Sacramento Motorcycle Accidents

Sacramento, California’s capital city, has a population of over 501,000 and is crisscrossed by massive roadways including the 5, 80, and 99 freeways. The densely populated area, congested roads, and heavy commuting population mean motorcycles are a popular method of avoiding gridlock and getting around town. However, this convenience comes as a price when accidents occur, as catastrophic results usually follow for the rider involved.

Common Causes of Sacramento Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are more likely to be missed by drivers of larger vehicles, which results in many accidents. However, even though some accidents are honest mistakes many more result from dangerous driving behavior, poorly maintained roads, and heavy, congested roads occupied by a myriad of motor vehicles and large commercial trucks. Common causes of accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Improper, unsafe, or illegal lane changes
• Driving while intoxicated
• Failing to check side and rearview mirrors
• Left hand turns in front of an oncoming motorcyclist
• Vehicles exiting parking lots or smaller roads without checking for approaching motorcycles

For example, a motorcyclist was killed when the driver of a motor vehicle traveling at excessive speed rear ended his bike on Highway 50 at Latrobe Road.

Injuries Resulting from Sacramento Motorcycle Accidents

Sacramento motorcyclists are at greater risk for catastrophic or fatal injuries because of their bike’s smaller size relative to motor vehicles – even when taking proper safety precautions. Unfortunately, when involved in accidents it is common for victims to suffer fatal or catastrophic injuries including:

• Head injuries including traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and soft tissue injuries such as whiplash
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Internal organs damage
• Road rash
• Broken bones

These injuries can turn a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial life upside down for a lifetime – long-term treatment and exorbitant medical bills are often the result of Sacramento motorcycle accidents.

Winning a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Case

You deserve compensated for injuries inflicted by another person’s bad behavior. Sacramento motorcycle accident victims commonly begin seeking compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer for injuries sustained in their accident. A skilled attorney can handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf, conduct independent investigations to determine fault and your total damages, and negotiate to get the best offer settlement possible. If a fair settlement offer can’t be reached, you may need to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages from the responsible party.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Suits

Depending on your situation, you will file either a personal injury or a wrongful death lawsuit for damages. Though nothing will undo the trauma you’ve experienced or the loss you’ve suffered, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for personal injuries including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, lost future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and permanent disability.
If a Sacramento motorcycle accident resulted your loved one’s death, you may be compensated in wrongful death suit for financial harms you’ve suffered as a result of the death and the value of lost companionship, love, and support in the household. You may also be entitled to damages for funeral expenses or burial costs.

Steps to Take After a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident

Even though a Sacramento motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience, it’s important not to delay taking a few simple steps. Though it may seem overwhelming, a few actions can document your accident and greatly improve both your health and the strength of your claim for compensation.

• Call 911 and the Police – If you’re able, notify law enforcement and 911 immediately after the accident. Give a statement to police about what happened to help create an accident report – it can show their conclusion you weren’t at fault in the accident. It’s also a legal requirement to notify law enforcement if someone is injured or killed in an accident in California.
• Seek Medical Assistance as Soon as Possible – This is true even if you believe you weren’t hurt – some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, don’t present symptoms for days or weeks after an accident but can be fatal if left untreated. Follow all treatment plans, take medication as prescribed, and attend all scheduled appointments.
• Say as Little as Possible – Don’t admit fault, apologize, speculate if you aren’t sure of the answers to questions, minimize your injuries, say you weren’t hurt, or indicate that you’re “fine” or “okay.” Your words can be used against you to indicate you weren’t hurt or even that you are at fault for the accident. For this reason, it’s also advisable not to provide recorded statements to insurance companies without speaking to an attorney first.
• Keep Records of Your Damages – Keep copies of all medical records, receipts for expenses incurred such as prescription medication, paystubs showing lost wages, and any other document reflecting damages you sustained from your Sacramento motorcycle accident.
• Document the Accident – If possible, photograph the accident scene and get contact information from any eyewitnesses.
• Contact a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney – Discussing your case with an experienced attorney can help you understand your options, protect your legal rights, and navigate the process of recovery.

Speak to a Sacramento Motorcycle Attorney About Your Case

If you have been injured in or lost a loved one due to a Sacramento motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation for your unfortunate, avoidable injuries. It’s important you move quickly to preserve your rights and care for your health, but dealing with insurance companies and complex liability issues can be confusing and cause you more unnecessary headaches. Sacramento motorcycle attorney Alan Daneshrad has spent years handling these types of cases, representing victims like you, and recovering millions of dollars in compensation for their injuries. Let us give you peace of mind to focus on your physical and emotional recovery while we work diligently to present the strongest case for maximum financial recovery.
Our team at Daneshrad Law has the skill, knowledge, and resources to successfully litigate your Sacramento motorcycle personal injury or wrongful death claim and secure the best possible outcome for you from a bad situation. Let us review the facts of your case, answer your questions, and help you get started today – we offer a free, no obligation initial case review. Schedule yours today online or by calling (310) 858-3529 or (888) 881-3529.