Kirk Bernard

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

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