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CHP Emphasizes Motorcycle Safety Awareness for All

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
motorcycle safety awarenessThe California Highway Patrol (CHP) and government officials have teamed up to reduce motorcycle crashes through training and education. They have an important message to share: Motorcycle safety is imperative for all vehicle drivers — not just motorcyclists. Vehicle drivers also have responsibilities to drive defensively and create a safer highway environment for motorcyclists. There are currently 1.4 million motorcyclists registered in California, a figure that is expected to rise during spring and summer months as the weather becomes more conducive to riding. More motorcyclists on the road means greater potential for accidents resulting in serious personal injuries and possibly, fatalities. According to estimates from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, motorcycle-related crashes have increased from 2013 to 2014. Fatalities associated with motorcycle accidents rose by 11 percent in 2014. These concerning figures are prompting safety officials to relay a strong “share the road” message to all drivers.

Tips for Sharing the Road

Because motorcyclists are more vulnerable in any collision, it is important that riders take precautions, such as wearing a helmet and other protective gear, obeying road rules, and completing motorcycle safety programs. Car and truck drivers can be proactive about motorcycle safety by engaging in safer driving practices. Below are some tips for preventing a motorcycle accident:
  • Watch for hazardous weather conditions that decrease visibility and make it harder to see motorcycles.
  • Indicate which direction you are turning by using your turn signals.
  • Turn your head to check before switching lanes and do not rely on mirrors with blind spots.
  • Increase your following distance if driving behind a motorcycle.
  • Give motorcycles a full lane to maneuver through.
Motorcycle crashes can have devastating consequences such as injuries, steep medical bills and property damage. If you have been hurt by a negligent driver in a motorcycle collision, call an experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer at Arnold Law Firm today to schedule your free legal consultation.

Call (916) 777-7777 or fill out a contact form.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.