Motorcyclist Accident on Interstate 5
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. A motorcycle rider went down for unknown reasons on August 21, 2018, while traveling in the fast lane along Interstate 5 in Sacramento, just south of the Pocket Road off-ramp. The motorcycle ended up in the center divider, and the accident resulted in major injuries for the rider. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), medics were called to the scene to assess the rider’s injuries and transported him or her to Kaiser South afterward for further evaluation and treatment. No additional information has yet been released on the condition of the rider or what caused the accident.
Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle accidents are especially dangerous because of the lack of protection afforded the rider, and the number of collisions is rising in Sacramento. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, motorcyclists die 27 times more often in a crash than those in a motor vehicle accident. However, certain actions can be taken by a rider to increase their safety. These include:
- Wear a helmet that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Lightweight with terrain absorption properties and impact resistance, an approved helmet can help protect against traumatic brain injury and damage to the face, which are among the most serious injuries suffered by riders.
- Take a motorcycle safety course. Many riders have never had any professional training but instead, learn to ride a motorcycle on their own or with the help of a friend. Motorcycle safety courses not only train riders in the proper use of a bike but offer information on what to do in emergency situations to avoid a collision and traumatic injury on a bike.
- Be cautious about riding near fixed objects. A high number of single motorcycle collisions involve colliding with a fixed object. They can include power and telephone poles, construction signs, road cones, trees, and fences.
- Always check a motorcycle before heading out on the road. Regular maintenance and checking for leaky tires and brakes before riding can help avoid a collision.
- Dress for safety. Motorcycle riders not only look good in leathers, but they also help prevent injuries if the motorcyclist crashes or is tossed from their bike.
- Stay within the speed limit. Some motorcycles can reach high speeds. While it may be tempting to see how fast a motorcycle can go, it is not only against the law but greatly increases the risk of an accident and resultant injuries and fatalities.
- Make yourself more visible after dark, during twilight or around dawn. This is the period when it is more difficult for a driver to see others along the roadway. Using reflective tape or LED lights can improve your visibility to other motorists.
- Don’t drink and ride a motorcycle. A major reason for single motorcycle accidents is drunk driving.
- Watch for road defects. Defects such as potholes, gravel, leaves, and upheavals in the pavement can cause a collision.
- Weather conditions affect a motorcyclist’s ability to stay safe on the road, so slow down or use another form of transportation.
Watch YouTube Video: Six of the Best Motorcycle Safety Tips. This video provides the top six safety tips for motorcyclists to help them avoid an accident.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. There are many things that motorcyclists can do to improve their safety on the road. However, some accidents cannot be avoided and are due to another driver’s or entity’s negligence. When that happens, you may be able to collect fair compensation for your injuries. For free and friendly advice, call me at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 elsewhere in Northern California. I also have an online contact form at my website, AutoAccident.com, that is easy and convenient to use.
For more than 36 years, I have worked as an injury lawyer representing Sacramento residents and those from other parts of Northern California in their accident cases. From traumatic brain injury to all types of car accidents, I have helped many individuals to obtain the compensation they need and deserve.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group of trial lawyers who hold the distinction of having won a settlement or verdict for a client in excess of one million dollars.
For information on some of our prior cases and to look over comments and reviews by former clients, please visit:
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos.com
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