Motorcycle Accident Near Laurelwood Way Results in Major Injury
A young motorcyclist suffered a major injury in a motorcycle crash in Carmichael on September 24. It was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that the accident occurred around 12:23 p.m. near Laurelwood Way and Mission Avenue when the rider’s sports motorcycle crashed into a wall. A caller phoned in the accident to the CHP and was with the rider at the time.
First Responders Assess Injured Motorcyclist
First responders with the Sacramento Fire Department reported that the young person had suffered a major injury to their leg. Emergency responders transported the patient to a nearby hospital for treatment and additional evaluation. The collision is under investigation by the CHP to determine how it occurred.
Motorcycle Crashes Often Result in a Major Injury
Motorcycles are less stable than vehicles with four wheels, and the riders are afforded less protection in a collision. Because of this, a major injury is common. Some injuries that may occur include:
- Road rash: This common injury may sound trivial to someone who isn’t experienced with riding a motorcycle, but that isn’t true. Severe road rash can remove the skin and damage underlying muscles and embed gravel and dirt in the wound. This can lead to serious infections and a long healing process. Severe cases of road rash can require skin grafting to repair.
- Leg injuries: Almost 30 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injuries to the feet and legs. Because the bike often falls with the rider still astride, it can cause fractures of the femur, taking a long time to heal. Serious lacerations are common also.
- Brain injuries: Although most motorcyclists wear government-approved helmets when riding that can help prevent serious head injuries, they can still occur. Brain injuries can cause life-long disability with a loss of cognitive function and personality changes. In the more traumatic cases, the individual may go into a coma and not recover or die from the collision.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord trauma can cause paralysis, with the extent depending on the location of the damage. An individual with permanent paralysis may require assistance in their daily life and extensive medical attention.
- Chest trauma: Damage to the ribs or sternum can occur from contact with the ground or another vehicle. Broken ribs can cause a punctured or collapsed lung.
Answering Your Motorcycle Accident Questions
My office has handled so many motorcycle accident claims that I wrote a helpful booklet that answers many of the questions that riders have. It’s called the California Motorcycle Accident Handbook and is free to read online or can be downloaded to your Kindle for a small fee.
Investigation of a Motorcycle Accident
Investigators with my firm go out to gather the evidence to support a client’s claim. They examine the bike for any mechanical defects that could have led to the major injury accident. In cases of this type, a product liability claim may be placed against the manufacturer and others. The investigators also examine the roadway and surrounding area for government negligence that could have caused the crash.
The police report is reviewed for mistakes, and witnesses are interviewed because they may be able to corroborate how the collision occurred. Traffic surveillance cameras are looked for because they may have filmed the crash. In addition, accident reconstruction is performed. By compiling strong evidence, the injured person has a good case for compensation, whether from the insurance company or in court.
Carmichael Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Carmichael motorcycle accident lawyer. Motorcycle crashes frequently result in a major injury, and if negligence was the cause, I might be able to help. Give me a phone call for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 in the Carmichael area or (800) 404-5400. You can also message me online.
Look over the links below to find information about my firm and how we have helped others:
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I’ve helped Carmichael residents since 1982 in obtaining the compensation they deserve for their traffic collisions, traumas such as brain injuries, and wrongful death.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/motorcycle-road-lake-travel-4016329/
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