Accident at 47th Street Occurs When Motorcyclist Collides With Fence
A major injury occurred in a single motorcycle accident in Sacramento on January 20. The accident happened when a motorcyclist, for unknown reasons, went off the road at 47th Street and Underwood Way at about 7:36 a.m. and struck a fence. Upon the arrival of first responders with the Sacramento Fire Department, it was determined that rider had suffered major injuries.
Motorcyclist Taken to Hospital in South Sacramento With Major Injuries
The patient was transferred to Kaiser South Sacramento Medical Center prior to the arrival of police. The motorcycle was towed. No additional information has been released about the rider or the cause of the collision. However, it is under investigation to determine what occurred.
Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents
There are many reasons a motorcyclist is in an accident. However, some are more common than others. Let’s look at the most frequent reasons a motorcycle accident happens:
- Rider error: On some occasions, the motorcyclist is responsible for the accident. Reasons for this include riding while inebriated, talking on a cell phone, or not paying attention to the road ahead.
- Road defects: Unlike passenger vehicle drivers, the rider of a motorcycle is at higher risk of a major injury in a collision because their vehicle has only two wheels and is more unstable. This is especially true when road issues are involved. This includes potholes, road upheavals, gravel or soft dirt, or even leaves. All of these things can cause a motorcyclist to lose balance, skid across the road, and hit another vehicle or stationary object.
- Obstacles in the road: This includes debris in the road dropped by other vehicles or an accident, animals, or trash. As the driver is trying to maneuver around the obstacle, the motorcycle may become unstable, or the rider may crash into another vehicle, causing a major injury. It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the government agency in charge of road maintenance to remove these objects within a short period of time. If this is not done, the injured motorcyclist can make a claim against the government agency in charge.
- Negligent drivers: Motor vehicle drivers who are negligent or reckless are responsible for many motorcycle accidents that lead to a major injury. Due to the weight and size differential, a motorcyclist is at the mercy of such drivers.
- Motorcycle defects: Manufacturer negligence is often responsible for a major injury to a motorcyclist. This can involve defective tires, brakes, or steering control. When this happens, an injury attorney is able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. In California, due to the rule of strict liability, the manufacturer is responsible for defects as long as the vehicle was used as it was intended without alteration.
Major Injury in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle riders can be injured easily in an accident with a passenger vehicle or due to other outside influences. Some types of major injuries suffered by a motorcyclist are:
- Traumatic brain injury: When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, it is all too easy to strike their head on the pavement. Despite wearing a helmet, there is a high risk of traumatic brain injury, which is capable of causing lifelong disability.
- Fractures: Without the protection that a motor vehicle provides, a motorcyclist often incurs serious fractures. For example, a major injury such as a fractured pelvis or femur fracture often requires surgery and a long period of recuperation and rehabilitation.
- Abdominal injuries: Trauma to the abdomen during an accident can lead to organ damage and internal bleeding. This is a very dangerous situation and one that needs immediate medical and surgical intervention.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys
My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento personal injury attorney. A major injury in a motorcycle accident can result in long hospitalization, high medical costs, and loss of wages, along with considerable pain and suffering. If that has happened to you, call me for my free and friendly advice. You can reach me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach me online if that is easier for you.
I’ve helped numerous Sacramentans receive the compensation they deserve in motorcycle accidents, all types of car crashes, and wrongful deaths since 1982.
Learn more about my firm at:
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