Discovery Bay Motorcycle Accident Severely Injures One
A helicopter took one man to an area hospital after a serious motorcycle accident in Discovery Bay.
What happened?
On 11 August, a 24-year-old man traveling eastbound on Highway 4 in Discovery Bay crashed into the water near the Old River Bridge. The motorcycle and the rider came to rest five feet down the embankment where they became stuck in the marsh-like banks.
What were the rider’s injuries?
When emergency crews arrived on the scene, they found the motorcyclist sitting up and holding a bleeding head wound. A helicopter later arrived to transport the victim to a hospital.
At the time of transport, his injuries were classified as serious and life-threatening. The victim is now in stable condition at an area hospital.
What caused the accident?
The cause of the accident is unknown at this time, but the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating.
We have represented victims in many similar accidents during our time as Brentwood motorcycle accident lawyers. In many of these cases, other motorists or the roads themselves are responsible for the accident.
Other Drivers Cause Many Motorcycle Accidents
One of the main causes of supposedly solo motorcycle accidents are drivers whose actions force motorcyclists into hazardous positions. Many times drivers in trucks and cars do not see motorcyclists as they approach. As a result, drivers of these vehicles sometimes make maneuvers that motorcyclists must swerve to avoid.
In some cases, motorcyclists lose control of their bike while attempting to avoid these other vehicles. The drivers that caused the accident, having never seen the motorcycle accident, do not realize they caused the accident. They then continue on the road.
It can be very difficult to locate the responsible drivers in these instances unless others witness the accident. Working with experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can help.
Hazardous Roads Near Discovery Bay
Another primary cause of motorcycle accidents is hazardous roads. Highway 4, especially near Discovery Bay, is one of these exceedingly dangerous roads.
As Highway 4 approaches Discovery Bay, the road is straight and surrounded by farmland. In Discovery Bay, several residential roads feed directly into the highway. Only two traffic signals slow vehicles passing through the area.
The road leading to the Old River Bridge just past the residential area of Discovery Bay is once again surrounded by farmland. No street lights illuminate the road and the only road signs merely signal increased speed limits. One sign warns of the 90 degree turn ahead and only two signs warn of the even sharper turn onto the Old River Bridge.
The bridge itself is narrow and almost all vehicles have to come to a complete stop to make the sharp turn onto the bridge. When big rigs cross the bridge, they tend to completely block traffic, turning the bridge into a one-lane road.
Government Liability for Defective Roads
Highway 4 is maintained by the government and the government has a duty to ensure the safety of its roadways. The sharp turns and poor warnings of these turns could constitute a failure of that duty.
Working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help determine the government’s liability in these accidents. It is important that victims and their families work fast, however, as claims against the government must be filed within 180 days of the accident.
Brentwood Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I am Ed Smith and I am a Brentwood motorcycle accident lawyer. In my 34 years exclusively practicing personal injury law, I have represented hundreds of motorcycle accident victims and their families. I encourage you to give me a call for free and friendly advice. I can be reached at (925) 428-5220 or toll free at (800) 404-5400.
I know the ins-and-outs of motorcycle accident litigation and have assembled a top-notch team of injury lawyers to help get you the funds you need. I also wrote the California Motorcycle Accident Handbook to help guide you through the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
My strong record of winning major cases allows me to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
To see this for yourself, visit my Past Verdicts and Settlements page or see my reviews on Yelp, Avvo, and Google.
Image Attribution: Wikimedia Commons
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Discovery Bay: Motorcyclist Airlifted After Crash Near Old River Bridge
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