A motorcyclist was injured after being struck by a vehicle in Petaluma on Tuesday morning, October 03, 2023.
According to the Petaluma Police Department, the collision occurred just before 8:50 a.m. near an unspecified intersection within the city.
An unknown vehicle rolled through a stop sign and struck the motorcyclist, who sustained moderate injuries and was taken promptly to the hospital. The vehicle’s sole occupant was uninjured. No details were provided about the current condition of the victim.
As debris from the crash was cleaned and an investigation was conducted, residents were advised to avoid the area. Approximately an hour later, the roadway was reopened.
A speeding violation was not observed in either vehicle. There was no mention of alcohol involvement or other factors contributing to the collision.
Reliable Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Petaluma, CA
You or a loved one may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Our firm will settle your case most effectively due to its experience, resources, and knowledge.
As part of your free consultation, our attorneys will review your case, provide advice, and consider all factors that could affect your claim’s outcome.
Consider seeking legal advice from our reliable Petaluma motorcycle accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the supervision of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., who can provide you with clear and effective legal representation. The firm has recovered more than $500 Million for California clients and is recognized as one of the most reputable law firms in the state.
If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.
9 Essential Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, you might feel confused and unsure, with lots of important questions. Whatever the situation, know that you can speak with one of the Petaluma motorcycle accident lawyers immediately about your injuries and the damage to your belongings. It is beneficial to consult a legal expert as soon as possible.
Here are the steps you should take after a motorcycle accident:
- Stay calm. It’s normal to feel worried after a crash or get very angry at the other parties involved. But remember, things you do and say right after the accident might not help you later. Stay calm, and don’t say it was your fault.
- Get to a safe location. If you can, move to the side of the road and wait for the police. If your vehicle is disabled, you should place it on the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Wait for the police and a tow truck if you cannot move it.
- Check for injuries. Check for apparent injuries like cuts or fractures on yourself and others. Your legal duty is to remain at the scene until you know no one has been injured or requires assistance. Call for an ambulance immediately. Severe injuries may include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
- Call the police. Ensure to inform the police about the accident to have an official record. They can gather crucial details about the other driver, road conditions, and what witnesses say.
- Gather information. Even if the police officer takes notes, writing things down yourself is a wise choice. Get info like the other driver’s name and insurance, especially if you’re not hurt. If you need to go to the hospital, have a friend or family member collect the information.
- Take photographs. Take photos of your motorcycle, the other driver’s vehicle, the road, and your injuries. If there’s anything else important, like a hidden stop sign or something in the road, take pictures of that, too. The more details you have from your accident, the better it is if your case goes to court.
- Seek medical attention. Head to the hospital quickly after an accident; you may have overlooked significant injuries. Motorcycle accidents can harm your head or brain, and these injuries might not be immediately obvious. Hospital tests can detect such injuries before it’s too late.
- Keep documents organized. Make a folder with all the documents about your accident. This can include photos, medical records, a copy of the police report, statements from witnesses, and information about the other driver. Organizing your documents before negotiating compensation with the other party’s insurance company or pursuing legal action is helpful.
- Contact our trusted motorcycle accident firm. You have two years from the date of your injury to initiate a personal injury claim. However, promptly consulting one of the California motorcycle accident lawyers can help protect critical evidence and uphold your legal rights. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss the details of your accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers provide comprehensive coverage across the entire state of California.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Safety Council, motorcyclists caused 14% of all traffic deaths, 18% of all occupant deaths, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020, despite driving only 3% of registered vehicles and 0.6% of total kilometers driven.
There was an 11% increase in motorcycle fatalities between 2019 and 2020, while the rate per 100 million vehicle kilometers driven increased by 23%. Over the past 10 years, death and mortality rates have risen by 20% and 27%, respectively. There has been a 5.579 fatality rate per 100 million vehicle kilometers during the past year, which is 31.64 per 100 million.
According to California Office of Traffic Safety data, seven people were injured or killed in motorcycle crashes in Petaluma in 2020. The greatest level of caution is required when driving in a city with an average population of 59,756.