Motorcyclists Injured in Santa Barbara County Crash
I’m Ed Smith, a Santa Barbara personal injury lawyer. A Highway 101 crash near Gaviota on May 27 between two motorcycles and another vehicle injured both bikers. The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident.
I want to take this time to extend my prayers and sympathy to the two men who were injured and their families with the hope that they will recover completely.
What Happened?
A representative of the California Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred in the late afternoon a few minutes before 6:00 p.m. along the freeway northbound when the motorcyclists crashed with a van. The fire captain of the county fire department in Santa Barbara reported that one of the bikers suffered injuries that were moderate, and the other had minor injuries. Both of the motorcyclists were taken to a Santa Barbara hospital for treatment. No other details are available at the time of this report.
Incidence of Motorcycle Crashes
There was an upswing in motorcycle accidents nationwide in 2015, which resulted in 4,976 casualties, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported by the Insurance Information Institute. This represented an 8.3 percent increase. However, the number of motorcyclists injured dropped 4.3 percent to 88,000. Because of their vulnerability versus motor vehicle drivers, motorcyclists involved in accidents have a death rate 29 times higher than someone in a motor vehicle. In addition, injuries are five times more likely to occur. Wearing a helmet at the time of a crash may affect survival odds, since 40 percent of the motorcyclists who die are not wearing one at the time of their fatal accident.
Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
The NHTSA reports that injuries to lower extremities are the most common in motorcycle accidents with upper extremity injuries second. They are followed by head injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, chest trauma and spinal damage resulting in severe spinal cord injuries, ruptured discs or nerve compression. As a result, the injured person may become unable to work in addition to facing medical bills, rehabilitation and other medical costs. Even when released from the hospital, they may require home care and help with daily chores.
Choosing an Experienced Attorney
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help by investigating the accident, gathering all necessary documentation and employing expert witnesses to establish a strong case in court. Recovering fair compensation for the injury and associated expenses can help the injured person and his or her family to go on with their lives without the added stress of financial worry.
Attorney Ed Smith
Santa Barbara Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Santa Barbara personal injury lawyer. Ifyou, or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please call me locally at (805) 372-0200 for friendly advice that is free. For those calling long distance, just dial (800) 404-5400.
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