Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Motorcycle Accident Victims in California

Motorcycles have surged in popularity in recent years. Not only are they fun to ride, but they are also environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easy to park on the crowded streets of Sacramento. With the increase in motorcycles on the road, there has also been a sharp rise in serious Sacramento County motorcycle accidents.

Whether your accident was caused by a negligent driver's failure to see you in their blind spot, a defect in your bike, or a dangerous road, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, the insurance company will do whatever it takes to deny your claim. This is where the Piering Law Firm can help. We will stand up to the insurance company on your behalf so you receive the just compensation you deserve.

Learn more about how our Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer can help with your motorcycle accident case by calling (916) 476-2399 and contacting us today.

Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries in Sacramento

When a car or truck collides with a motorcycle, the motorcyclist always loses. A motorcycle provides little to no protection in a crash. Even when bikers wear protective gear, motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries.

The most common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Bone injury and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Road rash
• Burns
• Brain injuries
• Wrongful death

Our Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys have years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases involving:

• Driver negligence
• Defective products
• Motorcycle recalls
• Dangerous roads

It's critical to seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries might not manifest symptoms right away, and prompt treatment can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes. Besides physical injuries, riders may also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic crash, which can require professional mental health support to overcome.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

Motorcycle riding in California is popular, but riders face higher risks than drivers of cars or trucks. Since motorcycles are smaller and less protected, even minor mistakes by other drivers can cause serious crashes. 

Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Cars in front of motorcyclists turning left: The single most common cause of modern motorcycle accidents is other motorists making left turns in front of bikers. Many drivers have a hard time estimating the speed of motorcycles, so they may mistakenly believe they have time to make a left turn before you come through the intersection. Some motorists also are not looking for motorcycles when turning and see an absence of cars, mistakenly assuming the intersection is clear.
• Vehicles changing lanes ahead of bikers: Due to your small size on a bike compared to passenger vehicles, you sometimes disappear into other drivers’ blind spots, meaning motorists may cut you off unintentionally, but with deadly results.
• Vehicles striking motorcyclists from behind: When you get into a fender bender driving a car, you may suffer only minor injuries or minimal damage to your vehicle, but when a driver strikes you from behind and you are on a motorcycle, the repercussions can prove far more severe. You may face a higher likelihood of getting struck from behind after dark or when something unexpected pops up in the roadway, such as an animal or another obstacle.

In addition to these common causes, factors such as road conditions, weather, and visibility can significantly impact the likelihood of an accident. Poor road maintenance, including potholes and uneven surfaces, can be particularly challenging for motorcyclists. Riders should exercise caution during adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog, when visibility is reduced. It's crucial to always stay attentive and anticipate potential hazards.

Motorcycle Injury Statistics

Motorcycle injuries are devastating. Many are catastrophic, meaning they result in damage that causes long-term or permanent disability that significantly affects your quality of life. Others lead to tragic and untimely deaths.

Motorcycle accident statistics include:

• According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2023, 583 motorcyclists were killed while riding in California. This is a 10.9% decrease in comparison to 2022, but almost a 19% increase from 2019.
• Across the United States, 6,335 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2023, reflecting a 26% increase since 2019, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).
• Motorcycle fatalities accounted for approximately 15% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2023, nearly triple the percentage recorded in 1997.
• 47% of motorcyclist deaths in 2023 occurred on weekends, with fatalities more likely to happen after 6:00 p.m. compared to weekdays.

Whether you have suffered a severe injury as a result of your accident or if you have lost a loved one, our Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney can help you.

Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident

After a serious crash, many riders are unsure what types of compensation they may be able to pursue or how those damages are calculated. Medical bills from facilities such as UC Davis Medical Center or Sutter Medical Center can add up quickly, and time away from work can strain your household budget. 

Types of compensation in motorcycle accident claims can include:

• Current and future medical costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• And more

Our motorcycle accident attorney in Sacramento can help you gather medical records, employment documents, and statements from those who see how the injuries affect you day to day. By carefully building this picture, we aim to have any resolution reflect not just the immediate harm from the crash, but the long-term consequences you may face.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs in Sacramento

What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?

Move to a safe location if you can and call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries take time to appear. If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries, and gather contact information from witnesses and the other parties involved. Always seek medical care and follow through with treatment, as medical records are critical for both your health and any future claim.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Sacramento Help Me?

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento can handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process. This may include working with accident reconstruction professionals, preparing documentation, and pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Having legal support helps protect your rights and ensures your claim is taken seriously.

Why Is Documenting a Motorcycle Accident Important?

Proper documentation preserves evidence and strengthens your claim. Photos, medical records, witness statements, and written notes help establish how the accident occurred and how it affected you. Clear documentation supports negotiations with insurers and can be critical if your case goes to court. Documentation also creates an accurate timeline, aids memory recall, and establishes accountability. 

Contact Our Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Motorcyclists often face unfair blame after a crash. Insurance companies may try to argue that reckless riding caused the accident. At Piering Law Firm, our Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations and work with accident reconstructionists to establish fault.

With more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys are prepared to negotiate from a position of strength and take cases to trial when needed. While many claims settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will be tried, allowing us to pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys, call (916) 476-2399 or contact us online. Home and weekend appointments are available. We handle cases on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay us until we win. Se habla español.

Recommended Reading

• Quarter of All Motorcycle Accidents are Rear-End Collisions in Traffic