Accident on I-80 Possibly Caused by Road Debris Injures Motorcyclist
A motorcycle crash occurred in Sacramento along westbound I-80 on August 24 that may have been caused by debris in the roadway. The accident was reported around 12:20 in the afternoon just west of Madison Avenue. The motorcycle went down in lane one and ended up in the center divider, according to the police report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Further Information About the Motorcycle Crash
Police speculate that the rider possibly hit something, which led to the bike going down. Police reported debris on the freeway for the previous mile. Drivers in a number of vehicles pulled over to try and help, and emergency responders with the Sacramento Fire Department arrived at the scene. In addition, a tow truck was called to retrieve the motorcycle.
Rider Injured in Motorcycle Accident
It was reported that the rider had road rash all over. It is unknown what hospital that person was taken to for further evaluation. The CHP is conducting an investigation to determine what led to the motorcycle crash.
Motorcycle Accidents Involving Road Rash
Many people do not realize that road rash can be a serious injury. It is serious enough to be separated into three different categories. When an accident occurs at higher speeds, even the use of a leather jacket, pants, and boots may not be enough to protect the rider from serious injuries. The different categories of road rash include:
- First-degree road rash: These are minor injuries that look like carpet burn or sunburn. The skin isn’t broken, and scrapes may be apparent. However, seeing a doctor is advised after any type of accident because not all injuries appear right away.
- Second-degree road rash: This is a road rash where the skin has been broken. The danger is because road debris such as glass, rocks, and dirt can embed in the skin. This can lead to a serious infection. Medical treatment right away can help the rider avoid or reduce scarring from the motorcycle crash injury.
- Third-degree road rash: The most serious category of road rash, a third-degree removes all the layers of skin so muscle, tissue, fat and even bone are exposed. Blood may be pouring from the wound, and dirt and other materials may be deeply lodged. This type of injury requires emergency medical care to clean the wound and prevent infection. Third-degree road rash commonly results in permanent scarring.
When road rash causes a major injury and negligence was the cause, the motorcycle rider may be able to recover damages with the aid of an experienced personal injury lawyer. I have handled so many motorcycle accident claims over the years, I even wrote a book about it called The California Motorcycle Accident Handbook. You can read it online or download it for free.
Liability in a Motorcycle Accident
The government entity in charge of road maintenance is responsible for ensuring that roadways are clear of debris and other hazards. When they fail in that duty, they can be held responsible. However, the statute of limitations for a government claim is much shorter. This makes it important to contact an experienced lawyer right away to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Investigating a Motorcycle Crash
An investigation into an accident is important, too, in order to collect the evidence needed to support a claim. Some of the areas of investigation include:
- Reviewing the police report for errors and talking to the witnesses
- Checking the motorcycle for parts defects that might have led to the accident
- Performing accident reconstruction
- Checking for traffic surveillance cameras to see if any of them caught the accident on tape
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. Help is nearby when you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash. If a negligent motorist or other entity caused your injuries, call (916) 921-6400 for my free and friendly advice. Our toll-free number is (800) 404-5400, and we also offer an online contact form.
It is an honor for me to be a member of:
At the following links, you can learn more about my law firm:
I’m honored to have helped many Sacramentans get fair compensation for their accident injuries since 1982, for motorcycle crashes, traffic accidents, and in cases resulting in wrongful death.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/biker-motorcycle-ride-vehicle-407123/
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