Injuries in Two Brentwood Motorcycle Accidents
I’m Ed Smith, a Brentwood personal injury lawyer. I want to inform you of two serious motorcycle accidents in Brentwood that occured last weekend. Details on both accidents are still emerging, but the information below will illustrate the hazards common on Brentwood streets.
About the First of Brentwood Motorcycle Accident
The first accident occurred on 2 June at approximately 9:45 p.m. after a motorcycle collided with at least one other vehicle at the intersection of Balfour Road and Highway 4 in Brentwood. Preliminary reports indicate at least one driver failed to yield to the other’s right of way.
Witnesses report that speed may have been a factor as a motorcycle matching the description of the one involved in this accident was seen speeding past the grocery store just moments before the accident. Inspection of the wreckage afterwards showed the collision occurred at a high rate of speed.
Injuries in the First Accident
The motorcyclist involved in the accident was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, indicating that he sustained moderate to severe injuries. Common injuries we have seen as motorcycle accident lawyers include back injuries with associated spinal cord trauma, head injuries, and severe skin lacerations.
About the Second Brentwood Motorcycle Accident
The second accident occurred at nearly the same time of day two days later on 4 May. This accident happened at approximately 9:20 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Teakwood Road in the heart of downtown Brentwood. Three vehicles and a motorcycle were involved in the accident, including one vehicle which witnesses report rear-ended the vehicle that then struck the motorcyclist.
Cause of the Accident
The Brentwood Police Department has not commented on the circumstances of the accident, but witness reports indicate that road rage may have played a role. The police have not said whether drugs or alcohol were a factor.
Injuries in the Second Accident
A medical helicopter was initially requested to transport one of the victims, but emergency crews instead requested two American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance units. This change indicates that neither of the more seriously injured patients were critical. However, both people transported by ambulance likely sustained minor to moderate injuries.
Determining Liability in Accidents Caused by Avoiding Other Accidents
One of the vehicles involved in the second accident crashed in an attempt to avoid the initial car accident. In cases like this, it can be hard to determine who is liable for damages in the secondary car accidents. Generally, the person who caused the overall accident is typically responsible for damages sustained.
Drivers have a legal obligation to avoid accidents, so if another driver’s action forces someone to take evasive action resulting in a secondary car crash, the person who avoided the accident acted appropriately. This is limited by the extent of the response, however.
For the third party to be responsible legally, the evasive response must be reasonable. Additionally, the person who avoided the accident cannot be breaking the law at the same time as that impedes your ability to appropriately respond.
Related Articles by Ed Smith ~
- Fatal Antioch Motorcycle Accident
- The Rights of Motorcycle Riders
- I’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident – What should I do First?
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help
A Brentwood personal injury lawyer can help in these types of situations by hiring accident reconstruction experts. These experts can determine if evasive actions taken were reasonable, thereby ensuring the party ultimately responsible for the accident is held accountable.
Brentwood Motorcycle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Brentwood personal injury lawyer. If you, or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call me at (925) 428-5220 for free, friendly advice. You may also call toll free at (800) 404-5400.
I have practiced personal injury law exclusively for 34 years and I have extensive experience representing victims in motorcycle accidents.
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