Motorcyclist Dies In Early Morning Crash in Sacramento

Jackson Road Site of Motorcycle Accident in Sacramento County

A motorcyclist died on November 10 in Sacramento County after a deadly collision. Although few details were provided, we do know the following. The crash occurred along Jackson Road in the vicinity of Watt Avenue east of Sacramento. 

CHP Investigating the Death of a Motorcyclist in Sacramento

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said they were unaware of what caused the crash that occurred around 7:00 in the morning hours. Further investigation may provide additional details, however, if anyone saw the accident that led to the motorcyclist’s demise, they might call the CHP with information pertinent to the CHP’s investigation. The identity of the motorcyclist has yet to be announced, pending notification of the decedent’s family. 

Motorcycle Accidents With Passenger Vehicles

Motorcycle accidents with a car or truck can be treacherous. With a fatality rate of 59.3 compared to 10.05 with passenger vehicles, the number of fatal accidents is high. This is largely due to the lack of bodily protection afforded the motorcyclist compared with that of a passenger vehicle. 

Losing a Loved One in a Motorcycle Accident

No one is ever prepared to lose a loved one, but when it happens due to negligence or poor government planning or maintenance, it is all the more tragic. Family grief is compounded by anger that the event had to happen and the need to find out what caused their loved one to die. As a good friend or another family member, there are things you can do to help:

  • Visit the family or call and express your sympathy. 
  • Bring prepared meals to the family since many times, eating is the last thing on their minds.
  • Offer to take them to the doctor or the funeral parlor to arrange for end of life preparations.
  • Pitch in and do necessary tasks around the house, such as doing the dishes, mowing the lawn, taking the dogs for a walk, or shopping.
  • Continue to visit or stay in touch after the funeral services are over. This is a difficult time for the family.

Most Common Causes of Motorcyclist Deaths

In order to protect themselves, motorcyclists benefit from knowing the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents. They are:

  • Cars making a left-hand turn: This is a dangerous situation for motorcyclists, causing 42 percent of all accidents involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. Commonly, the motor vehicle hits the motorcycle when it is on a straight passage through an intersection or trying to pass the car. Drivers often say they did not see the motorcycle due to its small stature. Sometimes, a motorcyclist will pass a passenger vehicle within the same lane. This often leads to an accident because a motorist was not expecting the bike to be there. The driver turning left is usually considered to be at fault for the collision. 
  • Head-on Collisions: Head-on accidents account for 56 percent of motorcyclist deaths. Seventy-eight percent of the time, the motorcycle is hit by the passenger vehicle head-on. 
  • Speeding: This type of reckless driving leads to many motorcycle accidents since it robs the driver of control over their vehicle. 
  • Lane splitting: This maneuver is common in California and consists of a motorcyclist driving between two lanes of traffic where vehicles are stopped or proceeding slowly. Accidents happen due to the closeness of the motorcycle and the car and the lack of room within which the motorcyclist can move. Liability is usually decided based on the specifics of the accident. 
  • Stationary objects: A crash between a motorcycle and a fixed object accounts for 25 percent of all motorcyclist deaths. 
  • Road hazards: An array of road hazards are responsible for motorcycle accidents. Slick pavement, potholes, and dead animals all cause a threat to a biker. If the hazard is due to a lack of repair or removing hazards, the government agency in charge of this can be considered at-fault for the crash. Your injury lawyer will be able to advise you about the difference in time limits to file a claim.

Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney

I’m Ed Smith and I am a Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney. A death in the family is devastating, especially when it is due to negligence. We understand that filing a wrongful death lawsuit will not bring your loved one back, but it does serve a dual purpose. It allows the family to know that justice has been served, and it helps to lessen the financial issues a wrongful death involves. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me on my website, AutoAccident.com.

I’ve helped many Sacramento residents obtain the damages they deserve in car accidents, pedestrian injuries, and other traumatic events.

Learn more about my practice here:

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