Motorcyclist Injured in Crash on Highway 50
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. A crash occurred between a motor vehicle and motorcycle on March 31 in Sacramento, causing an injury. The motorcycle rider was taken to a local hospital for treatment. No information has yet been released on the extent of injuries sustained by the rider.
We would like to send our healing thoughts to the injured rider of the motorcycle accident during their time of recovery.
What Happened
The crash occurred at about 2:21 in the afternoon along westbound Highway 50 at the number 15 South connector to Rancho Cordova at Mather Field Road between a white SUV and a motorcycle. A report released by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that the motorcycle rider was stuck underneath the SUV and emergency crews were summoned to extricate him. Gasoline was reported as leaking from the vehicle. Two lanes of Highway 50 were blocked due to the accident.
Accident Injuries
The motorcycle rider was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center for treatment. As of the time of this report, no information has been released about the identities of those involved in the crash. CHP officials indicated that there were no injuries reported by the driver of the SUV.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can sometimes turn deadly, particularly at highway speeds. In 2016, 4,976 motorcyclists were killed in the United States. This means that 13 percent of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involved motorcycles. This number has increased since 2008. In 2015, the last year for which data is available, there were 200 individuals who were injured or killed in motorcycle accidents in Sacramento. This places the city at 9th among 15 other cities in the state of a similar size.
Characteristics of Motorcycle Accidents
Twenty-seven percent of all motorcyclists involved in accidents were unlicensed in 2016. This exceeds the number of unlicensed car drivers by 11 percent. Single vehicle crashes (40 percent) were less common than multiple vehicle crashes (60 percent).
Age and Motorcycle Accidents
The age of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents has increased over the years. In 2016, 36 percent of motorcyclists killed were over 50 while in 1997 it was 13 percent. The opposite is true for younger riders. In 1985, 80 percent of those who died in a motorcycle crash were younger than 30. In 2016, only 29 percent were 30 or younger.
Serious Injuries Among Older Motorcyclists
Factors that help explain this are the vulnerability of older riders to serious injuries and their choice of bigger motorcycles that have a tendency to overturn. Among younger riders who choose sporty models capable of faster speeds, fatalities are four times more than other bikers in that age range.
Incidence of Motorcycle Deaths by Season
It is no surprise that more motorcycle deaths occur in warmer weather with fatalities peaking in July. Fifty-eight percent of motorcyclists are killed between the months of May through September. The lowest number are in January. The season for motorcycle accidents in states such as California is extended due to longer periods of pleasant weather.
Alcohol Use and Fatalities
Alcohol use in fatal and non-fatal crashes is a common factor. In 2016, of all bikers who were killed in motorcycle accidents, 26 percent had blood alcohol concentrations at or above 0.08 percent. The number in single-vehicle crashes was higher at 37 percent.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. Due to their lack of physical protection, motorcycle accidents can be deadly. If you have lost a family member or if you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may need legal assistance to recover damages. You may reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. You can use my contact form at AutoAccident.com if you wish. I’ll always give you free and friendly advice.
I’ve assisted residents of Sacramento and the surrounding area for 36 years in all types of motor vehicle crashes and injuries such as brain trauma and in wrongful death claims.
You can learn more about my practice at:
Go to my settlements and verdicts page to see how I have resolved other cases over the years.
I’ve been inducted into the Million Dollar Forum since I have won and negotiated client cases of $1 million.
Photo Attribution: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-riding-on-scooter-motorcycle-585566/
:cd ds [cs 746] cv