Motorcyclist Killed in Elk Grove Traffic Accident
An Elk Grove motorcyclist fatality happened on November 18 in the late evening hours when a head-on collision occurred along Waterman Road. The motorcycle rider, age 29, suffered life-threatening injuries and was declared dead at the accident site by emergency medical personnel who had arrived at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that struck the man was also transported to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure, according to a representative of the Elk Grove Police Department. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased man in their time of grief.
Elk Grove Motorcyclist Fatality Details
The crash occurred shortly before 10:00 at night close to Sheldon Road. The driver of a Toyota SUV was reported as traveling north along Waterman Road as the motorcycle rider was going southbound and the collision occurred. The impact of the crash caused the motorcycle rider to be ejected from his bike. The identity of the deceased motorcycle rider will not be released by the coroner’s office until family members have been notified. The SUV driver remained at the scene of the collision and was reported as cooperating with the police. The Elk Grove Police Department is requesting that anyone who saw the accident call the traffic bureau with that information at 916-478-8148.
Head-On Collision: Incidence and Cause
Overall, less than 2 percent of all accidents are head-on collisions, yet they account for more than 10 percent of all accidental deaths. The high death rate seen with head-on collisions occurs because the vehicles, traveling in opposite directions, create a momentum that adds to the force of the impact. Head-on collisions happen due to a variety of reasons, the most common of which are:
- Confusion: Many times a driver mistakenly chooses the wrong path, heading in the direction of opposing traffic, capable of causing an Elk Grove motorcyclist fatality. This often happens at crossroads or intersections where many lanes are intersecting or on the entrance and exit ramps.
- Lack of signage: In areas where lanes intersect, such as four-way stops or on roundabouts, signage directing traffic may be unclear, absent, or poorly lighted. This causes the driver to choose the wrong lane and possibly causes an Elk Grove motorcyclist fatality.
- Impaired driving: On many occasions, one driver in a two-vehicle head-on collision is impaired by alcohol or drugs. This leads to poor cognitive abilities, hampering the driver’s capability of choosing the correct direction.
- Aggressive driving: Some drivers in a hurry to arrive at their destination pass slower-moving vehicles on a two-lane roadway. This can cause a head-on collision when there is an insufficient distance between another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Many times this happens on curved roads since the passing vehicle is unable to see another car or truck coming toward them.
- Distracted driving: Some head-on collisions happen because the offending vehicle drifts into an opposing lane of traffic due to a driver’s distraction. For instance, playing with the radio or lighting a cigarette can take the driver’s eyes off the road just long enough for this to happen.
- Falling asleep: Many drivers operate a motor vehicle when they are fatigued. It is easy to fall asleep while driving, and even a moment of nodding off can allow a vehicle to drift into traffic coming from the opposite direction.
- Losing control of a vehicle: A driver can lose control of their vehicle due to speeding, brake failure, or inclement weather. When this happens, it can result in a head-on collision.
Injuries Commonly Found in a Head-On Collision
Some injuries are common in a head-on collision:
- Traumatic brain injuries: This can result in a range of injuries to the brain including concussion or bleeding on the brain.
- Spinal cord injuries: The sheer force of a head-on collision can cause devastating injury to the spinal cord, which may result in total or partial paralysis.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in car accidents. Due to the power of a head-on crash, more severe fractures such as that of the pelvis or femur, the large thigh bone, may occur. Both result in long-term convalescence.
- Wrongful death: Head-on collisions have a high incidence of death associated with them. When one vehicle is a motorcycle, with its low amount of protective elements, a motorcyclist fatality can occur.
Elk Grove Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove motorcycle accident attorney. If you lost a family member or were injured in a head-on collision with a negligent driver, you have the right to be compensated for your loss and may need the insight an experienced injury attorney can offer. Call me at (916) 694-0002 in Elk Grove and (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. If it’s easier for you to contact me online, go to my contact us form on my website AutoAccident.com, which I founded and operate.
I’ve helped the residents of Elk Grove in all types of car accidents, pedestrian injuries, wrongful deaths, car accidents, and truck accidents.
I am proud to belong to the Million Dollar Advocates. This is a nationwide forum of trial lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client.
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Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_70957607_l-2015
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