Watt Avenue in Sacramento Site of Motorcycle Crash
A motorcyclist was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle in Sacramento on October 14 that resulted in a major injury to the rider. The accident happened around 5:24 p.m. on northbound Watt Avenue just north of Alta Arden Expressway. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report, the motorcycle was blocking traffic in the number one lane while emergency personnel with the Sacramento Fire Department assessed the rider’s injuries.
Major Injury Suffered in the Accident
After determining that the rider had suffered serious injuries, they transported the patient to a hospital for treatment and additional assessment. No information was provided on the vehicle that was involved in the major injury crash. An investigation is being conducted by the CHP to find out how the accident happened.
Major Injury in a Motorcycle Crash
Since motorcyclists lack the enclosed protection afforded to other motorists, the risk of serious injuries is higher. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcycle riders are five times more likely to be seriously injured in a crash. They also have a 26 times greater risk of suffering a fatal injury. This risk potential leads to approximately 100,000 injuries and about 6,000 deaths annually. Some of the severe injuries motorcyclists suffer are:
- Spinal cord injury: A major injury to the spinal cord often leads to total or partial paralysis, resulting in lifelong disability.
- Traumatic brain injury: TBIs are common in motorcycle accidents and account for 54 percent of the fatalities. The use of a helmet reduces that risk substantially, yet, many motorcyclists avoid wearing this form of protection. Such injuries can require lengthy hospitalizations and surgical intervention.
- Internal injuries: Impact due to a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs and subsequent bleeding. It can be caused by a blunt force or a penetrating blow from a sharp object. This type of injury usually requires hospitalization and possible surgery to prevent a fatal outcome.
- Fractures: Fractures are common due to a motorcycle accident, and this major injury can require surgery. The lower extremities are the most frequently involved, followed by the arms and wrists. Other common fractures are to the femur and shoulder.
- Road rash: When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, they often develop road rash. This may sound like a minor injury, but it is not. Infection is a number one complication, and riders must be treated appropriately.
Motorcycle Accident with Major Injury Investigation
Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons. However, a collision caused by a negligent motorist is common and often results in a major injury. Our investigators are experienced in rooting out the real reason an accident occurred. Among the areas that are investigated are:
- The motorcycle is examined to see if a mechanical defect led to the crash.
- The police report is checked for errors and witnesses are interviewed.
- The investigators perform an accident reconstruction of the major injury crash. This can illustrate how the collision happened and point to negligence by the driver of the motor vehicle.
- Signs that government negligence caused the accident are sought. They may include objects in the road such as gravel, potholes, and others that could have caused a motorcyclist major injury.
- Film footage from nearby traffic, road and business cameras can provide conclusive evidence of how an accident occurred. It is often used by insurance companies and in court cases.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. I can be reached for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or through the long-distance line at (800) 404-5400. You can also leave me a message online.
Find out more about my law practice below:
I’ve helped Sacramentans since 1982 to get the compensation they deserve in wrongful deaths, traffic accidents and serious injuries as well as other types of claims.
It is an honor for me to belong to:
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