Rider Injured in Sacramento Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident in Sacramento resulted in injuries to the rider on September 5. The accident happened at about 7:00 in the evening at the intersection of Kiefer Boulevard and Bradshaw Road in the vicinity of Rosemont High School. According to a report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a passenger vehicle and the motorcycle were involved in the crash. Emergency transport was requested, and the motorcyclist was taken to UC Davis Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. Early reports described the rider’s injuries as minor; however, no further updates were issued. An investigation into the cause of the motorcycle accident is ongoing at this time.
What an Attorney Can Do
Being in an accident is often a disruptive, daunting experience with physical and financial injury. On top of that, it is necessary to deal with insurance companies and even file a lawsuit in civil court to recoup damages incurred in the accident. That is where a personal injury lawyer can help. At our firm, we dispatch an investigative team to the scene of the accident to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain video footage from traffic cameras and local businesses. We also review the police report for accuracy. When this is done, we release the information to our legal team who then build a strong case against the at-fault party to obtain the compensation our client deserves and needs.
Motorcycle Accident Causation
Approximately 50 percent of all motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some reasons for this are:
- Motorcycles are less noticeable on the road due to their small size compared to passenger vehicles and trucks. Many drivers say they did not see the motorcycle before the crash occurred. This can be due to driver error or the size of the bike.
- Many vehicles cross one another at an intersection. It is the complexity of the intersection and, on occasion, a faulty design that accounts for an uptick in accidents. If the design of the intersection is a causative factor, then the government agency in charge of its construction, as well as the contractor, may be held liable.
- Confusion over who has the right of way can lead to motorcycle accidents in intersections.
- Non-functioning traffic lights and signage that is hidden behind foliage can add to intersection accidents. In this case, the government agency in charge of maintenance and operation can be considered responsible for the accident. Government claims have a much different time limit in which an injured party can file. If this time is exceeded, the claim will not be valid. Your attorney will be able to ensure that all documents are filed in a timely manner.
- Many drivers pass through an intersection without looking carefully to see if the way is clear.
- Running a red light or passing through a stop sign leads to many intersection accidents. Motorcyclists are often seriously injured or killed in such crashes.
- Distracted driving is quickly becoming the most common reason for roadway crashes. This includes motorcycle accidents.
- Speeding at an intersection leads to many accidents. Due to the size and the vulnerability of a motorcyclist, speed increases the likelihood of a fatal motorcycle accident.
- Drunk driving is a prelude to many motorcycle crashes.
- Drivers often ignore turn signals on a motorcycle.
- Failure to yield to a motorcycle at an intersection is a common reason why motorcycle collisions happen.
Who Is Responsible for a Motorcycle Accident?
Each case varies. In some, the motorcycle rider may have made an error in judgment. However, in most accidents at intersections, it is the driver of a motor vehicle who is responsible. On an increasing number of occasions, it is the government agency in charge of maintenance. As our infrastructure ages and roads become less pristine with potholes, the agencies in charge of road maintenance can be seen as liable. In areas where a stop sign was clearly visible years ago, overgrowth and expansion of housing and businesses may make it decidedly less noticeable today. If a driver or motorcyclist cannot see a stop sign, they won’t stop. Other problems include inoperative traffic control signals and poor planning as the traffic flow increases.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to claim damages against the at-fault party. I can help. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me online.
I’ve helped many clients obtain the damages they deserve in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumatic brain injuries.
If you would like to know more about my practice, please visit the following pages:
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_187948540_l-2015
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