Sacramento Motorcycle Crash – A motorcycle crash with a semi along Power Inn Road occurred recently. With the aid of good Samaritans, the rider was helped off the roadway out of harm’s way. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the motorcyclist suffered minor injuries in the collision. However, medical personnel was summoned to provide assistance and to further assess the rider’s injuries. It is unknown at this time whether the motorcyclist required additional care at a medical facility.
Sacramento Motorcycle Crash Details
The collision happened shortly before 9:00 in the evening near Florin Road. The CHP is investigating the crash to determine fault. No injuries to the driver of the semi were reported. It is unknown at this time whether drugs or alcohol was involved in the crash.
Dangers of a Motorcycle Crash With a Semi
The weight on an average motorcycle is roughly 1,000 pounds. On the other hand, a truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The difference between the two vehicles can have an enormous impact in a collision. Not only is it difficult for a trucker to see around his or her big rig, but stopping and steering are more complicated.
Things You Can Do to Avoid a Sacramento Motorcycle Crash
There are ways a motorcyclist can stay safe when sharing the road with a semi. They include:
- Stay a distance from the rear of the semi – (If you cannot visualize both side mirrors you are too close) – for several reasons:
- The larger vehicle can kick up debris on the road, including rocks. The debris can hit the motorcyclists and cause them to have a crash.
- Tractor trailers can lose their cargo, resulting in a devastating experience for the biker.
- Hugging close to a big rig in the rear can limit the biker’s view of the road. This means that debris on the pavement or potholes will not be recognized until it is too late.
- Stay out of the truck’s no zones: No zones are areas that are a trucker’s blind spots, and riding in them can cause a crash. The truck’s no zones include:
- Areas in front of and behind the semi are outside the driver’s viewing area. This is due to the height of the front hood and trailer. This visual problem is one reason a smaller vehicle should avoid cutting in front of a truck until the driver/biker can see the truck’s windshield in its entirety.
- The right side of the truck is the largest no zone. Never pass a truck on the right.
- The left side of the truck has a smaller no zone. However, the risk here is that a trucker may try to move into the left lane to pass another vehicle or make a turn. To avoid a crash, stick to the far side of the left lane and check to make sure you have room to get out of the truck’s way. Try to pass the truck as quickly as the speed limit and traffic allows. Don’t pace the truck.
- Large trucks create turbulence. This can affect you when you are passing a semi by drawing you into the truck. Steer away from this as you pass.
Injuries in a Motorcycle Crash With a Truck
The injuries found in an accident between a motorcycle and a semi are often serious. Some examples are:
- Death: Due to the size of both vehicles and the unprotected status of the motorcyclist, it is easy to understand how motorcyclists are often killed in such accidents.
- Traumatic head injury: Often a motorcyclist is thrown off his or her bike. If the individual is not wearing a helmet, the chances of brain injury are great.
- Broken bones: The impact of a crash and subsequently hitting the pavement often cause serious fractures.
- Paralysis: The motorcyclist in an accident with a semi-truck often faces grave spinal cord injury, ending in total or partial paralysis.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. If you are injured in a motorcycle crash with a semi or other vehicle type, you need the insight of an experienced injury lawyer to obtain the compensation you need. Reach out to me at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area and (800) 404-5400 nationwide. You can also reach me online using our convenient contact us page.
I’ve helped many Sacramento residents with all types of car accidents, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death cases.
I am a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates.
When you need a lawyer, you should learn as much as you can about his or her practice. Read reviews from my peers and prior clients as well as learn how I resolved previous cases for clients on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/motorcycle-highway-riding-1791974/
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