Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur at a moments notice, but in Sacramento county, motorcycle riders are at risk due to the lack of protective measures they have against cars, trucks, and negligent/reckless drivers. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to have a better understanding of your situation by familiarizing yourself with some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Sacramento.

Head On Collisions

Head-on motorcycle collisions are when a motorcycle rider crashes head-on with another vehicle, such as a car or truck. These types of collisions can occur at high speeds and often result in severe injuries or fatalities and according to the National Safety Council, head-on collisions account for around 30% of all fatal motorcycle accidents. With these staggering numbers in mind, it is important for accident victims to hire legal representation to ensure their rights and the road to recovery is ensured. 

Open Door Accidents

Open door accidents are when drivers open their door and a motorcycle rider crashes into the door. To many people’s surprise, open door accidents are more common than would think and is a growing issue throughout Sacramento. In fact, according to California Vehicle Code 22517, it is unlawful to open a vehicle’s door on the side of moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. In the event such a scenario occurs, the driver would be at-fault for any injuries and damages that have occurred. 

Lane Splitting Accidents

One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents, lane splitting accidents are when motorcyclists swerve in-between two lanes and unsuspecting cars crash into them. According to a 2015 Lane Splitting Study by the California Office of Traffic Safety, around 17% of all motorcycle accidents were due to lane splitting. While lane splitting is legal in California, there is a high chance of motorcyclists colliding with another vehicle if drivers are not aware of their surroundings or if motorcyclists are recklessly swerving in and out of lanes.   

Most Common Injuries in Sacramento Motorcycle Accidents

There are a variety of injuries a person could suffer in the event of a motorcycle accident. However, motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of fatalities due to the lack of protective measures on a motorcycle. According to various studies and reports, motorcycle fatalities account for about 15% of all traffic-related deaths. While every accident is different, the chances of a motorcycle rider succumbing from their injuries is still very well within the realm of possibility, so if a rider has sustained any of the following injuries it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention.   

• 
  Head Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Burn Injuries 
• Road Rash
• Internal Injuries

How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take in Sacramento

The length of a Sacramento motorcycle accident claim can take anywhere between several months to a year depending on the severity, liability, and overall scale of the accident. In fact, motorcycle accident claims where there are multiple parties may take some time to resolve due to the amount of time it takes to decide on degrees of liability. In addition, the time can also be extended if the at-fault party hires attorneys of their own to represent their best interests. While every motorcycle accident case will vary on a case-by-case basis, it is vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible in order to expedite the process. 

Most Common Mistakes in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

There is no denying that motorcycle accidents are a scary and traumatic experience, however, many accident victims might make critical errors that can and will jeopardize their chances of recovering compensation. While it may be difficult for accident victims to remain objective after an accident, it is urged to stay calm and avoid making the following mistakes.

• Delaying Medical Treatment- Whether you have severe or minor symptoms or medical conditions, any delay in treatment can be used against you in court as insurance adjusters will argue that those injuries were as a result of something else.

• Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Counsel- Insurers often aim to minimize payouts and may twist your words against you. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used to accredit fault in an accident. 

• Accepting the First Settlement Offer- These offers are typically far below the actual cost of recovery and whoever is offering them is trying to lowball you into taking it. 

• Not Preserving Evidence- Failing to document the scene, injuries, and damages can harm your case, because evidence is one of the most important things to prove liability. 

• Not Hiring an Experienced Lawyer ASAP- Motorcycle accident claims involve complex accident scenes and insurance policies which can be overwhelming. As time is of the essence, every second matters when filing a motorcycle accident claim. 

How Difficult is a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Claim

No matter wherever you are, the difficulty of a motorcycle accident claim will always depend on the complexity of the case and how much evidence is available. For example, a motorcycle accident case that involves a negligent driver with photographic/video evidence will be easier for the injured party to prove and settle compared to an accident case with multiple liable parties and lack of accident footage. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and are not sure what kind of case it may be, it is always recommended to consult with a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in handling motorcycle accidents. 

Frank Penney Injury Lawyers is Here to Help

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Sacramento county, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help get you the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our team of attorneys are committed to delivering justice and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. 

As a result of our hard work and dedication, we have an established track record of securing compensation and delivering justice for our deserving clients. No matter what kind of motorcycle accident you have been involved in, our 24/7 legal team will be there every step of the way to provide you expert legal guidance and top-tier service you can depend on. 

Contact us today at (916) 756-0772 or by filling out our online contact form for a free case consultation.