Traffic Slowdown Leads to Motorcycle Crash on El Camino Avenue
A traffic slowdown may have contributed to a motorcycle crash into a vehicle on July 23 in Sacramento. The accident occurred shortly after 10:30 in the morning on eastbound El Camino Avenue near Princeton Street. First responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived to discover a damaged motorcycle in the road and a debris field, which was strewn across all the traffic lanes. Several vehicles were damaged as well.
How the Motorcycle Crash Happened
The driver involved in the accident stated that a semi was backing up onto El Camino Avenue from a business, which caused vehicles to make a rapid stop. The driver said they checked their mirror and saw a female, who had been riding double on the motorcycle, fall off the car, and the other rider fly by the window. The female, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was found sitting at the curb, holding two helmets.
No Injuries Reported in Accident
The female passenger on the motorcycle was reported as alert, awake, and uninjured. The motorcycle operator fled from the scene before first responders arrived. Traffic moving eastbound experienced a delay while the motorcycle crash site was cleared.
Seeking Medical Care
Immediately after an accident, due to the rapid flow of adrenaline, many people feel no pain. This is consistent with the flight or fight response all humans share. However, with time, the adrenaline begins to decrease, and symptoms that were not evident earlier begin to appear. This is why no one should refuse medical treatment or evaluation after being involved in a crash. Some injuries, such as bleeding into the abdominal cavity, are severe and could be life-threatening if left untreated.
Documentation Is Vital to Cover Medical Costs
The insurance company uses a protocol to decide which claims it will pay and which ones it will deny. One aspect of their decision-making process centers on whether the person provides medical documentation showing that their injuries were linked to the accident. Although our firm uses negotiations with the insurer to obtain damages, medical confirmation of injuries helps move the process along in a timely manner.
Motorcycle Accidents on a Busy Roadway
The number of motorcycle accidents increases when traffic is heavy. Due to the number of vehicles on the road today, this occurs frequently, especially during rush hour. In stop and go traffic, slowdowns are common and lead to many rear-end accidents. If the driver/rider to the rear is proceeding at a higher than the indicated speed limit and is not allowing sufficient space between vehicles, accidents happen more often. Experts recommend that all drivers slow down to accommodate traffic and leave a safe distance between vehicles.
Types of Injuries in a Motorcycle Crash
Due to the lack of protection afforded to motorcyclists, serious injuries are common. Some of the most frequently seen injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injury: This injury can be life-threatening. Although helmet use decreases the number of fatalities, a TBI can result in significant life changes.
- Spinal cord injury: When a motorcyclist is thrown from his or her bike, the risk of incurring a spinal cord injury is high. This type of injury can involve either partial or total paralysis. If the injury affects the spinal cord in the cervical (neck) area, the injured party may suffer lifelong paralysis and require permanent medical care.
- Fractures: Broken bones, especially in the lower extremities, are common. Some heal with the placement of a cast, however, others such as a broken pelvis require surgery to prepare the bone for healing.
- Internal Injuries: Being thrown from a motorcycle can result in injury to the internal organs. If the gastrointestinal organs are involved, an infection might result.
Investigating a Motorcycle Accident
Our firm knows that the successful conclusion of a case rests on the evidence. That is why we send our investigators to the scene of the crash. We look for pavement marks that can show the speed at which the vehicle was traveling and whether the driver tried to stop. Our investigators also question witnesses and obtain video from traffic lights or cell phones that show the accident in real-time. We also review police reports that are used in insurance company negotiations or in court for mistakes. Once all evidence is acquired, our lawyers use it to build a strong case for our clients.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Call me for my free and friendly advice if you were injured by negligence. I can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or through the toll-free number at (800) 404-5400. An online contact form is available also.
I belong to the Top 1 Percent as well as the Million Dollar Forum.
I’ve worked as a personal injury lawyer since 1982, helping Sacramentans and other Northern Californians obtain compensation for serious injuries, traffic crashes, and wrongful deaths.
Learn more about my firm by going to:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/motorcycle-getaway-road-trip-road-4187586/
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