Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney

motorcycle

In California, motorcyclists enjoy various benefits from excellent fuel economy and iconic motorcycle routes to a scenic view and ideal weather year-round. The unfortunate reality for motorcyclists riding in Sacramento and throughout the Golden State is that it comes with significant risks. Motorcyclists who suffer injuries in crashes through no fault of their own may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses. This may be accomplished by filing a claim for damages against negligent parties with the assistance of a knowledgeable California motorcycle accident attorney.

Our legal team at AutoAccident.com represents injured bikers and surviving family members to ensure their rights and futures are protected. Call our skilled Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers today to discuss your case and receive free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

Since 1982, our law firm has represented injured motorcyclists and families of decedents since 1982. When you contact us for assistance with your case, we are prepared to seek justice and full financial recovery on your behalf. Our legal team is here to support you through this challenging time and help you rebuild your life after a traumatic crash. Contact our law office today to get started with a free consultation with a skilled and compassionate Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. Our firm operates on contingency, meaning we do not get paid unless we successfully resolve your case.

How a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

The aftermath of a traffic accident may be overwhelming and stressful, to say the least. You may want to hold off contacting the best Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney to collect your thoughts. However, auto insurance companies will not wait and do not have your best interests at heart. Furthermore, a two-year statute of limitations applies to most personal injury claims.

Insurance claims adjusters are trained to act quickly by investigating the details of a crash to dispute their insured's negligence. This is their way of shifting financial liability and protecting their bottom line. It is essential to work with an attorney experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases like yours. You will find that when you work with our legal team at AutoAccident.com.

Statistics on Motorcycle Crashes in California

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that 154 traffic collisions involved motorcyclists in Sacramento in 2020. According to a 2019 report by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) of UC Berkeley:

  • The age group of motorcyclists most often injured or killed in crashes is between 25 to 34. This age category comprised approximately 28.6 percent of seriously injured bikers and 26.0 percent of motorcycle deaths.
  • The highest number of fatalities among motorcycle riders was Los Angeles, Kern, Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside, counties in California.
  • Rural counties in California, including Alpine, Calaveras, Del Norte, Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, Sierra, and Trinity, had the highest rates of serious injury motorcycle crashes. This was based on per capita by county.
  • The highest rates and numbers per capita of fatal injuries in motorcycle collisions was Kern County.

Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of cruising on the open road. However, riding a bike can also be dangerous. California personal injury attorneys know all too well that even experienced motorcyclists cannot protect themselves from negligent drivers on the road.

National Statistics on Motorcycle Collision Deaths
The year with the greatest number of motorcycle-related deaths since 1975 was 2021. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released this finding in a recent report. NHTSA data for 2021 also showed that:
  • Traffic accidents killed an estimated 5,932 motorcycle riders.
  • Motorcycle-related fatalities accounted for approximately 14 percent of traffic deaths.
  • Bikers were 24 times more likely than motor vehicle occupants to suffer fatal injuries in collision per vehicle mile traveled.
How to Keep Safe While Riding a Motorcycle

To keep everyone safe on the road, NHTSA urges drivers and motorcyclists to be alert and share the road. Motorcyclists are also reminded to make themselves visible, ride sober, and always wear a helmet that meets the criterion set forth by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. You can look for the DOT symbol on the back of the helmet.

Safe riding takes good judgment, balance, and coordination. Experienced motorcycle riders know traffic laws, and they don't take risks. Bikers ride defensively and leave plenty of room between their motorcycles and other vehicles. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who didn't see the motorcyclist. Safe riding practices from all drivers will help decrease the number of injuries and deaths.

To improve your safety while riding a motorcycle, check road conditions before leaving the house. This will help give you an idea of dangerous roads and current traffic conditions. A little planning ahead can help make your journey as a motorcyclist less risky.

Watch the following video to learn about the seven essential tips for motorcycle safety.

What are the Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries?

Like other major traffic crashes, injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can be severe and life-altering. The most common types of injuries suffered in motorcycle crashes include:

  • Amputations
  • Burn injuries to the head or neck
  • Cervical sprain
  • Dislocated or fractured bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

The best Sacramento motorcycle injury lawyer can help seek the maximum compensation you need for losses resulting from a crash. You can expect just that when you work with our legal team at AutoAccident.com.

Top Reasons Why Drivers Cause Motorcycle Crashes

Many insurance companies seem to believe that motorcyclists assume the risk of their own injuries because they choose to ride a motorcycle. Blame is often unfairly placed on the biker for being in the wrong part of the lane, not slowing down enough, or even not moving out of the offending vehicle's path.

However, as experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers, we have found that most collisions occur when a motor vehicle driver does not check for bikers on the road. Most crashes happen because drivers either turn left into the motorcyclist's path or pull out from a side street.

Sacramento, CA Motorcycle Collision FAQ

What is the first thing to do after getting injured in a motorcycle collision?

After getting injured in a traffic collision as a motorcyclist, you may be wondering if the at-fault driver has auto insurance to cover your damages. You will need to file an SR-19C form with the California DMV. This form will determine whether the at-fault party has a valid auto insurance policy.

If the SR-19 form concludes that the other driver has no insurance, then your uninsured motorist coverage may come into play and cover your damages up to the limits of your policy. If you were injured in an accident involving a negligent driver with little to no liability insurance, reach out to the best motorcycle crash attorney near you for a free case evaluation.


Who pays for medical bills after a motorcycle crash?

As experienced California motorcycle accident attorneys, we understand your immediate goal to make sure all medical expenses and future treatments are covered. This way, you do not suffer financially. 

First, we will discuss your situation and go over the options available. Secondly, our law firm will work with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case to make sure your bodily injury claim is handled appropriately and quickly. And finally, if your needs are not met, we have no problem taking these parties to civil court in Sacramento County to seek maximum compensation for your motorcycle injuries.


What happens if you don't wear a helmet and get into a motorcycle crash?

California law requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets. A motorcycle accident where a biker is not wearing a helmet and suffers head trauma may affect a claim for damages. If someone else caused the crash, wearing a helmet would not make any difference and should not affect the compensation received. For more information, contact an experienced motorcycle accident injury attorney near you.

Call Our Sacramento Motorcycle Lawyers for Your Free Consultation

If you or a family member was injured in a recent motorcycle crash, you may have grounds for a claim for damages or lawsuit. Our Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys are here for you and your family. We can help you seek full compensation and justice. Find out more today by contacting our legal team at AutoAccident.com for free, friendly case advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

Editor's Note: updated 12.4.23 Photo by Javier Aguilera from Pexels [cs 1333]

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