California Motorcycle Accident Statistics

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Motorcycle-Accident

According to studies, there are more motorcycles (approximately 800,000) on California roadways than in any other state in the country. On an annual basis, nearly 12,000 people are injured and almost 500 people killed in motorcycle accidents on state roadways.

Motorcycle accidents in California have the greatest impact on riders between the ages of 25 and 34, with riders above the age of 55 the least affected. The three months that saw the highest number of motorcycle accident fatalities were, in order, August, July and November. Statistics also show that, from May through September, there were more than 1,000 motorcycle accident injuries per month in the state.

Though one in four (24%) of motorcycle accident fatalities in California involved a biker with a blood alcohol content of more than .08% (the legal limit), that is below the national average, which is 28%. Nearly 90% of motorcyclists killed in a crash were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, but authorities attribute that to the state’s helmet law. Nationwide, only 57% of bikers killed in crashes were wearing a helmet at the time of death.

One in five persons killed in motorcycle accidents in California were operating the bike without a valid drivers’ license.

Contact Weber & Nierenberg

At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring almost 30 years of experience to people in and around Sacramento who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.

To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motor vehicle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.

California the Only State to Allow Lane-Splitting

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Allow-Lane-Splitting

You’ve probably seen it out on the road…you’re driving somewhere, when a motorcycle cruises between the lanes on your side of the road, maybe inches from your car. You may be in a traffic jam, watching as motorcycles leave you behind. In California, it’s perfectly legal. In every other state, it’s against the law.

Though the practice has been legal in the state for decades, there are some restrictions about to be placed on it. Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation earlier this month that makes lane-splitting legal throughout the state. The bill also requires that the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol develop safety guidelines, including speed restrictions. That would be easier, if authorities had been gathering any data on lane-splitting injuries, but that has apparently not been done for decades, either.

Three years ago, the state highway patrol issued guidelines recommending that lane-splitters not travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than surrounding traffic. The guidelines were subsequently scrapped. Officials say that it will likely take up to a year to gather enough data to establish safety guidelines.

Opponents of lane-splitting say the maneuver creates increased risk of injury or death, but proponents argue that lane-splitting actually reduces the risk of injury, provided it’s done at a reasonable rate of speed. They contend that lane-splitting allows skilled bikers to avoid head-on or rear-end collisions with cars and similar motor vehicles.

Contact Weber & Nierenberg

At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring almost 30 years of experience to people in and around Sacramento who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.

To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motor vehicle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.

U.S. Motorcycle Deaths Up by Ten Percent

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Man quickly driving motorcycle

The total number of fatalities from motorcycle accidents in America jumped from 4,560 to 5,010 in 2015, marking just the third time since statistics have been kept that the toll went above 5,000. According to authorities, 31 states reported an increase in the number of deaths involving motorcycle crashes. Most experts say the principal reason for the dramatic increase is the cheap cost of gas.

Public health officials have expressed concern about the potential for a substantial jump in traffic accidents since the price of gas plummeted in late 2014. Studies have been conducted showing a direct correlation between the cost of gas and the number traffic accidents and fatalities. Researchers say that, as the price of gas goes down, the incentive to drive goes up, especially for young drivers, who have less discretionary income, and whose driving may be mostly recreational. The more drivers on the road, the more accidents, assuming the accident rate remains the same.

A study by professor Guangqing Chi, of South Dakota State University, corroborated this theory. Chi found that a $2 reduction in the price of gas per gallon translated into an additional 9,000 deaths on American highways over the period of a year.

Contact Weber & Nierenberg

At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring almost 30 years of experience to people in and around Sacramento who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.

To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motor vehicle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.

L.A. County Deputy Dies in Motorcycle Crash

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A close up of skid marks on a road.

A 25-year-old sheriff’s deputy from Los Angeles County died in a multi-vehicle accident on Friday, May 27, 2016. Authorities say that Deputy Philip Borja, of Upland, was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Hidden Valley Parkway, near the 15 Freeway, around 4:30 pm, traveling with another biker, when a woman pulled out of a shopping center into his path. Borja struck the vehicle, then careened into another car, a Volkswagen Beetle, traveling westbound on the Parkway. Borja’s motorcycle apparently caught flames, also setting the Beetle on fire.

Police say that the other motorcyclist missed the first car, but also hit the Beetle. The operator of that bike was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but released the next day. No one in the cars suffered any injury.

According to his unit, Borja was off-duty at the time of the accident. He was taken from the scene of the accident by ambulance, but died after arriving at the hospital. Borja was assigned to the Norwalk station.

Contact Weber & Nierenberg

At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring almost 30 years of experience to people in and around Sacramento who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.

To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motor vehicle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.

Police Still Looking for Cause of Fatal San Jose Bus Accident

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Law enforcement officials are still trying to determine the cause of a fatal Greyhound bus crash on U.S. 101 in mid-January. Thus far, authorities have confirmed that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash, and that there were no apparent mechanical problems with the vehicle. A California Highway Patrol officer speculated that the likely cause was driver fatigue.

The accident occurred around 6:30 am on Tuesday, January 19, close to the connector ramp between Highway 85 and Highway 101. Witnesses say the bus was traveling northbound on Highway 101 in a steady rain when it struck safety barrels on the highway and turned on its side, coming to a stop in the center divider. Officials said there were no other vehicles involved in the crash. Two passengers were killed and 18 others were treated for injuries, including the driver of the bus.
A number of passengers on the bus said that the driver had stopped about half an hour before the crash to get a cup of coffee, saying he was tired. Some even suggested that the driver fell asleep at the wheel, but that could not be confirmed.

The bus left Los Angeles at 11:30 pm on Monday night, and had scheduled stops at San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland. The driver apparently stopped in Gilroy to get a cup of coffee. Drivers are required to take at least nine hours of rest between shifts. Authorities could not confirm whether the driver had taken the mandatory time off.

Contact Weber & Nierenberg

At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 75 combined years of experience to people in and around Northern California & the Bay Area who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.

To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motor vehicle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.

Still Great Potential for Accidents and Injuries on Public Transportation!

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Public transportation has improved and certainly expanded over the last several years. However, there is still great potential for accidents and injuries on public transportation. If you have been injured in a public transportation accident, an experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney can help you determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
To help prevent an accident or injury while using public transportation the following safety tips may be helpful:
Do not rush to board a bus or subway, this way you can avoid falling or slipping and becoming injured.
As the bus or train approaches stand back from the edge of the platform or curb and stay a bit to the side to avoid being accidentally pushed or shoved off balance.
Do not try to enter a subway car when the doors are closing and ensure packages, pocketbooks and backpacks are clear of closing doors after you have entered the train.
Only use the emergency cord to prevent an accident or injury.
Do not run or walk on escalators—stand, hold the rail and face forward. Improper use of escalators can cause serious injuries.
Do not run for the bus—you can slip, trip or fall and sustain serious injuries.
Do not stand in stairwells or lean against doors while traveling on a bus—sudden stops could cause you to fall and become injured.
When boarding or leaving a bus watch for slippery surfaces, icy sidewalks or other hazards, which may cause you to fall.
A San Francisco personal injury law firm can help
Unfortunately, no matter how many advances have been made in transportation, accidents still happen and individuals can become seriously injured. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a public transportation accident contact us online or call 866-288-6010 to discuss your injury case.

Critical Steps to Take After a Car Accident!

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When you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you don’t want to jeopardize your rights by failing to preserve critical evidence or making statements that can be used against you. In the uncertain moments following a collision, you can easily lose track of your thoughts and make crucial mistakes. This article outlines the steps you need to take after a car crash to protect your rights.

Before You Leave the Scene of the Accident

The first thing you need to do after an accident is verify the extent of any injuries to you or your passengers. Check immediately to see that everyone is conscious and can move under their own power. If a passenger is unconscious or cannot move, leave them alone unless they are in danger of further injury. EMT personnel will be better equipped to take care of them. If anyone is unconscious or need immediate medical attention, call 911.

Your next step should be to move your vehicle out of harm’s way, if possible. Your safety is the most important factor at this point. Don’t worry about being able to show how the accident occurred. Accident reconstruction specialists can put the pieces together even if the vehicles have been moved.

If you have not yet called law enforcement officers, telephone them and stay in your car until they arrive (unless it is unsafe to do so). You may have a lot of nervous energy after the accident and may be inclined to talk more than you should or want to. Don’t spend unnecessary time in conversation with other drivers. You may say something that will be held against you in court.

Once police officers arrive, gather relevant information from them, such as name, badge number and jurisdiction. Provide them with any information they request, including identification and proof of insurance. Do not volunteer information, but provide clear answers to their questions.

Before you leave the scene of the accident, you should also ask other drivers for important information, including name, address, phone number, insurance provider and policy number. If you have a camera, you should take as many pictures as you can, showing damages to other vehicles or other property, personal injuries, skid marks and important road signs or signals.

After You Leave the Scene of the Accident

Your first inclination after leaving the scene of the accident may be to contact your insurance carrier. Instead, you should call an experienced personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies have a vested interest in paying as little as possible for your injury. An attorney will put your needs first, seeking full and fair compensation for your losses. Your attorney may also act as your liaison with your insurer, making certain you get full and fair compensation for all your losses.

If you have not sought medical care at the scene of the accident, you may want to take yourself to the hospital or a clinic, so that you get a documented report of any immediately observable injuries. If your injuries are minor, you should nonetheless set up an appointment with your doctor to get a full examination.

You will need to notify your insurance provider in a timely manner. Don’t sign anything, however, without talking with an attorney.

A San Francisco personal injury law firm can help

Unfortunately, no matter how many advances have been made in transportation, accidents still happen and individuals can become seriously injured. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a public transportation accident contact us online or call 866-288-6010 to discuss your injury case.

Tips to Improve Your Visibility on a Motorcycle

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Increase Your Visibility and Decrease the Risk of an Accident

Tips to Minimize the Risk of a Motorcycle Accident

MotorcycleEven with the national campaigns to increase awareness of motorcyclists on America’s roadways, far too many bikers are hurt every year by motorists who claim they “just didn’t see them.” While you can never control what another driver will do, as a biker, there are some specific measures you can take to help increase your visibility and reduce the risk of serious injury.

Stay Out of Blind Spots

Every driver has some type of blind spot—more often than not it’s on the driver’s side of the car. Don’t linger alongside a vehicle. If you need to be in the blind spot, move through it as quickly as you can. If a driver won’t let you move through a blind spot, or if there’s no place to go, stay back until you can safely pass.

Take Steps to Increase Your Visibility

Bright clothing or reflective gear can enhance your visibility, particularly if it’s overcast. It’s also a good idea to put your high beams on or use fog lights, if you have them.

Take Extra Precaution at Dusk and After Dark

The single light from a motorcycle headlight can be especially difficult to see in your rear-view mirror after dark. Increase your distance, use your high beams, or even flash your lights at the cars in front of you.

In addition, driving at sunset can be particularly treacherous. Drivers looking into a direct sun at dusk will have a difficult time seeing you. While you may not be able to avoid driving at these times, you can pay closer attention to everything around you.

Contact Our Office

At Weber & Nierenberg, we have fought for the rights of motorcycle accident injury victims in San Francisco and the surrounding communities for almost 30 years. What sets us apart from our competition is our strong commitment to personal service and attention. We will carefully listen to your story, so that we can learn the specific details of your case and tailor our representation to get the outcome you seek. We will assign an attorney to work directly with you at all times, someone who will aggressively protect your rights in all circumstances.

For a free initial consultation with an experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident injury lawyer, contact Weber & Nierenberg online or call us at 1-866-288-6010.

Motor Vehicle Accidents Expected to Rise with Lower Gas Prices

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Authorities Fear that Cheap Gas Will Lead to Increase in Traffic Accidents

Car accident sceneFor the last three months, gas prices have been at their lowest point since 2009. Not surprisingly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2009 was also the last high point for traffic accident fatalities nationwide.

Officials say it’s actually a simple equation. As gas prices go down, more people drive and they tend to drive longer distances. In many instances, motorists will opt to drive instead of fly, as the price of gas makes a trip by car significantly less expensive than air travel. The more people on the road, the greater the number of motor vehicle accidents, assuming the rate of collisions remains the same.

In a study conducted by professor, Guangqing Chi, in the Social Studies department at South Dakota State University, researchers concluded that, if gas prices remain at or around $2 per gallon for the entire year, the nation could see an additional 9,000 traffic deaths in 2015. Chi conducted a study in Minnesota that demonstrated that a twenty cent decrease in gas prices resulted in an additional 15 deaths over the period of one month.

Researchers also believe that younger drivers will make up a disproportionate percentage of the additional fatalities. Chi found that older drivers were less likely to significantly change their driving patterns based on gas prices, as they still needed to drive to work and to take care of family matters. Younger drivers, though, with less commitments and less discretionary income, are expected to drive more as gas prices decline.

Contact Weber & Nierenberg

At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 75 combined years of experience to people in and around Northern California & the Bay Area who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. We place a premium on personal service and attention, taking the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can customize our representation to get the outcome you seek. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.

To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced Bay Area motor vehicle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.

Know the Motorcycle Laws before You Ride

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Motorcycle Driving TestCalifornia’s motorcycle laws are contained in the California Driver Handbook. According to that book, those individuals who are over age 18 but under age 21 are considered minors, and minors may obtain an M1/M2 instruction permit by completing an application. Those individuals who are over age 21 are classified as adult drivers. All adult drivers must complete the application requirements for a motorcycle license, attend a California Highway Patrol-approved motorcycle training course, pass a DMV skills test or submit a valid DL 389 to waive the skills test, and pass a road test. According to the California motorcycle laws, a skills test is required. During the skills test you must be able to use the following while maneuvering the motorcycle in a normal traffic situation: starter, kill switch, clutch, throttle, gear selector, dimmer switch, brakes, turn signals and horn. You must be able to demonstrate that you can control the motorcycle under normal circumstances. You will be required to weave through five traffic cones in the Serpentine Ride; ride around a circle twice in a clockwise direction while keeping the front wheel in a marked path and returning to the starting point by weaving through the row of five traffic cones in the Circle Ride; ride slowly between two parallel lines while keeping the front tire in the marked path and completing the circle path again in a counterclockwise direction in the Slow Ride; and ride in a straight line while shifting through the gears, first up and then down, and end with a smooth stop at the starting line in the Gear Shift Ride. This is a pass/fail test.

If you or someone you love needs to know their rights regarding a pedestrian, auto, motorcycle, bicycle or bus accident or other type of personal injury, call the attorneys at the Weber and Nierenberg Law Firm. Personal injury attorneys at Weber and Nierenberg will work hard to make sure your rights are protected. For a free consultation or to make an appointment, call 1-866-288-6010.

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