2010 February Archive

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), studies show that the head, arms and legs are the most frequently injured body parts during a motorcycle accident. Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists. First, they offer comfort and protection from the elements. Secondly, they offer injury protection. And thirdly, the use of colorful or reflective material makes the motorcyclist more visible to other motorists on the roadway. Here is a short list provided by experienced WA injury attorney Kirk Bernard regarding some of the gear and equipment you may be well-advised to use if you are a motorcycle rider:

1. Helmet: This is the most important piece of equipment you need. In Washington State, if you are riding a motorcycle, it is mandatory to wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet. When you choose a helmet, look for the DOT label on the helmet. There are several novelty helmets in the market. Stay away from them. They offer no protection in the event of a crash.
2. Eye protection: Most motorcycles do not have windshields. So it is important that riders protect their eyes against insects, dirt or other airborne matter. Choose good quality goggles, glasses with plastic or safety lenses or a helmet with a face shield. Whatever you use for eye protection must be scratch free, shatter-proof and well-ventilated to prevent fogging up.
3. Clothing: What you wear should provide some degree of protection from abrasion and road rash in the event you fall off the motorcycle. Clothing should be made with durable material such as synthetic material or leather. Jackets should have long sleeves. Trousers should be full-length. Avoid baggy or flared pants to prevent entanglement with the chain, kick starter, foot pegs or other motorcycle parts.
4. Gloves: It is recommended that you wear gloves that are durable and non-slip. Leather gloves are perfectly suited.
5. Footwear: You need footwear that protects your feet, ankles and lower parts of the legs. Leather boots are ideal. Sandals or sneakers should not be used since they offer no protection from abrasion or a crushing impact.
6. Colorful or reflective clothing: It is always good to be seen on the roadway. Some riders use reflective orange or yellow vests to cover their jackets. Reflective material may also be used on clothing, the helmet and the motorcycle. Remember, that a majority of motorcycle crashes occur because the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the motorcyclist in time to avoid the collision.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced Washington motorcycle accident lawyers at The Bernard Group for a FREE consultation and evaluation of your motorcycle accident case. Call us at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for our FREE brochure, which has useful educational information about Washington motorcycle accident cases to help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

You cannot be careful enough when you are riding a motorcycle. As a skilled personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard knows that Washington motorcycle accidents can result in extremely serious injuries. When a motorcycle collides with another vehicle, it is usually the motorcycle rider who sustains severe injury. Here are the top five tips about what to watch out for and avoid when you are riding your motorcycle:

1. Watch drivers’ heads and mirrors: This really helps anticipate when drivers will make sudden moves. Most drivers will move their heads one way or the other before making a sudden movement to the left or right – something that can be lethal to a motorcyclist.
2. Make sure you are seen: Be positive that drivers and pedestrians can see you even from a distance. It would be a good idea to ride with your high beam on during the day and wear brightly colored gear so you are noticeable on the road.
3. Be aware of your environment: Always scan your environment while riding. That allows you to anticipate and react to the unexpected.
4. Be extra careful when making left turns: Statistics show that a lot of motorcycle accidents occur when the other vehicle is making a left turn. So, when you approach an oncoming car about to turn left, be prepared. Turn your high beam on. Keep your eye on the driver’s hands on the steering wheel. If you see movement, be ready to brake, swerve or accelerate. Do what seems best, given your situation.
5. Be wary of treacherous roadways: Be on the lookout for debris spilled on the roadway, which has the potential to cause fatal motorcycle accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced Washington motorcycle accident lawyers at The Bernard Group for a FREE consultation and evaluation of your motorcycle accident case. Call us at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for our FREE informational brochure, which has useful educational information about Washington motorcycle accident cases to help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/122_0504_motorcycle_riding_tips/index.html

A Washington motorcycle accident severely injured two people after a pickup truck attempted to make a left turn in front of them. According to a news report in the Seattle Press Intelligencer the major injury crash occurred when the driver of a 1994 Toyota pickup truck turned into a parking lot from the center southbound lane of Highway 20. Both the motorcyclist and his female passenger were transported to a local hospital with broken bones and other injuries. The driver of the pickup may be cited for failure to yield right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle. Alcohol was not a factor.

A number of motorcycle accidents in Washington State and elsewhere in the country occur when a motorist turns left ahead of the motorcycle. In some cases, the driver fails to yield because of a distraction or the involvement of alcohol or drugs. In some cases, it may just be erroneous judgment on the part of the driver. In either case, the at-fault driver could be held liable for injuries caused to the victims. These incidents act as constant reminders to us that drivers should be looking for smaller vehicles and pedestrians at intersections too. In such cases, motorcycle accident victims could seek compensation for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, therapy and other related expenses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced Washington motorcycle accident lawyers at The Bernard Group for a FREE consultation and evaluation of your motorcycle accident case. Call us at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for our FREE informational brochure, which has useful educational information about Washington motorcycle accident cases to help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.seattlepi.com/sound/414115_sound81148292.html