Sacramento Motorcycle Collision on State Route 99
A Sacramento motorcycle collision that led to serious injuries on State Route 99 happened on May 10 at about 1:25 p.m. It occurred just south of the 12th Avenue off-ramp. According to a California Highway Patrol (CHP) representative, it involved a white Jeep and a motorcycle. The Jeep was said to be changing lanes when the collision occurred. The injured party was transported by ambulance to the UC Davis Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment. The accident was said to be causing a traffic hazard immediately after it happened. The CHP is currently investigating the accident. However, at this time there is no word about who was at fault.
Lane Splitting in Motorcycle Collisions
California is the only state that allows lane splitting. This occurs when the motorcyclist rides between adjoining lanes of traffic. The traffic is moving in the same direction and is proceeding slowly or is stopped. It saves time for the biker and may be safer than riding in stop and go traffic. Lane splitting should not be attempted in traffic moving at higher speeds. In addition, the motorcycle should not exceed the speed of the traffic by more than 15 mph.
Despite arguments that lane splitting improves highway safety, approximately 16 percent of motorcycle-involved accidents are due to lane splitting. A Berkeley study showed that lane splitting motorcyclists have fewer physical injuries after a crash than those that stay in traffic. The problem here is that many motorists are not expecting to see a motorcyclist next to them in the same lane. That means the risk increases for a motorcycle collision when the motorist decides to turn or switch lanes. When that happens, motorcyclists may be pinned between vehicles or thrown from the bike. While physical injuries may occur, the chance of a torso or head injury is lower than a biker being hit from behind.
Motorists and Motorcycle Collisions
Collisions involving another vehicle cause 56 percent of all motorcycle fatalities. Seventy-eight percent of the fatal accidents are a head-on collision. Rear end collisions where the motorcycle is hit from behind account for 5 percent of crashes ending in the biker’s death. Accidents where the motorist is making a left-hand turn, pose the greatest danger to motorcyclists. They make up 43 percent of motorcycle collisions with a car. This happens mainly because the motorcycle is not seen by the motor vehicle driver. The car hits the motorcycle most often in the following situations:
- The motorcycle is in the process of passing the vehicle.
- The motorcycle is proceeding straight through the intersection.
- The motorcyclist tries to pull ahead of the vehicle.
Usually, the left turning driver will be at fault in a motorcycle collision where they claim not to have seen the legally present motorcyclist. However, if the motorcycle rider is trying to overcome the motor vehicle or speeding, the biker may also be at fault.
What a Lawyer Can Do For You
An experienced motorcycle lawyer can help by initially investigating the accident to determine fault. He or she does this by examining police reports and the scene of the accident. The lawyer will also speak to witnesses and review videos that may be available. Once fault is established, the attorney will build a strong case to recover financial damages the biker experienced. This covers medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney. If you were injured because of a motorcycle accident with a negligent motorist, you have the right to recover damages related to the collision. 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 numerous people in Sacramento in car and truck accidents, wrongful deaths and other trauma.
I am proud to belong to the following organizations:
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel: This organization includes only lawyers who provide legal excellence in their practice.
- Million Dollar Advocates: The members of this organization have won $1 million for a client.
Learn about my practice by following the links below:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_28237717_l-2015
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