhole could have been detected and repaired before the accident occurred.

Highway Design

Evaluating Roadway Design and Contribution to the Accident The design of the highway, including lane width, shoulder space, and median configurations, was closely examined. EES conducted an analysis of the roadway’s design features to determine if the highway’s layout contributed to the loss of control by the westbound driver. Our findings helped clarify whether design flaws, such as insufficient shoulder space or sharp curves, played a role in the accident.

Accident History

Investigating Previous Incidents Along State Route 12 EES researched the history of accidents along the section of State Route 12 where the collision occurred. Our analysis focused on identifying patterns of previous incidents and determining whether the location had been recognized as a high-risk area. We also examined whether any previous complaints or safety concerns had been raised about the roadway conditions and if any corrective actions had been taken.

Rumble Strips and Median Barriers

Analyzing Safety Features and Their Absence The absence of median and shoulder rumble strips, as well as the lack of a median barrier, were key factors in this case. EES evaluated whether the implementation of these safety features could have prevented the vehicle from crossing the double-yellow line and colliding with oncoming traffic. Our analysis included an assessment of whether the location met the criteria for installing rumble strips or median barriers according to highway safety standards.

Highway Safety Improvement Programs

Reviewing State Initiatives for Roadway Safety EES examined California’s Highway Safety Improvement Programs to determine whether this section of State Route 12 had been identified as a candidate for safety upgrades. We reviewed state records to assess whether any planned or completed safety improvements, such as median barriers or enhanced shoulder protection, had been implemented or were overlooked prior to the accident.

Client Benefits

Thorough Evaluation of Maintenance Practices: EES’s review of the highway maintenance records and procedures helped establish whether the sinkhole could have been detected and repaired before it caused the accident.

In-Depth Highway Design Analysis: Our evaluation of the highway’s design, including lane configurations and shoulder space, provided valuable insights into whether the roadway design contributed to the accident.

Comprehensive Review of Accident History: EES’s investigation into the history of accidents along State Route 12 provided context for understanding the roadway’s safety record and whether it was known to be a high-risk area.

Expert Analysis of Rumble Strips and Median Barriers: Our analysis of the absence of safety features such as rumble strips and median barriers helped clarify whether these safety measures could have prevented the fatal collision.

Detailed Review of Safety Improvement Programs: EES’s evaluation of the state’s highway safety improvement programs helped establish whether the roadway had been flagged for safety upgrades and if any planned improvements were delayed or ignored.