A Checklist for Bikers—More Safety Tips from the Open Road
As important as it can be to drive defensively and employ other safe driving practices, it’s just as critical that you don’t go out on the road on a bike that’s not road-ready. Here’s a checklist that you should go through every time you get ready to ride.
Before You Get on the Bike
Some of the most important safety measures come before you ever throw your leg over the bike:
- Check the ground below your motorcycle—Is there anything suspicious on the ground—oil or gas spills or anything that’s fallen off the bike?
- Are all your lights working properly?—Check your headlights, signals and tail lights, including high beams
- Tires—Inspect the tread for signs of wear, and make certain there are no cracks or bulges anywhere
- Fluid levels—Check fluid levels weekly to make certain there are no leaks and that you have ample fluids
After You Get on Your Bike
If everything looks good so far, climb on the bike and test the following:
- Mirrors—Make certain mirrors are clean and free of cracks, and that they are properly adjusted
- Clutch and throttle—Rev the engine and release—the throttle should snap back. Also confirm that the clutch engages smoothly.
- Horn—Make certain it’s working correctly
- Brakes—Before you pull onto the road, check the front and rear brakes (at a slow speed)
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around San Francisco Bay area who have been injured in a motorcycle 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 motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
Simple Steps for Keeping You and Your Motorcycle on the Road
There’s nothing in the world that can compare to the thrill of taking your motorcycle on the open road…the power of the engine, the wind in your face, the exhilaration when you accelerate. Let’s face it…there’s also the excitement of being directly exposed to the elements. It’s a bit of a trade-off, though, as there’s less to protect you in the event of an accident. But there are many things you can do to minimize the risk of injury. Most cyclists ride for decades without a scrape, but it’s not just luck. They’re paying attention, taking specific measures to make their experience as safe as possible. Here are some simple steps you can take to make certain your memories are always positive.
- Drive defensively—The most common response from a motorist who causes a motorcycle accident? “I didn’t see the bike.” You can’t ever assume that other drivers are aware of your presence. Be proactive…watch what other drivers are doing, stay out of their blind spots, give plenty of advance warning when you plan to turn or change direction, watch for cars that are turning or stopping
- Improve your chances of being seen—Take steps to enhance your visibility. Wear bright clothing or reflective tape. Ride with your headlights on. Use hand signals in addition to the signals on your bike.
- Keep your riding skills sharp—Consider taking a safety class or riding courses to keep your skills honed.
- Obey the rules of the road—Another major cause of motorcycle accidents—bikers who take short cuts or jockey in and out of motor vehicle traffic. Stay within the speed limit, make certain you stop at red lights and stop signs, and don’t change lanes or pass in no pass zones.
- Wear protective clothing—Sometimes you can do everything right and still be at risk. That’s why it’s important to wear the right clothing. Leather will minimize the risk of road rash, and good boots and gloves can help you avoid serious injury.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around San Francisco Bay area who have been injured in a motorcycle 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 motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
Los Angeles Law Enforcement Officers Put Spotlight on Motorcycle Safety
Citing statistics that show a dramatic increase in motorcycle accident fatalities and injuries in the last decade, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has kicked off a new initiative intended to bolter motorcycle safety. Officials say that a focused “Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation” went into effect on September 19, 2017. The program will see extra officers on duty in areas where motorcycle traffic is heavy and motorcycle accidents have been frequent.
According to officials, since the low water mark of 352 motorcycles deaths in 2010, California has seen a 28% jump in fatalities, with a five-year-high of 453 in 2013. Among the factors contributing to the high fatality rate are speeding, impaired driving and unsafe turning.
Public safety officers offered the following safety tips for riders:
- Drive at the same speed as others around you
- Wear clothes that allow you to be seen
- Always ride with your lights on, even in the day
- Use your lane to improve your visibility
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around San Francisco Bay area who have been injured in a motorcycle 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 motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
In the Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident Injury
Any motor vehicle accident is frightening, but the risk of serious injury is far greater when you are operating or riding on a motorcycle. Here are some of the key things to remember to protect yourself when you have been involved in a motorcycle wreck.
Take Care of Your Health First
The most important thing, after a collision involving a motorcycle, is to get the medical treatment you need. It’s not the time to shake things off or be strong…it’s the time to make certain you don’t take any further unnecessary risk. If you don’t think you can move under your own power, don’t try to do so. Wait until emergency medical technicians arrive and tell them what’s going on. Let them decide whether you need to leave the scene in an ambulance or are able to get up and walk away.
Be sure to tell doctors, nurses and medical professionals about anything that is out of the ordinary. Don’t focus on the obvious injury and ignore the less apparent one. Often, it’s the injuries you can’t see—muscle pulls, connective tissue trauma—that will be the most debilitating. Make certain all medical assessments are documented in writing.
Be Careful What You Say to Insurance Companies
You need to notify your insurance company of the accident, but you want to be careful how much you say. Your insurer has a vested interest in paying as little as possible to settle your claim. You will often be better served to hire an attorney as soon as possible and let your attorney be your liaison with insurance company personnel.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around the San Francisco Bay area who have been injured in a motorcycle 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 motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
Bikers Beware – California Highway Patrol Beefs Up Enforcement Efforts
It’s summer in California and, for many, there’s no better feeling than flying down the coast on a motorcycle with the wind in your face. Let’s face it—the scenic beauty and amazing terrain in California are like no other place on earth. Unfortunately, when you’re on a bike, you’re just not as visible as you are in other motor vehicles, and it’s a lot easier to lose control in an emergency. Though statistics show that most motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence or carelessness of car and truck drivers, the California Highway patrol has indicated that it will be increasing its efforts to ensure that bikers don’t violate speed limits or other traffic laws.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, local offices of the California Highway Patrol will begin increased enforcement of aggressive driving or speeding laws among motorcyclists, beginning on August 1 and continuing until the end of September. Funding for the program comes from a grant through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The program will be implemented statewide.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around the San Francisco Bay area who have been injured in a motorcycle 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 motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
Happy Independence Day
CDC Says Universal Helmet Law Would Reduce Injury
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that research shows an effective way to reduce the number and severity of injury sustained by motorcyclists and their passengers—get all states to adopt a universal helmet law. In a study conducted by the CDC, motorcycle-related fatalities were reduced anywhere from 20 to 40 percent by the use of a helmet, and brain injuries in some places were lowered by up to 70% when bikers opted to wear protective headgear. The CDC looked at more than 60 studies, all of which showed a positive impact from wearing helmets. The CDC also said that the more reliable studies tended to show the maximum benefit from wearing helmets.
CDC research also indicated that one of the most effective ways to ensure that motorcyclists wore helmets was to enact state laws mandating helmet use. They say that, as more states have implemented mandatory helmet laws, the percentage of bikers nationwide choosing to wear helmets has steadily increased, reaching a level of approximately 70% in recent year (and even higher, if the percentage of bikers wearing non-compliant helmets is counted). They found that states with a universal helmet law had almost 90% compliance, whereas just more than half (55%) of motorcyclists in states without helmet laws chose to wear one.
The CDC study also found that states that repealed a helmet law consistently saw a dramatic rise in motorcycle-related fatalities. In Florida, for example, when legislators did away with the universal helmet law, there was an 80% increase in deaths in motorcycle accidents.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around the San Francisco Bay Area who have been injured in a motorcycle accidents. 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 motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
Motorcycle Fatalities Climb Nationwide, Down in California
According to data compiled by the Governors Highway Association, the number of deaths tied to motorcycle accidents jumped nearly 10% in 2015, with more than 5,000 fatalities reported. It’s only the third time since officials started keeping statistics that the number has topped 5,000. Surprisingly, though, during the same period in California, the death toll from motorcycle crashes dropped 7%.
During the same time period, motor vehicle accidents also escalated, leading researchers to speculate that the nationwide rise is tied to lower fuel prices and a stronger economy. They say that, to a degree, it’s simple mathematics. When gas prices are lower and the economy is stronger, bikers have more disposable income and there’s more incentive to get on the road. If accident rates remain unchanged, the number of accidents (and deaths) will likely rise, because of the greater numbers of bikers on the roads. Officials also say that a milder winter across the United States most likely put motorcyclists on the road earlier, also leading to a rise in accidents.
Officials say that motorcycle deaths are still a disproportionate part of the number of fatalities on California roads, accounting for 17% of the fatal motor vehicle accidents, with only 3% of the registered drivers and about one percent of the miles driven.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around the San Francisco Bay Area who have been injured in a motorcycle 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 motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
Personal Protective Equipment for Bikers
There’s nothing that compares to the feeling you get on a motorcycle—the sense of freedom, the wind in your face, you against the elements. But that feeling comes at a cost—the risk of injury is significantly higher on a bike than in a car. For that reason, many bikers choose to use personal equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of serious injury. Personal protective equipment can serve a number of purposes, from lessening the impact of a fall or increasing visibility (to other motorists) to abrasion control or weather protection. Here are some of the tools bikers use to take some of the potential sting out of riding.
- An approved helmet—Studies show that more than a third of motorcycle accidents result in impact with the chin bar. A full-face helmet can eliminate most of the trauma caused by this impact. Such a helmet can also reduce the risk of road rash and permanent scarring/disfigurement of the face.
- Clothing—Many bikers wear heavy-duty jackets and pants, made from leather, Kevlar, Cordura, ballistic nylon or other materials. The jackets usually include extra padding in the elbows and the pants can have similar protective material in the knees. Jackets and pants can also have a hard armor-like shell, often worn by competition riders.
- Gloves—Gloves are also available in Kevlar, leather and similar materials, and may include special padding around the knuckles. The gloves are typically curved to allow better control on the handlebars.
- Goggles or a helmet visor—If you don’t wear a full-face helmet, you can still protect your eyes and most of your face with goggles. It’s not uncommon to hit bugs or have small stones kick up from the roadway.
- Boots—Most motorcycle boots are reinforced around the toes and ankles, either with steel, titanium plating or synthetic materials. Also, make certain the soles are rubber, not leather.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring over 30 years of experience to people in and around San Francisco Bay area who have been injured in a motorcycle 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 motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
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