Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney

motorcycle

After getting into a motorcycle crash in Sacramento, you may find yourself in a state of shock. Mounting medical expenses and time missed at work can only add to the emotional stress and physical injuries. Insurance claims adjusters may be reaching out to you to offer a quick settlement in hopes of you accepting. Making ends meet during this difficult time may seem nearly impossible, and you may be persuaded into taking up that offer. However, it may not cover the full extent of your injuries and damages incurred. For this reason, it is essential to contact the best motorcycle accident attorney near you to discuss your potential case.

If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, our personal injury law firm could help you recover fair compensation from complex insurance companies. To learn more, call one of our Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers at (916) 921-6400 for a free consultation.

How a 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.

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 experienced attorney in handling cases like yours. At AutoAccident.com, we have taken numerous motorcycle accident cases since 1982.

Statistics on Motorcycle Crashes in California

If you ride a motorcycle, you know the feeling of freedom cruising the open road. But riding a bike can also be dangerous. Personal injury attorneys know all too well that even experienced motorcyclists can't protect themselves from negligent drivers on the road.

According to a 2019 report by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 116 traffic collisions involved motorcyclists in Sacramento. In California, the age group of motorcyclists and passengers most often injured or killed in motorcycle crashes are between 25-34. Those between 15 and 24 represented the second age group, followed by 45-54 in the third age group.

National Statistics on Motorcycle Collision Deaths

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,286 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in 2016. Of the 5,286 killed, 94 percent were riders, while 6 percent were passengers.

The 2016 data shows that the most dangerous event for 55 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involved collisions with motor vehicles in transport. In crashes involving two cars, 72 percent of motorcycles were hit in the front, while only 7 percent were hit in the rear.

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.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident 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:

The best motorcycle injury lawyer can help seek the maximum compensation you need for losses resulting from an accident.

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 Motorcycle Accident 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 bills 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 a helmet. If a motorcyclist suffered a traumatic brain injury or another form of head trauma and the helmet would have protected them, it would affect their bodily injury claim. If the other party was responsible for the collision, wearing a helmet would not make any difference in this case. This should not affect the financial compensation you receive from the other side.

Contact Our Experienced Sacramento Motorcycle Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a crash as a motorcyclist, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys serving Sacramento, California, can help. Learn more by contacting our injury lawyers today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

There is no obligation for the consultation. Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, and that means you only pay a fee if we win your injury case.

Since 1982, we have been helping injured bikers in Sacramento County and throughout Northern California seek maximum compensation for their losses. We have successfully won millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Our firm founder Ed Smith is an active member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

Editor's Note: Updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 3.17.23]

Photo by Javier Aguilera from Pexels [cs 1333]

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"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
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"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
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"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
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"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
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"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
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"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.