Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycle safety’
Monday, May 31st, 2010
If you own a motorcycle, then you know that along with the incredible freedom that comes along with riding, you also accept the risks of an accident. Despite decades of attempts by both government entities and private groups to educate the car and truck driving masses about the need to watch out for motorcycles, they still fall short. Statistics tell us that the majority of the time when a motorcycle is involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, the passenger vehicle was at fault or more at fault in the accident. Of those accidents, drivers most often report that the reason they were involved in the accident in the first place was because they simply did not see the motorcycle. Motorcycle safety has also come a long way. Bikes are made better and come equipped with a number of safety minded options. Protective clothing is available to prevent or limit the severity if injuries if the worst happens. Many states now require protective head gear to be worn at all times to prevent or limit head injuries. Having said all of that, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the chances are good that you have suffered damages (injuries in legal terms). SO how do you know what your motorcycle accident case if worth?
According to California motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates, determining the value of any personal injury claim can be complicated and may involve a number of factors that are specific to your case alone. There are, however, a few things to take into advantage in all motorcycle accident cases to help you determine the value.
1. Who was at fault? If the other person was 100% at fault, then that makes computing damages much simpler. While you may think that the other driver was completely at fault, that may not turn out to be the case. Even if you did share some of the fault, in California as long as the other person was MORE at fault, you may still be able to recover damages and receive compensation. Your compensation will simply be adjusted according to the amount of fault (or negligence in legal terms) that you shared in the accident.
2. What are your economic damages? Economic damages are quantifiable damages. These include things such as medical bills, lost wages, damage to your bike and others.
3. What are your non-economic damages? Non-economic damages are what most people think of as “pain and suffering”. Computing non-economic damages can be more difficult and may depend on this such as the type and severity of physical injuries you suffered and your general health before the accident.
Only an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney can accurately determine what the value of your motorcycle accident case is based on your specific set of facts. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, contact the motorcycle accident law firm of Ledger & Associates as soon as possible for your free detailed evaluation of your motorcycle accident case. They can be reached by visiting them online at www.ledgerlaw.com or by telephone at 1-800-300-0001.
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Saturday, May 29th, 2010
California is one of the most beautiful states to own and ride a motorcycle in by anyone’s standards. If you are a California resident and motorcycle enthusiasts then you already know this. Where else can be ride along the ocean, through the mountains and end up in the desert all in one day? The weather is certainly another good reason to own and ride a bike in California. Sadly, the biggest drawback to riding, in any state, is the disproportionate number of accidents that motorcyclists are involved in compared to passenger vehicles.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show us that for every 100 million miles of motorcycle travel there are approximately 632 injuries. Compare this to only 122 injuries for the same miles of passenger car travel. The facts all point to motorcycle riding being more dangerous than riding in a passenger car. What makes these statistics even more frustrating for bikers is that those same statistics tell us that over two-thirds of the time when a motorcycle is involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, the passenger vehicles is ultimately found to be negligent (at fault) for the accident. Clearly, the efforts at motorcycle safety over the past few decades have failed to educate the public about the need to be aware of motorcycles. So what can you do if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and you believe the other driver was at fault?
A personal injury lawsuit is a way for an injured person to receive compensation from the responsible party. The State of California follows the rules of comparative negligence for personal injury motorcycle accidents. What this means, in essence, is that more than one person, or entity, can share the blame for an accident. In other words, if you are found to be 10% at fault – or negligent – for your accident, you may still be able to collect compensation for any damages or injuries that you suffered in the accident. Your settlement, or jury award, will simply be adjusted to reflect the percentage of negligence that you had in the accident. Therefore, as long as the other person was MORE at fault, you may have a valid personal injury lawsuit.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to collect for economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages include things such as damage to your motorcycle, lost time form work and medical bills. Non-economic damages represent the suffering that you went through as a result of the accident. The value of your personal injury case will vary depending on a number of factors. If you would like to get an idea of whether you have a valid California motorcycle personal injury accident case, feel free to contact motorcycle attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates. Ledger & Associates have been fighting for the rights of motorcycle enthusiasts in the State of California for over a decade and will be happy to give you a free and detailed evaluation of your case. They can be contacted online at www.ledgerlaw.com or by calling 1-800-300-0001.
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Spring is here and for many that means that the dream of buying a motorcycle is nagging at you again – especially if you live in a state like California. It’s hard to resist the temptation when you live in a state that seems custom made for riding. Imagine the beautiful Oceanside cruises on a lazy Sunday. Maybe a trip through the mountains is more your style. A day trip to wine country sounds nice on a brand new bike as well. If you owned a bike when you were younger, you may think that you don’t need to bother with a motorcycle safety course, but times change, people change and bikes change. The roads are more dangerous now than they were twenty years ago and let’s face it, you probably have more to lose now than you did twenty yeas ago.
Back when many of us started riding motorcycles, there were no laws about helmets or requirements that we have a motorcycle endorsement or special license to ride. You could just hop on a bike and ride off into the sunset. Now, however, many states have enacted helmet laws and all states require a special license or endorsement to ride a motorcycle. Tickets for getting caught riding without a license can cost a small fortune as well. Not all states require that you complete a motorcycle safety course prior to receiving your motorcycle license. California, for example, only requires you to pass the written exam if you are over 18 years old to get your motorcycle license. For those under 18 years old, however, an approved motorcycle training course is required. A motorcycle training course is something that all riders should consider – regardless of your state’s legal requirements.
Each year, close to 5,000 are killed in motorcycle accidents and thousands more are injured, says California motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates. Statistics tell us that of the bikers involved in accidents, 92% are self-taught – meaning they did not complete a motorcycle training course. Motorcycle training courses reduce the chance that you will be involved in an accident and reduce the injuries you will receive in the event you are in an accident. Let’s face it, if you ride for long enough there is a good chance that you will lay the bike down at some point in time. Part of the point of a training course it to help you learn how to do that to minimize injury to you and your bike. That old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” isn’t entirely true. Even an experience motorcyclist can learn something new. If you have some experience riding – maybe back in your twenties – then you probably don’t need a beginner course. Why not take an advanced or expert course? Many of us are required to take continuing education classes for our profession, why should riding a motorcycle be any different? There is no reason not to give in to that dream of riding again, but do it safely.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, or have any additional questions, contact Emery Ledger at Ledger & Associates online at www.ledgerlaw.com or at 1-800-300-0001.
Tags: accident, accident attorney, accidents, attorney, bikers, emery, helmet, helmet laws, injury, juries, killed, law, Ledger, motorcycle accident, motorcycle accident attorney, motorcycle accidents, motorcycle endorsement, motorcycle license, Motorcycle safety, motorcycle safety course, motorcycle training, motorcycles, motorcyclist
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Thursday, March 11th, 2010
So you’re thinking about getting your first motorcycle. You’ve been envisioning this for the past few years, patiently waiting until you were old enough. You can just feel the power underneath you as you scream down the road. Anyone that has a passion for bikes knows how you feel, but make sure you are prepared before you venture out into the world on that first bike. Motorcycles are a great way to experience the freedom of the outdoors as well as an economical form of transportation, but they are also a good way to get killed or seriously injured if you don’t know what you are doing and don’t practice motorcycle safety.
Many states now require that helmets be worn at all times for motorcycle riders. Even states that don’t require helmets for all riders have some requirement that younger riders wear a helmet. Additionally, all states require that you obtain a motorcycle license, or endorsement, before you are allowed to operate a motorcycle. Some states, like California for example, require that you complete a motorcycle training course if you are under the age of 18 in order to qualify for a motorcycle license, according to California motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates. While all of this may seem unnecessary to you, and you may feel that it is nothing more than a list of obstacles in your way to that dream bike, there are plenty of reasons why these rules are in place. Thousands of people are killed each year in motorcycle accidents and even more are seriously injured. Your chances of being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident are twice as high as in a car accident. Motorcycle riders between the ages of 16-24 are significantly overrepresented in accidents. Those helmets that nobody wants to wear? They are the single biggest factor in preventing serious head trauma which can lead to death or life altering injuries. Studies also tell us that the majority of riders that are involved in an accident have very little experience riding. The reason for this is that knowing how to ride a motorcycle is one thing – knowing how to react to a potential collision is another thing. Riders generally have less than 2 seconds to acknowledge and react to a potential collision. Additionally, on a motorcycle, evasive maneuvers are frequently critical to avoiding a fatal accident and novice riders may not be equipped to initiate those maneuvers.
A motorcycle training course, whether required by law or not, may be the best time and money you ever spend. If you are convinced that you already know how to ride, then enroll in an advanced or expert course. Even people that have been riding for years frequently attend training courses to get the latest information and techniques. There is no reason that you can’t have that motorcycle that you have been waiting for, but take the time to prepare yourself before you go out on the road with it. A few hours of your time now may be the key to many years of riding in the future.
If you have any additional questions, or have been involved in a motorcycle accident, feel free to contact California motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at his toll-free number 1-800-300-0001 or online at www.ledgerlaw.com
Tags: attorney, california motorcycle accident attorney, car accident, emery, head trauma, helmet, juries, killed, law, Ledger, maneuver, money, motorcycle accident, motorcycle accident attorney, motorcycle accidents, motorcycle riders, Motorcycle safety, motorcycles, safety
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
With spring just around the corner, motorcycle enthusiasts are gearing up to get back out on the road. For anyone that loves to ride, there is nothing like getting back on your bike after a long winter spent waiting for the weather to break. Of course, if you are lucky enough to live somewhere where the weather cooperates year around, then maybe you haven’t had to wait, but the majority of us aren’t that lucky. Even in California, the torrential winter rains this year have prevented year around riding for many motorcycle enthusiasts so many have had to wait it out until spring decided to pop her head out of the clouds. For some, riding is a way of life, for others just a week-end hobby. Regardless of whether your bike is your primary form of transportation or a week-end luxury, remember that it can be dangerous.
Recent statistics report that in any given year, about 5,000 people are killed in motorcycle accidents and thousands more are injured, according to motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates in California. The cause of the majority (almost three-fourths) of motorcycle accident is a collision with another vehicle. Of the remaining 25% of the accidents, rider error was the most common reason for the accident. Roadway defects and weather conditions account for less than 5% of all motorcycle accidents. Of the accidents that involved a motorcycle colliding with another vehicle, the other vehicle was at fault more than two-thirds of the time. What these statistics tell us is what most riders already know – that cars don’t watch for motorcycles on the roadways. Despite efforts by motorcycle groups to educate the general car driving public of the importance of being aware of motorcycles, the statistics tell us that car drivers still don’t watch for motorcycles. Part of the reason for this is that we are trained from the moment we begin driving to be alert to visual cues from other drivers – drivers of automobiles. We are trained to look for traditional vehicles. We are also accustomed to watching for a pair of headlights to tell us that a vehicle is approaching or is in our path. The human brain can only take in so much information at a time and it tends to dismiss excess information if it feels it is not critical at that point and time. When we are driving, we are taking in a lot of information at one time – information that is critical to our ability to drive. If a single headlight enters our field of vision, we sometimes dismiss it as not critical because we are not trained to recognize it as a vehicle. Additionally, something smaller than a traditional car – like a motorcycle – sometimes gets filtered out when we are driving. For this reason, it is even more important that car drivers conscientiously make an effort to look for and beware of motorcycle riders.
For more information motorcycle safety, please feel free to contact motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates on his website at www.ledgerlaw.com or at his toll-free number – 1-800-300-0001.
Tags: bikers, cars, fault, field of vision, killed, law, Ledger, luck, motorcycle accident, motorcycle accident attorney, motorcycle accidents, motorcycle enthusiasts, motorcycle groups, Motorcycle safety, motorcycles, roadways, safety, statistics, vehicle, weather
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
With the weather breaking in most of the country, motorcycle enthusiasts are getting their bikes ready to get back out on the road. There is truly nothing like the feel of the wind in your face as you cruise along a beautiful ocean highway or a mountain pass. For motorcycle riders, the dangers are often accepted as part and parcel of the love of riding. With over 5,000 motorcycle accident deaths each year, and thousands more injured though, it doesn’t hurt to follow some simple rules to try and keep you, and your passengers, safe. So what can you do to try and prevent a motorcycle accident or at least limit any injuries if the worst happens and you do have an accident? California motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates says that the following five tips may make you and your passengers safer:
1. Make sure that you and you passenger have on proper riding gear. People who don’t ride bikes assume that all that leather is just a fashion statement but riders know better. Having leg chaps, arm chaps, gloves, boots and a leather jacket not only keep you warm, but they help protect you from road debris and protect you from road rash if you do have an accident. Leather is tough and can withstand more wear and tear than almost any other material which is why riding gear is made with it – although it does look good too!
2. Wear a helmet. Head injury is the leading cause of fatality in a motorcycle crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that your chance of dying in a motorcycle crash is reduced by 29% just by wearing a helmet. If the full face helmet is just too cumbersome, then at least buy a three-quarter or half-shell helmet. While these types don’t offer quite as much protection, some protection is better than none.
3. Wear bright, visible clothing. If you can’t bring yourself to wear reflective clothing (which of course is recommended), then at least wear something that can be seen from far away. A bright shirt, bandana or helmet will help drivers see you better as you are approaching.
4. Limit your night driving. More accidents of all types happen at night and motorcycles are no exception. In fact, motorcycle accidents are even more common at night. If cars have a hard time seeing motorcycles during the day, it stands to reason that it is even harder at night.
5. Remember to obey the rules of the road. For instance, sometimes it’s tempting to skirt congested traffic by riding alongside stopped traffic, but when a motorcycle is riding somewhere where a car doesn’t expect a vehicle to be, you are just increasing the chances of the car not seeing you and causing a collision.
By following these simple tips, you will make riding for you and your passengers safer and ultimately more enjoyable. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and need legal advice, contact California motorcycle accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit him online at www.ledgerlaw.com.
Tags: accident deaths, attorney, california motorcycle accident attorney, cars, crash, deaths, fatality, full face helmet, helmet, helmet head, injury, motorcycle accident, motorcycle accident attorney, motorcycle accidents, motorcycle crash, motorcycle enthusiasts, motorcycle riders, Motorcycle safety, reflective clothing, ride bikes, road rash
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Saturday, January 30th, 2010
For bikers, we all dread moment when you know you’re about to be involved in an accident. Someone in a car just pulled out in front of you and you know you are going down. There was nothing more you could have done. You follow all the traffic rules but unfortunately many car drivers just don’t pay attention to motorcycles. The guy probably didn’t even notice you. Although everyone who rides a bike tries to prepare for the possibility of an accident, it’s still scary when it actually happens. So if you have actually had an accident, how do you know if you have a valid personal injury case? How can you protect your rights and recover damages from the person who caused the accident?
The best thing you can do is consult with a motorcycle personal injury lawyer. Only a trained and experienced lawyer can evaluate all the facts of your case and advise you whether you have the basis for a personal injury claim and how to proceed. There are, however, things you can do immediately after the accident to try and help yourself and your lawyer in the event that you do proceed with a personal injury claim. If you are not taken directly to the hospital by ambulance, then the following steps may be of great help to you and your attorney as your case proceeds.
1. The first thing you need to do after an accident is make sure that you and your motorcycle get out of the roadway if possible to prevent any additional injuries or accidents. Car drivers are notorious for not spotting motorcyclists when they are actually riding the bike, much less when the bike is on its side in the middle of the rode.
2. The next thing you need to do is notify the police if another motorist or bystander hasn’t already done so. You may think this isn’t necessary because you feel o.k. or you think there wasn’t much damage but a police report may be invaluable to your attorney in evaluating your case.
3. Additionally, take down the name, telephone number, vehicle information and insurance information of the other person involved in the accident. Don’t count on the police to gather that information. Remember – this is the person responsible for your injuries so write down all the information you can.
4. Next, take note of any potential witnesses to the accident and attempt to get their information. While witness identification may be located on a police report, it isn’t always taken down by law enforcement. Again, take it upon yourself to get any information you can at the scene.
5. Have yourself checked out by a physician as soon as possible. If possible, go directly to the emergency room. You may feel as though you didn’t suffer any injuries, but many injuries are internal and/or do not show symptoms until hours or days after an accident. Having a physician check and document any potential injuries right after the accident will assist your lawyer evaluate and prepare your case.
6. Make sure you get written estimates for any damages your motorcycle suffered as soon as you are able. The more detailed the estimate the better.
7. Lastly, document any time off of work. This includes time immediately following the accident as well as any time spent on doctor appointments or therapy for injuries you suffered.
Only an experienced motorcycle personal injury lawyer can tell you whether you have a valid personal injury claim and advise you how you can recover damages for the injuries you have suffered. However, by following the steps outlined above in the event you are involved in an accident, you will be able to assist your attorney evaluate and litigate your case down the road.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and would like an experienced attorney to evaluate your case, contact the law offices of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit us at www.ledgerlaw.com.
Tags: accident, accidents, after an accident, attorney, cat, claim, injury claim, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, motorcycle accidents, motorcycle attorney, motorcycle lawyer, Motorcycle safety, motorycle accident, Personal Injury, personal injury case, personal injury claim, personal injury law, personal injury lawyer, witnesses, your rights
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