Firefighter Killed in Motorcycle Accident in Lincoln, CA
I’m Ed Smith, a Lincoln motorcycle accident attorney. A firefighter from Placer County lost his life following a motorcycle crash sometime during the night when his bike went off the ramp along Highway 65 northbound at Lincoln Boulevard. According to the report, the accident was discovered around 6:00 in the morning by a passerby on July 13, when authorities were notified. I want to extend my prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of the firefighter who died in this tragic accident.
What Happened
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), medical personnel were called to the scene where the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead. It was a touching scene as Placer County Firefighters gathered at the site to pay their respects. Following the arrival of the CHP to investigate the accident, it only took about 20 minutes to determine that the deceased man was a firefighter. No further information has been released on the identity of the fallen man or why the accident occurred.
Watch YouTube Video – Off-Duty Firefighter Killed in Motorcycle Accident South of Lincoln.
Common Motorcycle Accident Causes
Although motorcycle riders are often aficionados and are dedicated to enjoying this type of transportation, it is one of the more dangerous ways to travel. This is because of the lack of protection afforded a rider in a collision such as that found with motor vehicles. Accidents involving motorcycles commonly cause serious injuries and fatalities. Following are some of the reasons a motorcycle rider crashes:
- Changing lanes: Drivers do not always check well before changing lanes, or a motorcycle rider may be riding in the car’s blind spot. In addition, drivers are less attuned to look for motorcycles when on the roads.
- Left turning vehicles: About 42 percent of motorcycle accidents are caused by motor vehicles making a left turn. While some collisions are with motorcycles that are in the next lane, others happen because the driver didn’t see the bike, is trying to beat the bike by turning in front of it and refusing to yield the right of way. Distraction can be one of the reasons a motorist does not spot an oncoming motorcycle.
- Opening car doors: This is a problem not only with motorcycles but with bicycle riders and pedestrians.
- Lane splitting: Since motorcycles can travel between the lanes of traffic in this state, it can result in an accident. This is because, in part, the vehicles are close together, and there is little room for error on the part of either the rider or driver.
- Animals on the road: It’s not unusual to see animals on the road, whether wild animals or domestic ones that have gotten lose from their owners. Because they are frightened by an approaching vehicle, they may jump into the path of a rider, causing a collision or loss of control.
- Speeding: Motor vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike may be speeding, which is a major cause of crashes. Going above the speed limit is especially dangerous when on an on ramp or off ramp or going around a curve.
- Drunk driving: Twenty-six percent of motorcycle crash fatalities in 2016 were caused by drunk driving.
- Hazards on the roadway: Motorcyclists are particularly susceptible to road hazards such as irregularities in the pavement, potholes, and debris. Because of the nature of hitting a road hazard while traveling at highway speeds, it is easy for an accident to happen.
Motorcycle Accidents and Wrongful Death
When a motorcycle rider has died because of negligence on the part of another individual or entity, the family may be entitled to file for wrongful death. Although it will not help with the grief felt by family and friends, it can assist the family to recover needed compensation to make that transition easier. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help by explaining to the family their rights and options in recovering fair compensation.
Lincoln Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Lincoln motorcycle accident attorney. When you or a family member is harmed in a motorcycle accident, you need the services of an experienced attorney. You can reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 in the Lincoln area and on my toll-free line at (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Lincoln and those in the wider Northern California area with all types of accidents, including traumatic brain injuries and wrongful death.
I belong to the nationwide forum of trial attorneys known as the Million Dollar Advocates. Members are limited to those lawyers who have won in excess of $1 million for a client.
You might want to know more about my practice. Look at the client and peer reviews and prior case resolutions on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_21466849_l-2015
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