Merced, CA – Firefighter Rhett Avant experienced something he never imagined—becoming his own patient after a motorcycle accident in Merced while commuting to work. After losing control of his motorcycle on a curve, he collided with a semi-truck trailer, resulting in the complete loss of his left foot.
The Crash: Trauma, Response, and Courage
“My tires lost traction going into the curve. I just clipped the back of the trailer, and it tore off the entire left side of the bike—including my foot,” said Avant.
Despite the shock, his emergency medical training kicked in, and he acted quickly to save his life:
- He called 911 and clearly described his location
- He applied a tourniquet to himself to control the bleeding.
He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors performed an amputation. Later, Avant requested that the amputation be extended just below the knee after researching that it would improve recovery and functionality with a prosthetic, potentially allowing him to return to the job he loves.
A Story of Resilience and Community
Avant doesn’t see his situation as a tragedy but , but rather as a chance to adapt and grow. He shared, laughing, how his daughters encouraged him by dressing up as pirates:
“They came out of the bathroom dressed head to toe as pirates and said, ‘We’re Dad!’”
Because the accident occurred off duty, Avant is ineligible for financial benefits from the fire department. However, fellow firefighters and community members launched a GoFundMe campaign and are taking shifts to help the family with transportation, housework, and daily support.
How Can Motorcyclist Attorney Help?
At Motorcyclist Attorney, we know a serious accident can change everything. If you’ve suffered an amputation, severe injury, or disability due to a motorcycle accident, you have the right to pursue fair compensation—even if it happened off the clock.
✔️ Free consultation to evaluate your case
✔️ Aggressive representation to obtain maximum compensation
✔️ Comprehensive support to cover medical expenses, prosthetics, lost income, and lifestyle adaptation
The medical care you need and the financial recovery you deserve
📞 If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident in California, contact us today for a free consultation. Your recovery is our priority.
