Lincoln Highway Collision Causes Injuries in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. An early afternoon collision on August 9 between a motor vehicle and motorcycle resulted in unknown injuries to one or more individuals along Lincoln Highway. It is unknown what precipitated the crash. However, it is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as to cause and to place fault. No information has been released on the identities or medical conditions of those involved in the collision.
What Happened
The collision happened shortly after 1:00 p.m. along U.S. Route 50/Lincoln Highway where it intersects with Highway 5 when a Nissan and motorcycle were involved in an accident. Paramedics responding to the accident scene reported that minor injuries were suffered in the crash. A section of the highway was closed while the collision site was cleared, and the investigation took place.
Motorcycle Safety
Although many Californians enjoy riding their motorcycles for transportation and pleasure, they are much more dangerous than motor vehicles, as shown by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. According to a study conducted by the IIHS, motorcyclists who were involved in accidents in 2015 died at a rate 29 percent higher than those who crashed in a motor vehicle. In addition, while the rate of deaths for those in motor vehicles has increased somewhat in recent years, the number of motorcyclist fatalities hasn’t improved much.
Why Motorcycle Riders Are at Risk
While passenger cars and trucks have the added protection of being surrounded by metal and with protective devices added such as seat belts and air bags, motorcycle riders are not afforded these protections. In addition, other factors increase the risk for a motorcycle rider, including:
- A high number of motorcycle riders are unlicensed.
- Motorcycles are less visible on the road, and a frequent comment by drivers following an accident is that they didn’t see the Motorcyclist.
- California permits lane splitting of motorcycles, which is sometimes practiced by a rider in an unsafe manner.
- The rider may be on a motorcycle that isn’t suited for that individual.
- A motorcycle may have more power than the rider can handle.
- The rider may not have taken advantage of training courses that include how to perform evasive maneuvers in an emergency.
- Alcohol or drug impairment may affect a motorcyclist’s ability to ride safely.
- A rider may be speeding, which is dangerous with any vehicle but can be lethal with a motorcycle rider.
- A rider may be using an unapproved motorcycle helmet, which increases the risk of traumatic brain damage and death in a collision.
- The motorcycle rider may be riding a dark-colored bike that is harder to spot by motorists, and the rider may not have conspicuous clothing.
Ways That Motorcycle Riders Can Improve Their Risk Factor
Although some accidents are inevitable, there are things a motorcycle rider can do to improve their safety on the road. These include:
- Never ride in a motorist’s blind spot or assume that a driver can see you.
- Stay alert at all times to possible dangers. Watch for vehicles at stop signs or traffic lights with a car’s wheels turned, even if the driver hasn’t turned on the signal.
- Never drink and drive or use drugs before riding. It reduces the ability to react quickly, affects judgment and impairs vision.
- Pay attention to not only what is in front of you but behind you. A speeder can be especially dangerous, so prepare to move out of the way if necessary.
- Wear brightly colored clothing, and check stats on which motorcycles are the most dangerous before choosing one.
- Watch for potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel and road debris to avoid it.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. Negligent motorists cause injuries to motorcycle riders frequently, which can result in medical bills and lost time from work. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help recover the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured or your loved one has, please call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice for your situation.
As a Million Dollar Forum member, I join a nationwide forum composed of trial lawyers who have won a verdict or negotiated a settlement for more than $1 million for a client.
You can look over some of our prior cases and reviews by previous clients on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/highway-jam-traffic-pkw-autos-1761825/
:cd llo [cs 748] cv