Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Sacramento
Sacramento is home to the picturesque Highway 50 and the winding roads of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering motorcycle riders an unparalleled riding experience. While cruising down the highway on your motorcycle can offer a sense of freedom and adventure, it can also lead to devastating collisions when other drivers aren’t careful. From 2019 to 2023, Sacramento experienced an average of 193 motorcycle crashes annually that resulted in injuries and fatalities.
If you’re hurt in a motorcycle crash, you need experienced representation to ensure you get the compensation you deserve from the negligent driver. Our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers have been helping clients with personal injury claims since 1981. We’re committed to defending your rights following an accident, striving to secure the highest possible settlement for your injuries.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Sacramento
Motorcycle crashes in Sacramento can happen due to many different causes, frequently due to the negligence of other motorists on the road. Nationally, 61% of motorcycle crashes in 2022 happened with another vehicle, according to the IIHS. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: When drivers are distracted by their phones, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other attention-dividing activities, they often fail to notice motorcyclists. This lack of attention is a major contributor to collisions, especially since motorcycles are smaller and generally less noticeable than cars.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: When drivers speed, it intensifies the severity of accidents and shortens the reaction time for drivers to try to make corrective maneuvers once they finally notice the motorcyclists they’re sharing the road with. Accidents involving high speeds often lead to more serious injuries for motorcyclists, who lack the same level of protection as car occupants.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Many motorcycle accidents happen at intersections when drivers fail to notice an approaching motorcycle or choose to ignore a motorcyclist’s right of way.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than drivers of passenger vehicles, as they lack the protective barriers of a car or truck. As a result, even a low-speed collision can lead to severe, life-altering injuries. Without seat belts, airbags, or metal framing, riders are directly exposed to the force of impact, increasing the risk of catastrophic harm.
Crash victims often suffer from one or more of the following injuries:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle strains, ligament tears, and deep bruising are common after a crash, leading to pain and restricted movement.
- Road Rash: When a rider slides across the pavement, layers of skin can be scraped away, sometimes leading to infections, nerve damage, or permanent scarring.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones often break in motorcycle crashes, sometimes requiring surgery, pins, or plates to heal.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Concussions: Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or severe brain injuries, affecting memory, cognition, and motor skills.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, often requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Damage or Internal Bleeding: The force of impact can rupture organs or blood vessels, causing life-threatening complications that may not be immediately apparent, leading to delayed treatment.
- Crushed Limbs and Amputations: In high-impact crashes, a limb may be crushed or severely damaged, sometimes requiring surgical amputation.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Facial injuries, burns, and severe road rash can leave lasting physical reminders of the accident, impacting a victim’s confidence and well-being.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The psychological toll of a motorcycle crash can be just as severe as the physical injuries, leading to anxiety, nightmares, and a fear of riding again.
Because motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating, victims often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term financial support. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a crash, seeking legal representation can help you recover the compensation needed for your medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care.
Understanding California Motorcycle Laws
As a motorcycle rider in Sacramento, it’s important to know specific road rules. These laws are designed to keep you safe and minimize your liability if you’re involved in a crash with another car. Here’s what you need to know:
Helmet Laws and Mandatory Safety Gear
California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s requirements. Not wearing a helmet may impact your liability and settlement under California’s pure comparative negligence law, which reduces awards based on the percentage of fault.
Although the state doesn’t require other safety gear, the California DMV says to consider:
- A plastic shatter-resistant face shield
- A long-sleeved, reflective jacket made of leather or sturdy synthetic materials
- Long pants and chaps
- Closed-toed, over-the-ankle boots made of durable rubber
- Leather or synthetic material gloves
Lane Splitting Regulations
California allows lane splitting, where motorcyclists ride between slow-moving or stopped traffic lanes. While it is your responsibility to perform the maneuver safely based on traffic conditions, other motorists cannot block you and must move to the far left to allow you to pass.
Insurance Requirements for Motorcycle Riders
California law mandates that all motorcycle riders carry minimum liability insurance of:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $15,000 for damage to property
Liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage are both required, providing financial protection in case of an accident. It ensures compensation is available to injured parties and that at-fault parties aren’t personally responsible for the injured party’s medical expenses out of their own pocket.
Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Crash Injuries
If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash in Sacramento, you have the right to seek different types of damage for losses related to the crash. Our attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can help you receive compensation for the following:
| Type of Compensation | What It Covers |
| Medical Expenses | Covers all medical treatments, hospital stays, and ongoing rehabilitation costs related to the accident. |
| Lost Wages and Future Earnings Potential | Compensates for the income lost due to the inability to work, both immediately following the accident and potential future earnings. |
| Pain and Suffering | Addresses the non-economic impact of the accident, such as emotional distress, trauma, and the overall decrease in quality of life. |
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Sacramento
Taking the proper steps can be crucial for your safety and future claims if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Sacramento. Do the following to protect your rights and well-being:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Always safeguard your health by getting medical care, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records are vital for insurance and legal purposes, as they provide evidence of your injuries.
- Document the Accident Scene and Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and any injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other parties involved. Note the police report number so you can obtain a copy later. This evidence is essential for building a solid motorcycle accident claim.
- Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Our lawyers specializing in motorcycle accidents in Sacramento can guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Choosing the right legal representation after a motorcycle accident can impact the outcome of your case. You need a lawyer with experience in motorcycle accident cases, a successful track record of client settlements, and an understanding of local laws and regulations.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers has the following qualifications to show you that we have what it takes to win your case:
- Extensive Experience: Our firm has four decades of experience with personal injury and vehicle accident law. We understand the complexities involved in motorcycle accidents and can use our negotiation skills and network of resources to help you maximize your compensation.
- Dedicated and Personalized Legal Representation: We believe in a client-centric approach. We give each case individual attention, addressing your specific needs and circumstances.
- Proven Track Record: We have a successful history of case outcomes for accident victims. Our former clients have also provided testimonials highlighting our compassion, dedication, and legal acumen.
Injured? Get Help from Experienced Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle riders injured in California frequently face unfair treatment from insurance companies. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to defending your rights and shielding you from unjust blame or bias. Our legal team can help you through every step of your claim, from gathering evidence to representing you before a jury. We won’t stop until we help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
