The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Motorcyclists in Sacramento
Riding in the open Sacramento air is something plenty of motorcyclists don’t take for granted. However, this feeling of freedom can completely change when a sudden motorcycle accident occurs.
Dangerous roads, such as those with a flawed design, too many curves, and lack of road signage, can increase the risk of a motorcycle accident happening in the blink of an eye. Keep reading to learn more about the most dangerous roads and intersections for motorcyclists in Sacramento, whether you’re eligible for a claim, and why a Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney should be on your list of people to call!
Do Motorcycle Accidents Really Happen that Often?
It may be hard to believe for some people, but yes, motorcycle accidents happen quite often. Motorcycles are smaller than an average vehicle, and oftentimes faster. This combined with the fact that motorcyclists are more exposed to the elements on the road can lead to significant devastation in an accident.
In 2023, there were 583 motorcycle fatalities in California, and more than 6,300 nationwide. According to DMV stats, there are more than 33,000 registered motorcycles in Sacramento County, which means a multitude of motorcyclists join the daily Sacramento commute with other drivers as well.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Some of the most common reasons why motorcycle accidents happen include:
- Another driver failing to yield
- Motorcycles making a left turn at an intersection and not being seen by oncoming drivers from the opposite direction
- Drivers not seeing motorcyclists in their blind-spots when merging or making a turn
- Another driver speeding
- Potholes on the road
- Defective parts on a motorcycle, such as faulty brakes or a defective motor
What are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Motorcyclists in Sacramento?
It’s important to remember that flawed design is not the only thing that makes a road dangerous. Factors like low visibility, heavy traffic, and regular speeding can also come into play to impact the safety of a road or intersection. One of the most common causes for motorcycle accidents is driver error after all.
So, what are the roads and intersections deemed most dangerous for motorcyclists in the city of Sacramento? These include:
- The Intersection of Truxel Road and Arena Boulevard
This intersection is particularly dangerous because of the high volume of motorists traveling through it, as it’s located next to a big commercial area and highways. In fact, this intersection is often deemed the top riskiest intersection to drive through in Sacramento overall, with a recorded 37 crashes between 2020-2024 according to the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) by UC Berkely.
- Mack Road and Valley Hi Drive
A daily congestion of traffic also makes the intersection between Mack Road and Valley Hi Drive a dangerous intersection to be at for motorcyclists. Combine this with its closeness to Highway 99 and numerous schools in the area, and there is also the added risk of pedestrians coming and going to add to increase the chances of a motorcycle accident.
- Folsom Boulevard and Howe Avenue
In 2024, CBS News ran a report on the particular dangers of Howe Avenue in Sacramento, referring to it as one of the deadliest streets in the city. The intersection of Folsom Boulevard and Howe Avenue sees a large volume of traffic daily and is also a notorious area for red-light running.
- Elder Creek Road and Stockton Boulevard
This is another Sacramento intersection deemed highly dangerous by other motorists, due to a heavy volume of traffic. An increase in motorists on the daily means that there are higher risks of a motorcycle accident happening when least expected.
- I-5
Interstate-5 runs all along California and through Sacramento, named the deadliest road in California in a 2022 study. This highway in particular passes through the city, particularly through the downtown area and near the Sacramento International airport. Extremely congested traffic, the presence of commercial vehicles, and speeding attribute to some of the risks motorists have of an accident on this road.
How Can I Be Safe on the Road with My Motorcycle?
You don’t have to put away that motorcycle for good. Riding safe and taking precautions on the road can actively help in the prevention of motorcycle accidents.
Some of the ways you can stay safe on the road from an accident includes:
- Avoiding the blind spots of other drivers
- Wear a DOT-approved helmet and protective eyewear
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you, in case of unforeseen braking
- Look in all directions when completing left turns
- Make sure to use your turn signals or hand signals when alerting motorists around you to any lane changes or merging
- Ensure your motorcycle is maintained, including working headlights, working tires, and that the oil is changed when needed
Will a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help My Claim?
Definitely! After a motorcycle accident, you’re likely dealing with serious injuries and a mountain of expenses. A personal injury claim can help you recover some of the financial compensation you need to cover accident-related expenses. Don’t do it yourself. Instead, work with a lawyer who can help:
- Present the initial claim
- Help in the collection of evidence to support your claim
- Interview expert witnesses who can aid in accident reconstruction and testifying to the depth of your injuries
- Negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries and other damages
- Communicate with the legal representation of the other party on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
You have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a claim. This times pan is referred to as the statute of limitations.
However, if you are suing the local city government for improper road maintenance or lack of signs after an accident at a busy intersection, you have 6 months to file a claim.
What Happens if the Statute of Limitations Runs Out?
You will forfeit your right to pursue compensation, and any claim attempts will be dismissed.
What Should I Avoid Saying After My Accident?
After an accident, you want to avoid saying anything that could come across as an admission of fault for the accident. This includes saying I’m sorry, I should’ve been paying more attention, I didn’t see you, and also, I’m not hurt.
The Other Driver Says We Don’t Have to Call the Police After an Accident, Is This True?
Accidents must be reported to the police if they cause over $1,000 in damages or result in injuries or death. It’s always best to report an accident to get the events documented, no matter what the other driver says.
What if the Other Driver Took Off After the Accident?
This becomes a hit-and-run accident, and you should call 911 as soon as possible to report the events.
Why Should I Work with BD&J on My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
BD&J is the personal injury law firm Sacramento. Residents and people throughout California can trust to fight for their rights after an accident. We’ve been working with injured motorcyclists for more than 20 years on recovering just compensation.
Does BD&J Provide Legal Assistance in Other Languages?
Definitely! Our attorneys speak Spanish, French, Farsi, Arabic, Armenian, Russian, and Hebrew.
How To Deal with a Confrontational Driver After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you should do is deal with a confrontational driver. Emotions are running high, and you may find words said that can escalate a situation more than it must.
Deal with a confrontational driver by:
- Avoiding arguing with the other driver involved. – You may be feeling overwhelmed and angry after an accident, but it is important you do not argue or confront the other driver involved in any way.
- Staying on your motorcycle with helmet and other protective gear on. – While you call the police, make sure to stay on your motorcycle with all protective gear on, for safety from passing traffic and in the case of any physical contact from the other driver.
- Call 911 immediately. – Do not drive away, especially if you’re in pain. Call 911 immediately, explain the situation, and wait for the authorities to arrive on the scene.
- Do not engage with the driver and move elsewhere if needed. – If a confrontational driver continues to try to engage you, ignore them by avoiding eye contact and staying quiet until the police arrive. If you need to, moving across the street or into a parking lot can be a good idea to keep some distance.
A confrontational driver doesn’t mean you have to pay for their reckless or negligent acts that caused the accident and injuries out of your own pocket. Talk to a Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney from BD&J to file a claim today.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Fighting for Injured Motorists Everyday
Sacramento has intersections and roads infamous for a high frequency of accidents among motorists. If you were in an accident caused by the negligent or careless acts of another driver, don’t wait to file a claim for compensation.
BD&J is a dedicated California personal injury law firm that has recovered more than $2 billion* in compensation for injured motorists on the road. We work on a contingency fee basis and advance all costs to clients, which means no fees until we win*. Schedule your consultation 24/7 with one of our Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys today!
Involved in a motorcycle accident? Complete our form to connect with a BD&J lawyer now.