Motorcycle Crash Fatality
A motorcycle crash fatality was reported in Sacramento on March 7 when two people riding the bike crashed with either a truck or car at a local intersection. The accident happened in South Sacramento at the intersection of Wah Avenue and 24th Street, south of Woodbine Park, at about 6:30 in the evening. According to a spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department, one of the motorcycle riders involved in the accident died at the crash site. I would like to extend my sympathy to the family and friends who lost their loved one in this tragic accident.
Motorcycle Crash Details
In addition to the motorcycle crash fatality, it was reported that the other rider was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as life-threatening. The identity of the individual who died has not been released at this time. No arrests were made at the time of the collision, and the area remained closed to traffic until about 10:30 p.m. while investigators examined evidence at the scene.
Nature of Motorcycle Crashes
Although motorcycle crashes do not happen as frequently as other types of accidents, the risk of death is higher. According to authorities, the chance of a motorcycle crash fatality is roughly 35 times higher than that of other types of vehicular accidents. There are certain situations that pose the greatest hazards. Since the potential for harm is high, let’s look at some of them in greater detail.
Head On Collisions
Approximately 56 percent of all crashes with a motorcycle are those that involve another motor vehicle. Seventy-eight percent of these involve frontal crashes. The potential for a motorcycle crash fatality in a head on collision is extremely high since the biker is usually ejected from his or her bike.
Left-Hand Turns
A major cause of motorcycle accidents happens when the motorist is turning left. This type of collision accounts for slightly less than half of all motor vehicle/motorcycle crashes. Since the motorcycle is smaller than other vehicles, it often goes unseen by a motorist. In addition, motorcyclists in California are permitted to split lanes. This can cause an even greater risk for a collision if the motorist decides to make a left-hand turn and could result in a motorcycle crash fatality. These accidents can happen in other ways, including when the motorcycle is passing the motor vehicle to the left, or the biker is proceeding straight through an intersection.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting often occurs in slow or stopped traffic as the motorcyclist passes between rows of motor vehicles. This maneuver can result in accidents because:
- The biker has little room to move.
- The motorcycle is in extremely close proximity to other vehicles.
- Motorists do not expect a motorcycle to be there.
Liability in Motorcycle Crash Fatalities
On some occasions, a motorcyclist shares responsibility for an accident with a motor vehicle. Examples include when the motorcyclist is speeding or driving impaired, or the biker is moving at a speed above the limit set for lane splitting. In such cases, the motorcyclist may share responsibility for the accident. Since California is a comparative fault state, this means that both parties will be liable for the portion of the damages they caused.
Help From an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Many motorcycle fatalities are caused by a negligent driver. A wrongful death lawyer experienced in motorcycle accidents can help the family of the deceased obtain the financial compensation they need to cover their loss. While this won’t help ease the grief they feel, it will help them avoid the financial repercussions from the loss of their loved one. Because motorcycle crashes can be complicated, the lawyer can use accident reconstructionists and expert witnesses to prove fault in a motorcycle crash.
Related Article by Sacramento Wrongful Death Lawyer Ed Smith
Wrongful Death Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a wrongful death attorney in Sacramento. Losing a loved one is always a terrible loss. It is worse when that loved one’s life was taken away by a negligent driver. If this happened to you or someone you care about, I would like to offer you my free and friendly advice. Contact me at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area. If you are calling from somewhere else in Northern California, you can get in touch with me by using my toll-free number at (800) 404-5400 or by using the contact form online.
For 37 years, I’ve helped those in Sacramento and other Californians to obtain the compensation they need and deserve following traumatic injuries, car accidents and truck accidents.
I belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, which only invites lawyers to join who have demonstrated excellence in the practice of law. In addition, I’m a Million Dollar Forum member, which accepts only those trial attorneys who have obtained more than one million dollars for a client.
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