Roseville has experienced significant population growth over the past decade, leading to increased traffic throughout Placer County. As more vehicles crowd major thoroughfares such as Pleasant Grove Boulevard and Eureka Road, the risk of serious motorcycle collisions continues to rise and when it does happen it often results in catastrophic injuries that can permanently alter their lives.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Roseville that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible for fair compensation. At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges motorcycle accident victims face. With over one billion dollars recovered for our clients, our firm has a proven track record of securing compensation and holding negligent parties accountable.
Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Common in Roseville
According to several reports from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Roseville and the larger Placer County has seen an increase of motorcycle accidents in recent years. While motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere, several local factors contribute to collision risks throughout Roseville and surrounding Placer County communities.
For instance, heavy commuter traffic traveling between Roseville, Sacramento, Rocklin, and Lincoln are big hotspots of motorcycle accidents. Meanwhile, increased traffic during retail and holiday shopping seasons near the Westfield Galleria and Fountains at Roseville also see a significant increase in motorcycle accidents.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
To some people’s surprise, many motorcycle crashes are entirely preventable and occur because another driver acts negligently. Considering how many vehicles are on the road in Roseville everyday, it is important to understand the most common causes so motorcyclists can take the proper steps to ensure their safety and their rights.
Drivers Failing to Yield
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, many motorists misjudge a motorcycle's speed or fail to see riders altogether due to their blind spots. As a result, this frequently leads to collisions when drivers enter intersections, pull out of driveways, or make left turns across traffic. Depending on the speed of the collision, the aftermath can be catastrophic for those involved and even those nearby.
Distracted Driving
A very common problem throughout the country, distracted driving is when people text, use navigation systems, adjust vehicle controls, or get distracted by other sources and cause a crash due to their inattentiveness. While California law and the DMV dictate the importance of driving with their full undivided attention, it is a common occurrence and can cause some of the deadliest accidents on the road.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcycles can be difficult to spot in a driver's blind spot and when motorists fail to check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, serious accidents can occur. However, if a motorcyclist is recklessly changing lanes at an unsafe speed or manner, then they could be held liable for their recklessness and negligence.
Rear-End Collisions
By far, one of the most common types of motor vehicle crashes, the National Safety Council has reported that about 40% of all motor vehicle crashes are rear-end accidents. While rear-end crashes generally produce not as many injuries for drivers, but motorcyclists, even low-speed rear-end impacts can throw a motorcyclist from their bike and cause severe injuries.
Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving
Unfortunately, one of the most impactful types of accidents on the road, DUI accidents can cause significant amounts of damage due to a driver’s slowed reaction times and reduced judgment. Even if motorcycle riders are sober and driving accordingly, one DUI driver can change all of that and crash into them, because they did not realize they were there. As such, this significantly increases the likelihood of devastating motorcycle crashes from occurring on the road and while there are preventive measures in place, accidents can still occur.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Due to the fact that motorcyclists are more susceptible to injuries than standard car drivers, the chances of them suffering serious injuries are very likely. Should that happen, motorcyclists should be aware what kind of injuries they may suffer so they have a better understanding of their situation when filing a personal injury claim.
As such, if you or a loved one have suffered any of the following injuries, it is urged to seek medical care immediately:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Broken bones and fractures
Internal organ damage
Road rash and severe abrasions
Neck and back injuries
Facial injuries and disfigurement
Amputations
Many of these injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care and if they are treated correctly or promptly, they may become fatal injuries.
What Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?
While every motorcycle accident is different, accident victims can recover a variety of damages for their claim. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Physical therapy
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability
Loss of enjoyment of life
If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, surviving family members may also be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. In such cases, the surviving family would be recovering damages such as funeral and burial costs, leftover medical bills, loss of consortium, and loss of future earnings.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
If a motorcyclist was partially at-fault for an accident, they can still recover compensation under the state’s comparative negligence system. This means motorcyclists may still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident, but their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a motorcyclist was awarded compensation of $100,000 for an accident but was found to be 10% responsible, then their total awarded sum will be $90,000. While this system is designed to ensure that no one party becomes entirely responsible for all damages in complex accidents, insurance companies frequently attempt to place unfair blame on motorcyclists to minimize their damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Generally, California gives injured accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit as per California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. However, if the accident was caused by a government entity then according to California Government Code 911.2, accident victims will only have six months to file a claim and recover compensation.
Any failure to file a claim within the respective deadlines will result in you automatically forfeiting your right to recover compensation and justice for your claim. While there are few exceptions to the statute of limitations, they are only applicable under very certain circumstances. Additionally, waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation, so it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact a Roseville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
A motorcycle accident can leave victims facing overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle crash in Roseville, you should not have to handle these challenges alone.
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our firm has been fighting for people’s rights for over 30 years and our team of dedicated accident lawyers will continue to represent people who have been involved in serious accidents. Whether you are a victim of a rear-end crash or a severe drunk driving accident, our team of attorneys will listen to your case and give you the legal guidance you need.
Contact our Roseville motorcycle accident lawyers today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.