
Motorcycle Accidents California
Motorcycle accidents account for approximately 11% of all fatal crashes; however motorcyclists are only about 2.5% of total drivers on the road. This clearly illustrates the dangers of riding a motorcycle and makes it very evident that certain safety measures must be taken whenever operating or driving near a motorcyclist. Because the motorcyclist lacks the protective armor that a car, truck or SUV has, their injuries can be much more severe and may even cause death. Some motorcycle incidents may result in a lawsuit being filed for civil damages by someone who believes that another party was at fault for the crash. In the event of a motorcycle accident, it is important to know your rights and duties as a citizen so you may be able to better determine the cause of the accident and more successfully enable your attorney to recover the full damages you are entitled to.
- As with all accidents, it is crucial that neither party leaves the scene of an accident prior to the authorities arriving and giving the all clear. Those involved in an accident should follow these steps:
- Do not move the vehicles unless they are posing a direct threat to public safety
- Immediately call 911 or flag down a passing motorist for help if no phone is personally available
- Attend to the occupants of any other cars involved as well as any of your passengers. If any one did sustain injuries it is important to not try and move them unless they are in the threat of more danger by remaining still. Motorcycle accidents in Sacramento often result in very serious and often fatal injuries and proper medical care should be given to all involved before leaving the scene.
- Exchange insurance and contact information (full name, address and phone number) with the other driver. It is important to collect all of this information yourself, either from the other individuals or from the police officers at the scene. Although it will all be included in the accident report, these documents usually take a few days to prepare and this information will be needed when you first speak with your insurance carrier.
- Document or preserve any key information that will assist the police in issuing any necessary tickets as well as helping to prepare a case to attempt and recover damages. Evidence includes taking pictures (most cell phones are now equipped with a camera) of any skid marks, property damage or other factors which could help determine cause at a later date. Accident scenes are easily corrupted by time, weather and passing traffic, so collecting as much information immediately following the accident can be crucial.
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