Motorcyclist Suffers Major Injury in US 50 Accident

Home » Motorcyclist Suffers Major Injury in US 50 Accident
July 06, 2020
Edward Smith

Traffic Backed Up to Florin Road After Route 50 Accident

A major injury occurred in Sacramento on July 3, involving a motorcycle rider and a big rig. The big rig reportedly swerved to avoid the downed rider at around 11:12 in the morning just south of the US 50 eastbound connector, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The big rig ended up across all the lanes of traffic and was leaking fluid onto the roadway. 

Major Injury Suffered by Motorcyclist

Tow trucks were required to remove both the truck and motorcycle. First responders arrived to assess the rider’s injuries. It was determined that the motorcyclist had suffered major injuries, and the patient was transported to a nearby hospital. Traffic was backed up to the pedestrian overcrossing almost to Florin Road due to the collision. It is being investigated by the CHP to determine what happened.

The Most Common Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders are at particular danger of suffering a major injury because of their lack of protection. One of the biggest problems is that drivers of motor vehicles are conditioned to watch for other motorists, not for pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicycle riders. A lawyer who is experienced in handling these types of accidents can help an injured person obtain compensation to pay their medical costs, lost wages, and for the pain and suffering they endured. This lack of awareness can easily lead to a major injury accident. Some of the ways in which motorists are negligent around motorcyclists are:

  • Making an unsafe lane change: Motorists should always not only look but listen for a motorcycle rider who may be next to them or just off their back bumper.
  • Speeding: Driving too fast means the motorist cannot stop as quickly and has poorer control over the vehicle. This can result in a collision.
  • Dooring accidents: Motorcyclists, bicycle riders and pedestrians can all suffer major injuries from a dooring accident. These accidents happen when a driver or passenger in a vehicle exits without looking. Often, the bicycle rider or motorcyclist will be ejected from their ride by a dooring accident.
  • Lane splitting: Although it is legal in California to lane split, the safety of doing so depends not only on the motorcyclist but on all the vehicles surrounding them. Crowding, changing lanes and sudden slowdowns by motorists can lead to an accident.
  • Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, changing a radio station or eating while driving, are not focusing fully on the road ahead, which can cause an accident.

How an Investigation Into a Traffic Accident Is Conducted

Investigation and the collection of evidence is necessary in order for an injured person to obtain compensation. We begin by sending out our investigators to the crash site as soon as possible to gather that evidence. Once they arrive, they interview witnesses and examine the police report for mistakes. Following that, they perform accident reconstruction and look for surveillance cameras that might have captured the collision. 

Government Negligence and Motorcycle Accidents

At times, negligence in maintenance or design by the government entity in charge can lead to a major injury caused by a motorcycle accident. Understandably, a vehicle on two wheels is less stable than one with four. Motorcycles are more likely to slide and crash on gravel, debris or oily spots in the roadway. In addition, motorcycle riders have to contend with potholes, heaved or cracked pavement and other hazards. If the government entity in charge is found to have caused the crash, a claim may be filed by the injured rider for compensation. Because the timeline for filing is much shorter than for other personal injury claims, seeking help from an experienced lawyer is advisable.

Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Motorcycle crashes can cause catastrophic injuries, and when negligence was the cause, the injured person can place a compensation claim. Phone me at (916) 921-6400 or long-distance at (800) 404-5400 for my free and friendly advice. An online form is available also to contact me.

Find out more information about my law firm at:

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I’ve helped Sacramentans since 1982 to get the compensation they deserve for traumatic injuries and in motorcycle accidents, traffic crashes and wrongful death.

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