Fairfield Motorcycle Crash Injures Several People on HWY 12
Several people were injured in a crash between a motorcyclist and a motor vehicle along Highway 12 on November 6.
I would like to extend my sympathy to those involved in the accident and to their families and friends with the wish for their speedy recovery.
What Happened?
The crash occurred shortly after 9:00 in the morning when 63-year-old Kevin Sullivan, a Sonoma resident, was riding his Harley-Davidson east along the highway at around 35 mph, according to a representative of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). A 47-year-old Sacramento resident driving a Chevrolet, Faycal Birem, went into the intersection at Red Top Road and turned left into Sullivan’s path. The motorcyclist tried to stop but failed to and crashed into the back of the Chevrolet. The impact of the collision threw the motorcyclist into the car’s side where he suffered head injuries and injuries to one leg. The Chevy driver suffered injuries described as minor from the crash. The CHP is asking that those with information regarding the accident to phone their Solano office or dial the toll-free number.
Intersection Accidents
This type of accident is common with motorcycle riders. Whether it is caused by distraction, inattention or misjudging the speed of a motorcycle, drivers of motor vehicles frequently attempt to make a left turn in front of a rider. A motorcycle rider does not always have a chance to take evasive action when a vehicle turns. Watching for cars waiting in turn lanes, slowing down at intersections and noting vehicles next to or behind the bike can help.
Many motorcycle collisions occur when another motorist does not see the motorcyclist, or when the motorcyclist’s vision is blocked. Follow this link for more information about the importance of being visible on a motorcycle.
Fairfield Motorcycle Crash Statistics – Solano County
Forty-one motorcycle accident injuries and deaths were reported by the California Office of Traffic Safety in Fairfield in 2014, the latest report for these types of traffic incidents. Eight hundred fatalities and injuries were reported that year for all types of motor vehicle accidents, which included motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Across the county, there were 107 injuries or deaths of motorcycle riders out of a total of 2,550.
National Accident Statistics for Motorcyclists
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 5,000 fatalities occurred to motorcyclists in 2015. This represents a jump of 9 percent over the previous year. The injury rate for motorcyclists in 2015 was approximately 88,000 nationwide.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
A study performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed what types of injuries are most common in a motorcycle accident after studying over 1 million injuries treated in emergency rooms around the country. Thirty percent of injuries were to feet and legs. Twenty-two percent were head injuries and neck injuries, followed by back, shoulder and upper extremity injuries. According to the CDC, wearing a helmet lowers the risk of a motorcyclist’s death by about 37 percent. More severe injuries can include brain injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and road rash. When an accident to a motorcyclist has been caused by a negligent driver, consulting with a lawyer who is experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases can be helpful. The lawyer can explain what options are open to recovering fair compensation to pay medical bills, for time lost from work and other expenses associated with the crash.
Related Articles by Fairfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney – Ed Smith:
- Treating Road Rash
- Vacaville Man Passes Away in Fairfield Motorcycle Crash
- The Rights of Motorcycle Riders Involved in Accidents
Fairfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Fairfield motorcycle accident attorney. Motorcycle accidents cause devastating injuries that can lead to a long recuperative period. When someone dies due to a motorcycle accident it adversely impacts the entire family. For free, friendly advice if the driver of a motor vehicle has caused your injury or you have lost a loved one through negligence, phone me at (707) 564-1900. Outside the area, call (800) 404-5400.
AutoAccident.com is my website. I have worked as an injury lawyer since 1982, protecting the rights and obtaining reasonable compensation for residents of Fairfield and surrounding Solano County for their traumatic injuries and in cases of wrongful death.
Visit Settlements and Verdicts to see previous cases. Client comments are found at:
Trial lawyers with membership at the Million Dollar Advocates have secured either verdicts or settlements of $1 million in compensation for clients.
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