A Sunday afternoon T-bone collision on Fulton Avenue south of Marconi Boulevard sent five people to the hospital with minor injuries, highlighting the serious risks associated with vehicles entering roadways from parking lots and driveways. This type of accident is alarmingly common in busy commercial areas throughout Sacramento, where numerous businesses line major thoroughfares and drivers frequently enter and exit parking facilities.
The collision serves as a reminder that even seemingly routine maneuvers, such as leaving a parking lot, require extreme caution and careful attention to oncoming traffic. When drivers fail to yield the right of way properly, the consequences can range from minor injuries, as in this incident, to catastrophic or even fatal outcomes.
Details of the Fulton Avenue T-bone Collision
The accident occurred around 1 p.m. on Sunday when two vehicles collided on northbound Fulton Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol. A woman was traveling in the first lane of northbound Fulton Avenue when another driver attempted to exit a nearby parking lot. As the second vehicle entered the roadway, it was broadsided by the first vehicle.
The first vehicle contained three occupants, including the driver, while the second vehicle had two people inside. All five individuals were transported to area hospitals with what CHP reported as minor injuries.
Understanding Broadside Collisions at Parking Lot Exits
Broadside collisions, also known as T-bone or side-impact crashes, are among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents. These crashes occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections or when vehicles are entering or exiting parking lots.
Parking lot exit accidents frequently happen when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the main roadway. California Vehicle Code Section 21804 requires drivers entering a highway from a private road or driveway to yield to all approaching vehicles on the highway. The driver exiting the parking lot has a legal obligation to ensure the roadway is clear before proceeding.
Several factors commonly contribute to these types of collisions:
Limited Visibility: Parked vehicles, landscaping, or building structures near parking lot exits can obstruct a driver’s view of oncoming traffic, making it difficult to determine when it is safe to enter the roadway.
Misjudged Speed and Distance: Drivers exiting parking lots may underestimate the speed of approaching vehicles or overestimate the time they have to merge safely into traffic.
Distraction: Both drivers entering roadways and those already traveling on them may be distracted by navigation systems, passengers, or mobile devices, which can reduce their reaction time when a hazard appears.
Failure to Yield: Some drivers fail to come to a complete stop before entering the roadway or ignore their legal duty to yield to traffic that has the right-of-way.
Injuries Common in Side-Impact Crashes
While all five occupants in this Fulton Avenue collision sustained minor injuries, broadside crashes can result in severe or fatal injuries due to the limited protection provided by vehicle doors and side panels. The sides of vehicles have less structural reinforcement compared to the front and rear, leaving occupants more vulnerable to the force of impact.
Common injuries from T-bone collisions include:
- Head and brain injuries from striking windows or door frames
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Chest and rib injuries from side-impact forces
- Abdominal injuries and internal organ damage
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Arm, shoulder, and leg injuries on the impact side
Even when injuries are initially classified as “minor,” victims should seek a thorough medical evaluation. Some injuries may not exhibit symptoms immediately, and delayed treatment can complicate both recovery and the insurance claims process.
Determining Liability in Parking Lot Exit Accidents
Establishing fault in collisions involving parking lot exits typically centers on determining which driver had the right of way. In most cases, vehicles already traveling on the main roadway have the right of way over cars entering from parking lots or driveways.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, as outlined in Civil Code Section 1714. This means that even if you bear some responsibility for an accident, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Evidence crucial to determining liability includes:
Police Reports: The California Highway Patrol report from this incident will document the officers’ preliminary determination of fault, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene.
Witness Testimony: Passengers in either vehicle or bystanders who observed the collision can provide essential accounts of what occurred.
Surveillance Footage: Many businesses have exterior security cameras that may have captured the collision or the moments leading up to it.
Vehicle Damage: The location and extent of damage to both vehicles can help accident reconstruction experts determine the point of impact and the positions of the cars.
Traffic Control Devices: The presence or absence of stop signs, yield signs, or other traffic control devices at the parking lot exit affects liability determination.
Your Rights After a T-bone Collision
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a driver exiting a parking lot, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages. California law allows accident victims to seek recovery for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical care needs. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
California’s statute of limitations generally provides two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain circumstances may shorten this timeframe, making it essential to consult with an attorney promptly after your accident.
Steps to Take After a Collision
The actions you take immediately following an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and medical records establish a link between the accident and your injuries.
Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photographs of vehicle damage, the parking lot exit, traffic control devices, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement to ensure an official report is filed. This documentation becomes crucial evidence in your claim.
Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company, but be cautious about providing detailed statements before consulting with an attorney.
Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and documentation of expenses related to the accident.
Avoid Discussing Fault: Don’t admit fault or apologize at the scene, even if you think you may have contributed to the accident. Leave fault determination to the investigation.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we have extensive experience representing victims of parking lot exit collisions and broadside crashes throughout Northern California. Our attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and work diligently to build strong claims on behalf of our clients.
We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, litigating in court. Our approach ensures you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
When someone exits a parking lot without properly yielding to traffic, they put everyone at risk. These collisions are often entirely preventable, yet they cause significant injuries and disrupt lives. Our job is to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure victims receive every dollar they deserve for their medical bills, lost income, and suffering.
Understanding the Claims Process
Many accident victims worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all case expenses, and our fees come only from the settlement or verdict we secure on your behalf.
This arrangement allows everyone to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. It also aligns our interests with yours—we only succeed when you do. The claims process typically begins with filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters will investigate the accident, review police reports, and evaluate your damages before making a settlement offer.
However, initial offers are often significantly lower than the claim’s actual value. Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts, and adjusters may use tactics such as disputing liability, downplaying your injuries, or pressuring you to settle quickly before you understand the full extent of your damages. Having an experienced attorney represent you levels the playing field and ensures the insurance company takes your claim seriously.
We handle all communications with insurance adjusters, gather comprehensive evidence of your damages, and negotiate aggressively to secure a settlement that fully compensates you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and present your claim before a jury.
Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculators: Understanding Your Claim’s Value
While the injuries in this Fulton Avenue collision were classified as minor, more severe broadside accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that permanently alter victims’ lives. Understanding the potential value of a catastrophic injury claim can be complex, which is where settlement calculators become a valuable tool for initial assessment and evaluation.
These calculators help victims and attorneys estimate compensation by considering multiple factors, including medical expenses (both past and future), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. The calculation typically multiplies economic damages (tangible costs, such as medical bills and lost income) by a factor between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of the injury, with catastrophic injuries receiving higher multipliers.
However, it’s crucial to understand that settlement calculators provide only rough estimates and cannot account for the unique circumstances of each case, such as the impact on quality of life, the credibility of evidence, the jurisdiction in which the case is filed, or the skill of the legal representation. Factors like permanent disability, disfigurement, loss of limb function, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and the victim’s age and life expectancy significantly influence final settlement values.
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we use sophisticated analysis that goes far beyond basic calculators, drawing on our decades of experience, access to medical experts, and knowledge of verdict trends in California courts to assess what your case is truly worth accurately. We ensure that no element of your damages is overlooked and that you pursue the maximum compensation available under the law. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Our Commitment: No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
“When a driver fails to yield while exiting a parking lot, they’re making a split-second decision that can change lives forever. Even when injuries seem minor at first, I’ve seen too many cases where pain and complications develop days or weeks later. If you were involved in this Fulton Avenue collision or any similar accident, please get medical attention immediately—even if you feel okay right now. Your health comes first, and documenting your injuries from the start protects both your recovery and your legal rights. Remember, the at-fault driver’s insurance company isn’t on your side; they’ll work to minimize what they pay you. You deserve an advocate who will fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t face this alone—reach out to us for a free consultation, and let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a parking lot exit collision or any traffic accident in the Sacramento area, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced legal team will review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.
With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by speaking with us. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims throughout California and are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Berkeley office to schedule your free consultation. Don’t wait—the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin building your case and protecting your rights.
Local Resources for Accident Victims in Sacramento
California Highway Patrol – North Sacramento Area Office, 300 Broadway, Suite 35, Sacramento, CA 95818. Non-Emergency: (916) 731-1600. Emergency: 911. Website: www.chp.ca.gov. The CHP investigates traffic accidents on state highways and provides collision reports. You can request a copy of your accident report through their office, which is essential documentation for your insurance claim.
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, 711 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Non-Emergency: (916) 874-5115. Emergency: 911. Website: www.sacsheriff.com. The Sheriff’s Department responds to accidents in unincorporated areas of Sacramento County and can provide accident reports and documentation.
Sacramento Police Department 5770 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95822 Non-Emergency: (916) 808-5471 Emergency: 911 Website: www.cityofsacramento.org/Police SPD handles traffic accidents within city limits and provides collision reports, traffic safety information, and victim assistance resources.
UC Davis Medical Center, 2315 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817. (916) 734-2011. Website: www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu. A Level I Trauma Center, providing comprehensive emergency and trauma care for serious accident injuries.
Mercy General Hospital 4001 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819 (916) 453-4545 Website: www.dignityhealth.org/sacramento/locations/mercygeneral Full-service hospital with emergency department available 24/7 for accident victims.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento 2801 L Street Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 454-3333 Website: www.sutterhealth.org Comprehensive medical care, including emergency services and specialized treatment for accident-related injuries.
Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center, 6600 Bruceville Road, Sacramento, CA 95823. (916) 688-2000. Website: www.kp.org. Emergency and urgent care services are available to Kaiser members and non-members.
Sacramento County Department of Transportation, 827 7th Street, Room 200, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 874-6291. Website: www.sacdot.com. Handles traffic engineering, road maintenance, and traffic safety concerns. You can report hazardous road conditions or traffic signal problems that may have contributed to an accident.
Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) 1415 L Street, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 321-9000 Website: www.sacog.org Regional transportation planning agency that addresses traffic safety issues and roadway improvements throughout the Sacramento region.
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Sacramento Multiple locations throughout Sacramento (800) 777-0133 Website: www.dmv.ca.gov Handles driver’s license issues, vehicle registration, and driving records that may be needed for your accident claim.
California Victim Compensation Board Toll-Free: (800) 777-9229 Website: www.victims.ca.gov Provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including some vehicle collisions. Eligible expenses include medical costs, mental health counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses.
Sacramento Victim Witness Assistance Center 901 G Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 874-5701 Website: www.sacda.org/victim-services Offers free services to crime victims, including crisis intervention, assistance with victim compensation claims, and referrals to community resources.
California Department of Insurance 300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1700 Sacramento, CA 95814 (800) 927-4357 Website: www.insurance.ca.gov Provides consumer assistance with insurance complaints, helps resolve disputes with insurance companies, and offers information about your rights as a policyholder.
Legal Services of Northern California 515 12th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 551-2150 Website: www.lsnc.net Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents, including help with certain accident-related legal matters.
State Bar of California – Lawyer Referral Services (866) 442-2529. Website: www.calbar.ca.gov. This service helps connect accident victims with qualified attorneys in their area; however, GJEL Accident Attorneys offers free consultations directly.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Toll-Free: (888) 327-4236 Website: www.nhtsa.gov Federal agency providing vehicle safety information, recall notices, and accident statistics. Useful if a vehicle defect contributed to your accident.
California Office of Traffic Safety, 2208 Kausen Drive, Suite 300, Elk Grove, CA 95758. (916) 509-3030. Website: www.ots.ca.gov. Provides traffic safety resources, statistics, and educational programs aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and deaths.
SafeTREC (Safe Transportation Research and Education Center) UC Berkeley 2614 Dwight Way #7374 Berkeley, CA 94720-7374 (510) 642-0655 Website: www.safetrec.berkeley.edu Provides traffic safety data, research, and resources for California communities.
Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT), 1400 29th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816, (916) 321-2877. Website: www.sacrt.com. If you need transportation to medical appointments or court hearings while recovering from your accident injuries.
2-1-1 Sacramento Dial 211 or visit www.211sacramento.org Free confidential service connecting callers to community resources, including emergency assistance, healthcare, counseling, support groups, and transportation services for accident victims.
