Sacramento Auto Accident Attorneys
Automobile Accident Litigation
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are at a greater risk for serious injury when involved in an crash because motorcycles do not have the
impact reducing shell that automobiles have for protection. A fall from a motorbike can result in serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
There are inattentive and aggressive automobile drivers on our highways every day. Many of which are a threat to any person on a motorcycle.
The US Department of Transportation's Traffic Safety report stated there were 67,000 injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents in 2005 alone.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 2/3 of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and
another vehicle. The motorist either does not see the oncoming motorcycle at all or does not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a crash.
It is important for motorists to know that their actions affect the safety of motorcyclists. A motorist and a motorcyclist may take different
actions for the same driving or highway situation. For example, a motorist may ignore a piece of road debris however, that same piece of road
debris may be deadly for a motorcyclist.
Through enforcement, education outreach, and legislation, NHTSA's motorcycle safety initiatives focus on comprehensive programs that
prevent crashes, prevent injury when a crash occurs, and reduce the seriousness of injury after a crash. NHTSA's initiatives foster promoting
motorcycle rider education and licensing; reducing the number of impaired motorcyclists; increasing motorist awareness of motorcycles; and increasing
helmet use. Click here for statewide helmet laws.
Due to the risk of serious injury from motorcycle accidents, the NHTSA has designated May of each year as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month".
Motorist awareness is an important component of the NHTSA's comprehensive motorcycle safety program.
As a motorist or a passenger, here are some steps to become more aware of motorcyclists:
Respect The Motorcyclist:
Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel. Look out:
Look for the motorcyclist on the highway, at intersections, when a motorcyclist may be making a left turn, and when a
motorcyclist may be changing lanes. Clearly signal your intentions. Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver:
Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Predict evasive actions.
Allow Plenty of Space:
Don't follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.
Motorcycle accident victims face medical bills, loss of wages, physical pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
If injuries are severe or permanent, families suffer economic loss, mental anguish and the loss of companionship in caring for an injured
family member. In the event of death, families are torn apart without any warning.
It is important to know what to do to protect the legal rights of yourself and your loved ones. Selecting the right attorney is an
important decision. You should choose someone who is experienced, aggressive and dedicated to working to get fair compensation for your
injuries. Over the past decade we have successfully handled thousands of injury and death cases caused by motorcycle accidents. That is
why you should contact The Law Offices of Frederick J. Sette. Click here to see what our clients have to say about us.
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