
California Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle Accident Statistics: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2007, 103,000 riders were injured in motorcycle accidents and 5,154 motorcyclists were killed.
Over the last ten years, motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled.
Sacramento Accident Lawyers: Within the first week, important physical evidence can be lost, and witnesses may forget important details. Click here to view our Injury Checklist.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accidents Lawyers: Every year thousands of motorcyclists and automobile drivers are injured or killed due to the negligence of motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders are also much more vulnerable to injury than drivers in cars, motorcycles and SUVs and must be constantly aware of this disparity and drive accordingly.
Motorcycle Dangers: Motorcycles can be dangerous for a number of reasons, including due to unlicensed and untrained motorcyclists as well as those that weave in and out of traffic, increasing the likelihood that they will be hit by automobile drivers. Motorcyclists are also much more vulnerable to bad weather, so they need to be extremely careful in dangerous weather situations.
The following is a recent article from the Sacramento Bee Newspaper highlighting the causes of increased motorcycle accidents in Northern California:
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
August 21, 2008
Citrus Heights police investigate rash of motorcycle accidents: Citrus Heights police are trying to determine if a recent spike in motorcycle accidents can be attributed to inexperienced riders jumping on bikes to save gas.
The most recent incident occurred about 5 p.m. Wednesday when a motorcyclist slammed into a car making a left-hand turn into an apartment complex on Greenback Lane, east of San Juan Avenue. Eastbound lanes were shut down for about hour and heavy commuter traffic backed up at least a mile.
The 19-year-old motorcycle rider will be cited for excessive speed and riding without a proper motorcycle endorsement on his driver's license, said Sgt. Eric Mattke, police traffic enforcement unit supervisor.
"He was riding it like a rocket up the street," Mattke said. "He told us he was going 40 mph, but the speedometer was pegged at 75 mph when it impacted the car. There was no motorcycle endorsement so we may have an experience problem too."
The motorcycle rider was transported to Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Carmichael, with "road rash" and bruises. Mattke said it was "a miracle" that the rider survived. He was wearing a helmet, jeans and a T-shirt.
Several occupants of the other vehicle, including a baby, were also transported to the hospital as a precaution.
Excessive speed has been one of the common elements in the city's recent rash of motorcycle wrecks. Mattke estimated that his unit has investigated 15 to 20 incidents in the past two months. An analyst is examining the accident reports, looking for factors indicating lack of motorcycle riding experience as another common element.
As mentioned in the article above, lack of experience is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Unlike automobile drivers, many riders only use their motorcycles occasionally and not on a daily basis. Because of this, they often miss key indicators of danger and increase the likelihood that they may be injured or cause injury to other motorists.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers the following rules for motorcycle riders:
- Get Trained and Licensed – Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourse and get licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Wear Protective Gear – Wear proper protective riding gear, most importantly a helmet made to Department of Transportation standards.
- Ride Unimpaired – Ride unimpaired, never drinking or using other drugs before getting on a motorcycle.
- Ride Within Your Limits – Stay within your personal limits, never riding faster or farther than your abilities can handle.
- Be a Lifelong Learner – Be lifelong learners, regularly returning for refresher riding courses.
To protect your legal rights following severe injury or wrongful death resulting from a motorcycle accident or auto accident, it is wise to immediately consult an experienced personal injury law firm. Within the first week, important physical evidence can be lost, and witnesses may forget important details.
Click here to view our Injury Checklist.
Experienced Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorneys. We are aggressive in your defense with a proven track record and the resources to handle any case.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you need the help of our


