2009 November Archive

Riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun, but it is without doubt, an activity that is extremely dangerous, especially for the inexperienced rider. It is true that motorcyclists sometimes break laws by popping wheelies, splitting lanes or riding on the shoulder. However, a lot of times, drivers don’t realize that motorcycle rules can be different from car rules, according to a KIRO 7 news report. For example, in Washington State, riding in the HOV lane as a single rider is perfectly legal as is riding next to each other in one lane. For motorcyclists, the biggest danger is that drivers of other vehicles do not pay attention to them or look out for them on the roadway when they change lanes or make a turn.

Also, in Washington State, insurance is not mandatory for motorcyclists. Given the high risk that is involved in motorcycle riding, I would certainly recommend that motorcyclists in Washington State have life insurance and motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle riders would also be well-advised to wear safety gear, especially a full-faced helmet to prevent serious head injuries or traumatic brain injuries that could be devastating. It would also be a good idea to wear gloves and leather apparel to prevent road rash, scrapes and burns, which can be extremely severe and painful.

Car drivers, for their part, need to remember that they share the road with other vehicles including motorcyclists. A motorist should also look for motorcyclists while changing lanes or making a turn. When a car hits a motorcycle, very often it is the motorcycle rider or passenger who suffers the most serious injuries.

If you have been injured in a Seattle motorcycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, please contact one of the skilled Seattle personal injury attorneys with The Bernard Law Group for a free and comprehensive consultation. Very often, motorcycle riders end up taking the blame for an accident because it is assumed that they were going too fast or weaving in and out of traffic. Our aggressive legal team led by Kirk Bernard will thoroughly investigate the motorcycle accident and make sure that your side of the story is heard. Call us today to discuss your Washington motorcycle accident claim.

Source:http://www.kirotv.com/traffic/21710172/detail.html

Riding a motorcycle has its inherent risks, like almost everything we do in life. If you enjoy riding a motorcycle, there is no reason to give it up just because you may get injured. What’s important is that you equip yourself with the knowledge and the information you need to prevent a motorcycle accident and protect yourself from injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. Here are some tips that will hopefully help you:

1. Wear personal protective equipment. The most important protective gear for a motorcycle rider is a helmet with a full-face shield. Head injuries are the number one cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Wearing leather boots and a full-sleeved jacket can also protect you from painful road rash and abrasions, which are common motorcycle accident injuries.
2. Get proper training before you start riding motorcycles. In Washington, motorcycle riders are required to pass a knowledge test and motorcycle riding test before they can start riding on the state’s roadways. It also helps to get additional safety training programs to be fully prepared.
3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Alcohol and other controlled substances can impair your judgment, your reaction and your ability to control the motorcycle. Never drink and ride.
4. Keep your distance from other vehicles. Follow other vehicles at a safe distance. If a driver in front of you suddenly slams on his brakes, you want plenty of time to stop. If someone is following too close or tailgating you, it’s always better to let them pass.
5. Follow local traffic laws. In Washington State, motorcycle riders are expected to follow the rules of the road just like other drivers. That includes staying within the speed limit and following posted signs.
6. Common sense rules. Trust your instincts and use common sense. Don’t drive when you’re sick or feeling drowsy. Don’t drive in the dark or at night if you’re not comfortable doing so. Remain visible to other drivers by wearing a reflective vest and keeping your headlights on – whether you are driving your motorcycle in the afternoon or the evening.

However, motorcycle accidents do happen for reasons beyond the rider’s control. If you have been injured in a Seattle motorcycle accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, please contact the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys at The Bernard Law Group to learn how we can help protect your rights as an injury victim. If you are injured you need to get immediate medical attention and also, seek the counsel of a motorcycle accident attorney like Kirk Bernard who will secure compensation to cover your damages and help rebuild your life.

A 32-year-old man was killed in a Seattle motorcycle accident after colliding with a car in South Seattle. According to a news report in the Seattle Times, the motorcyclist was traveling east on South Myrtle Street when he hit the back of a car. He was thrown off his motorcycle and then struck by another vehicle. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the number of motorcycle accidents has been consistently increasing over the years. There were reportedly 2,428 motorcycle accidents in 2005. That number rose to 2,620 in 2007. There were 68 fatalities and 460 serious injuries involving motorcycle accidents in 2007.

Where a motorcycle is involved with another vehicle, it is very important to look into how or why the accident occurred. Whose fault was the accident? Did the driver in front of the motorcyclist slow down suddenly or without warning? Did the other driver turn in front of the motorcyclist or fail to yield right-of-way at an intersection? If there was negligence on the part of another driver which led to the motorcycle accident, then the victim or his or her family could seek compensation for injuries, damages and loss.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington motorcycle accident and believe that the accident occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence, please contact Kirk Bernard at the The Bernard Law Group for a free and comprehensive consultation. One of our experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys will make sure that a thorough accident investigation is conducted and that the negligent parties are held liable for their actions.

Source:http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010139399_webfatal26m.html?syndication=rss