One person sustained serious injuries Monday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash that occurred at the intersection of Winding Way and College Oak Drive, prompting an emergency response from multiple agencies. First responders, including the California Highway Patrol, Sacramento Metro Fire Department, and emergency medical services, rushed to the scene to assist the injured victim and secure the area.
The intersection was temporarily affected as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the impact of the crash, which drew immediate attention from nearby residents and motorists.
Details of the North Highlands Two-Vehicle Crash
The California Highway Patrol reported that the collision took place on December 22nd at approximately 1:38 p.m. The crash involved two vehicles: a Toyota Corolla and a Mazda. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported to provide medical assistance and manage traffic in the area.
The intersection of Winding Way and College Oak Drive is located in a busy section of North Highlands, a community in Sacramento County. The circumstances surrounding the collision are under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. Investigators are working to determine whether factors such as speed, right-of-way violations, distracted driving, or other traffic violations contributed to the crash.
The CHP has not yet released information regarding which vehicle the seriously injured victim was occupying or whether any citations have been issued. Authorities are interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the collision. The investigation will also examine whether road conditions, visibility, or mechanical failures contributed to the incident.
Injuries and Emergency Response
One individual suffered serious injuries in the crash and required immediate medical attention. The injured party was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the extent and nature of the serious injuries. Information regarding the condition of other occupants in either vehicle has not been released.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the collision to determine the factors that contributed to the crash. Paramedics worked quickly at the scene to stabilize the injured victim before transport, providing critical emergency care that can often make the difference in severe trauma cases. Traffic in the area was diverted while emergency crews worked to extract any trapped occupants and clear debris from the roadway. The rapid response time of emergency personnel likely played a crucial role in ensuring the injured person received timely medical treatment at a nearby trauma center.
Intersection Safety Concerns in North Highlands
The intersection where this collision occurred serves as a connection point for residential and commercial areas in North Highlands. Traffic safety at intersections depends on multiple factors, including visibility, compliance with traffic signals, speed limits, and driver attention.
Common causes of intersection accidents in California include:
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Distracted driving
- Excessive speed
- Impaired driving
- Poor visibility conditions
The California Highway Patrol will examine all available evidence, including witness statements, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any available traffic camera footage, to determine the cause of this particular collision. North Highlands, like many suburban communities in Sacramento County, experiences significant daily traffic volume as residents commute to work, school, and local businesses.
The intersection of Winding Way and College Oak Drive sees regular use by both residents and through-traffic, creating situations where driver vigilance is essential to prevent collisions. Sacramento County has implemented various traffic safety measures throughout the region, including improved signage, adjustments to traffic signal timing, and enhanced crosswalk visibility.
Still, accidents continue to occur when drivers fail to exercise appropriate caution. Local authorities encourage motorists to remain alert at all intersections, put away mobile devices, observe posted speed limits, and allow extra time for travel to reduce the temptation to rush through intersections. Community members who notice ongoing safety concerns at specific intersections can report these issues to Sacramento County’s Department of Transportation for evaluation and potential safety improvements.
California Vehicle Code and Intersection Safety
California law requires drivers to exercise caution at all intersections. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21801, drivers entering or crossing a highway must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the road. Additionally, Vehicle Code Section 22350 establishes the “Basic Speed Law,” which requires drivers to operate their vehicles at speeds that are reasonable and prudent for the existing conditions.
Violations of these traffic laws can result in serious accidents and potential liability for damages. When drivers fail to follow traffic regulations and cause injuries to others, they may be held financially responsible for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Understanding Your Rights After a Serious Traffic Accident
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a traffic collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you have legal rights under California law. Personal injury victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Future medical care needs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, meaning that even if you bear some responsibility for an accident, you may still recover damages proportional to the other party’s fault. It’s important to understand that California law imposes strict time limits for filing personal injury claims. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, injury victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
However, if the accident involves a government entity or employee, special notice requirements apply, and claims must typically be filed within six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to pursue compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case may be.
Additionally, prompt action allows your attorney to preserve critical evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness memories, and physical evidence from the scene, all of which can fade or disappear over time. Early consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that all necessary steps are taken to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
How GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help
The experienced legal team at GJEL Accident Attorneys has been representing injured accident victims in Northern California for over 40 years. Our attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that serious traffic accidents create for victims and their families.
When someone suffers serious injuries in a collision, their entire life can change in an instant. GJEL is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing the maximum compensation our clients deserve so they can focus on their recovery without the added stress of financial uncertainty.
GJEL’s legal team will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident
- Gather critical evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future damages
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if necessary to protect your interests
With a proven track record of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, GJEL Accident Attorneys has the experience and resources to handle even the most complex personal injury cases.
Catastrophic Injury Settlement Calculators: Understanding Your Claim’s Value
Catastrophic injury settlement calculators serve as valuable tools for accident victims seeking to understand the potential value of their personal injury claims. These calculators take into account multiple factors that contribute to settlement amounts, including the severity of injuries, economic losses, and non-economic damages.
When someone suffers serious injuries in a traffic collision, a settlement calculator helps quantify both tangible costs—such as medical bills, hospitalization expenses, surgical procedures, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, and lost wages—and intangible damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability. The calculator takes into account the victim’s age, occupation, earning capacity, and the long-term effects of injuries on their ability to work and perform daily activities.
For catastrophic injuries involving permanent impairment, paralysis, traumatic brain injury, or severe disfigurement, these calculators factor in lifetime care costs, future medical needs, home modifications, assistive devices, and diminished quality of life. Advanced calculators also account for California-specific factors, such as the state’s pure comparative negligence rules, available insurance coverage limits, venue-specific jury verdict trends, and the multiplier method commonly used to calculate pain and suffering damages (typically 1.5 to 5 times the economic damages, depending on the severity).
While online calculators provide helpful estimates, they cannot replace the nuanced evaluation an experienced personal injury attorney offers. Attorneys consider additional elements that automated tools cannot fully capture, including the strength of liability evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the defendant’s conduct, the skill of opposing counsel, and the track record of similar cases in the jurisdiction. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, our legal team utilizes sophisticated valuation methods, combined with decades of trial experience, to ensure that our clients receive accurate assessments of their claims and receive maximum compensation for their injuries. Call us now at +1-866-218-3776 to speak with our experts.
Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve
“When you’re seriously injured in a traffic collision, the physical pain is only part of the burden—there’s also the overwhelming stress of medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. As someone who has spent decades representing accident victims, I want you to know that you don’t have to face this alone. California law protects your right to full compensation from the driver whose negligence caused your injuries, and that includes not just your current medical expenses, but also future care needs, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Insurance companies often try to settle these cases quickly for far less than they’re worth, hoping you don’t understand the true value of your claim. My advice is straightforward: don’t provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters, don’t accept early settlement offers without consulting an attorney, and prioritize your recovery. At the same time, experienced legal counsel fights for the justice you deserve. Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and California law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a traffic accident, reach out for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case honestly, explain your rights clearly, and if we take your case, you won’t pay a single dollar in attorney fees unless we win.” — Andy Gillin, Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
GJEL Accident Attorneys works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This arrangement allows injured victims to access experienced legal representation without any upfront costs or financial risk.
Our firm advances all case-related expenses, including investigation costs, expert witness fees, and court filing fees. You’ll never receive a bill from us unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a traffic accident in North Highlands, Sacramento County, or anywhere in Northern California, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our compassionate legal team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and explain your legal options.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. California law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and critical evidence can disappear quickly. Contact us today at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Oakland office to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.
North Highlands and Sacramento County Resources for Accident Victims
If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident in North Highlands or elsewhere in Sacramento County, the following resources may be helpful:
Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety Agencies
California Highway Patrol – North Sacramento Area Office
- Address: 3500 Reed Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95605
- Phone: (916) 861-1300
- Non-Emergency Dispatch: 1-800-835-5247
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
- Services: Accident reports, traffic collision investigations, road safety information
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Emergency services 24/7)
Sacramento Police Department
- Headquarters Address: 5770 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95822
- Non-Emergency: (916) 808-5471
- Emergency: 911
- Records Division: (916) 808-0880
- Website: www.police.cityofsacramento.org
- Services: Accident reports, traffic enforcement, community safety programs
- Online Report Request: Available through website for non-injury collisions
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department
- Address: 711 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Non-Emergency: (916) 874-5115
- Emergency: 911
- Website: www.sacsheriff.com
- Services: Traffic enforcement in unincorporated areas including North Highlands, accident investigations
Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG)
- Address: 1415 L Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone: (916) 321-9000
- Website: www.sacog.org
- Services: Regional transportation planning, traffic safety initiatives, road improvement projects
- Traffic Safety Programs: Vision Zero initiative, pedestrian and bicycle safety
Sacramento County Department of Transportation
- Address: 827 7th Street, Room 401, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone: (916) 874-6291
- Website: www.sacdot.com
- Services: Road maintenance, traffic signal operations, intersection safety concerns
- Report Issues: Traffic signal problems, road hazards, signage concerns
Emergency and Medical Services
Sacramento Metro Fire Department
- Headquarters: 10230 Systems Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95827
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (916) 808-1300
- Website: www.metrofiredistrict.com
- Services: Emergency medical response, fire suppression, rescue operations
- Coverage Area: Includes North Highlands and surrounding communities
Mercy San Juan Medical Center
- Address: 6501 Coyle Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608
- Emergency Room: (916) 537-5000
- Main Hospital: (916) 537-5000
- Website: www.mercysanjuan.org
- Services: Level II trauma center, 24/7 emergency care, surgical services
- Specialties: Orthopedic trauma, neurosurgery, intensive care
UC Davis Medical Center
- Address: 2315 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Emergency Room: (916) 734-2011
- Main Hospital: (916) 734-2011
- Website: www.health.ucdavis.edu
- Services: Level I trauma center (highest designation), burn unit, comprehensive rehabilitation
- Specialties: Severe traumatic injuries, brain and spinal cord injuries, complex surgeries
Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center
- Address: 6600 Bruceville Road, Sacramento, CA 95823
- Emergency Room: (916) 688-2000
- Appointments: 1-800-464-4000
- Website: www.kp.org
- Services: 24/7 emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
- Address: 2801 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
- Emergency Room: (916) 454-3333
- Main Hospital: (916) 454-3333
- Website: www.sutterhealth.org
- Services: Level II trauma center, comprehensive emergency services
Victim Support and Legal Resources
Sacramento County Victim/Witness Assistance Program
- Address: 901 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone: (916) 874-5750
- Fax: (916) 874-5759
- Website: www.Sacramento.County.District.Attorney/Victim-Witness
- Services: Crisis intervention, court accompaniment, victim compensation assistance, referrals
- Eligibility: Crime and traffic accident victims, witnesses
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
California Victim Compensation Board
- Phone: 1-800-777-9229
- Website: www.victims.ca.gov
- Services: Financial assistance for crime-related expenses, including medical bills, funeral costs, and lost wages
- Application: Can be filed up to three years after the crime/accident
- Covered Expenses: Medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost income, and funeral expenses
Legal Aid Society of Sacramento
- Address: 515 12th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone: (916) 551-2150
- Website: www.lassac.org
- Services: Free legal assistance for low-income individuals
- Areas: Consumer protection, housing, family law, elder law
State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service
- Phone: 1-866-442-2529
- Website: www.calbar.ca.gov/lrs
- Services: Attorney referrals for personal injury and other legal matters
- Initial Consultation: Usually offered at reduced rates
Sacramento County Bar Association
- Address: 901 H Street, Suite 101, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone: (916) 448-1087
- Website: www.sacbar.org
- Services: Attorney referral service, legal resources, lawyer directory
Department of Motor Vehicles
California Department of Motor Vehicles – Sacramento Office
- Address: 4700 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820
- Phone: 1-800-777-0133
- Website: www.dmv.ca.gov
- Services: Driver records, accident reports, license renewal, vehicle registration
- Online Services: Report accidents, request driving records, file SR-1 forms
- SR-1 Requirement: Must be filed within 10 days of accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000
DMV Online Accident Reporting
- Website: www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/online/
- Form SR-1: Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (required by law)
Transportation and Road Information
Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT)
- Customer Service: (916) 321-2877
- Website: www.sacrt.com
- Services: Alternative transportation during vehicle repairs, route planning
- Paratransit Services: Available for individuals with disabilities
511 Traveler Information
- Phone: 511 (or 1-877-600-1511)
- Website: www.511.org
- Services: Real-time traffic conditions, road closures, accident reports, construction updates
Caltrans District 3 (Sacramento Region)
- Address: 703 B Street, Marysville, CA 95901
- Phone: (530) 741-4436
- Website: www.dot.ca.gov/d3
- Services: State highway maintenance, construction projects, road condition reports
Additional Support Services
United Way 211 Sacramento
- Phone: 211 (or 1-800-500-4931)
- Website: www.211sacramento.org
- Services: Referrals to community resources, crisis intervention, emergency assistance
- Available: 24/7 in multiple languages
- Areas: Housing assistance, food resources, medical care, and financial support
Community Medical Centers – Rehabilitation Services
- Phone: (209) 526-4500
- Website: www.mychc.org
- Services: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy for accident recovery
Sacramento Crisis Counseling Services
- Phone: (916) 368-3111 or 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
- Website: www.crisiscenter.org
- Services: 24/7 crisis intervention, emotional support, suicide prevention
- Available: Phone, text, and online chat
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Phone: 1-888-327-4236
- Website: www.nhtsa.gov
- Services: Vehicle safety recalls, defect investigations, safety ratings, crash statistics
These resources provide comprehensive support for accident victims, from immediate emergency response to long-term legal and recovery assistance. If you need help navigating these services or understanding your rights after a serious traffic accident, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys for guidance.
