Motorcycle Accident on I-5 Near Sutterville Exit Ramp
A motorcycle accident resulting in a major injury occurred in Sacramento on April 21 following a collision with a pickup truck. The crash happened along northbound Interstate 5 just south of the Sutterville Road exit ramp, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report, shortly before 5:00 in the afternoon. The motorcycle was found in the center divider, and a tow truck was required to remove the other vehicle, which was a 4WD Chevy Tahoe. Investigators with the CHP are examining the crash site to determine how the collision occurred. It was not reported to which hospital the motorcycle rider was transported.
Major Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle riders have only a small percentage of the protection afforded to those in motor vehicles. This is why a motorcycle accident can be so devastating. They often result in extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation, which leaves the rider out of work. When negligence by another is the cause of those injuries, a compensation claim can be placed with the help of an experienced lawyer to recover those costs. Although the rider still has to potentially face a long period of recuperation and rehabilitation, at least it is done knowing that they will not be facing financial stress. Some types of major injuries that are suffered in a motorcycle accident include:
- Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, involuntary spasms, trouble breathing, and other problems.
- Traumatic brain injuries range from concussion to serious trauma such as hemorrhage, coma or death. More severe TBIs can cause permanent disability, requiring constant care.
- Abdominal injuries include internal bleeding or organ damage. Emergency surgery is often required.
- Chest trauma can involve broken or bruised ribs or collarbone, a collapsed lung or even damage to the heart.
- Broken bones usually involve casting until the injury heals. More serious breaks such as a hip or pelvic fracture can require a much longer recovery period and surgery.
- Disfigurement or scarring can affect the way a person sees themself and cause depression, psychological trauma, and other emotional issues that require professional help to treat.
- Burns, depending on the degree, can require extensive hospitalization and leave the injured person with serious lifelong trauma.
Conducting an Accident Investigation
My office has extensive experience in conducting an investigation into a motorcycle accident. Our investigators head to the crash site to gather evidence to support our client’s claim. The following are among the areas of evidence collecting done by our investigators:
- Checking the police report for errors
- Interviewing witnesses to the motorcycle accident
- Performing accident reconstruction
- Looking for traffic surveillance cameras that captured the motorcycle accident on tape
- Checking for tire tread marks and debris that helps indicate how the accident happened and liability such as speeding, fatigue or distracted driving
- Looking for government negligence that could have contributed to the crash
Our lawyers use the gathered evidence to compile a strong case to benefit our client, whether in preparing to go to court or in negotiating with the insurer.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. Motorcyclists tend to frequently suffer severe injuries when involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle. If the driver of the vehicle was at fault, the motorcycle rider may place a claim for compensation. This can cover the cost of all the medical bills, pain and suffering, and wages from time lost at work. If you are interested in my free and friendly advice, please give me a call at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 outside the area code. An online form is available if you prefer to send me a message, and I will call you as soon as I am able.
I’ve successfully handled compensation cases involving many motorcycle accidents over my 38 years as an injury lawyer. In addition to all kinds of traffic collisions, I specialize in wrongful deaths and traumas, as well as others.
You can learn more about my practice using the following links:
It is an honor for me to be a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/motorcycle-road-speed-1827482/
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