New York City Motorcycle Accident Law Blog

I just came back form the 27th Annual NCOM convention, in Indianapolis this May 10th to May 13, 2012. It was so nice to see a coming together of motorcycling enthusiasts from across the Country. It seemed representatives from every section of the riding community were in attendance. There were touring motorcycle riders, sport bike riders, 1% patcholders, New riders, old riders women riders, Christian motorcycle club riders, you name it, they were there.

The main topics were how to expand the rights of the motorcycling community and save lives. There were seminars on motorcycle safety, lobbying local and Federal government legislatures, and how to use the Courts.

As chairman of the AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclist) Attorney group, I was the moderator on a seminar on Freedom of the road and use of the Courts. I think the program highlighted what hard working attorneys dedicated to the motorcycling community are doing across the country for riders.

Call me anytime if you would like to know more about NCOM, AIM, or would just like to speak to an attorney that rides, is familiar with motorcyclist rights, or if you have had an accident and would like to speak to an experienced attorney. Our consultations are free.

New Jersey judge will rule this month whether a woman who sent a text message to the driver of a pick-up truck is partially liable for his subsequent crash into a couple riding a motorcycle.

The case stems from a 2009 accident when a then 19-year-old Kyle Best got into an accident while texting. Best was driving his pick-up truck and replying to a text he had just received from Shannon Colonna when his vehicle drifted into opposing traffic and slammed into David and Linda Kubert's motorcycle.

The couple's injuries were horrific with David Kubert losing his left leg above the knee during the accident and Linda Kubert having her leg later amputated below the knee as a result of her her injuries. Morris County Superior Court Judge David Rand is expected to make his ruling on May 25 about Colonna's potential liability in the accident.

The driver in the accident, Kyle Best, pleaded guilty to three motor vehicle citations earlier this year. However, his driver's license was not suspended.

The case has again brought up the question of how to balance safe driving with distracting mobile communication devices. The Law offices of Proner and Proner makes it a routine to have Courts order release of drivers cell phone records. These records often times are very important as proof that demonstrate whether or not texting was a cause of a motorcycle accident

In December last year, the National Transportation Safety Board called for a ban on all "personal electronics" in cars except for those needed for emergencies or driver assistance. This ban should be passed as legislation in all jurisdictions, not just to prevent motorcycle accidents but for the safety of all riders on the roads.

All across the United States, State and Local Governments, Law enforcement agencies and Motorcycle Rights organizations are calling May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It is something that needs to be done. Motorcyclists are at risk on the road. Lives can be saved if Motorists stop texting and just look twice for riders.

Across the Country, awareness for motorcycle Safety is on the rise. In Pennsylvania, with increased motorcycle presence on Pennsylvania roadways, Gov. Tom Corbett has signed a proclamation designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness month.

In Ohio, a declaration that "May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month" by the Ohio State Highway Patrol included a reminder that motorists that there will be an increase in motorcycles on the roadways with the warmer weather and to remind motorcyclists to ride trained and to ride sober. According to Ohio State statistics, From 2009 to 2011, motorcycle-involved crashes resulted in a total of 503 fatalities and over 11,400 injuries in the state of Ohio. In 2011 alone, there were 167 motorcycle-related fatalities. Of the 167 fatalities, the motorcyclist was at fault 70 percent of the time. At Proner and Proner we find often times reporting is inaccurate and a rider or the loved ones of a rider should always get independent legal advise from an attorney experienced in handling Motorcycle accident cases like the attorneys investigators and Motorcycle accident reconstructionists at Proner and Proner.

In California, May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, according to the LAPD and it is joining forces with other organizations to get the message out to drivers and bikers to share the road. The goal of the campaign is to lower the number of crashes involving motorcycles. In 2010, 361 bikers died and nearly 11,000 were injured in California.

"It comes down to training and proficiency, being able to practice with what you're riding. Motorcycles and technology have improved over the years, but you need to be familiar with your equipment," said LAPD Officer Jeremy Yamamoto.

Most authorities agree the most dangerous spot on the road for motorcyclists isn't the freeway, but at intersections to make a left hand turn. This is usually because because drivers waiting to turn don't see motorcyclists due to unintentional blindness. If you or a loved one is injured in a left turn Motorcycle accident, please call the law offices of Proner and Proner.

To help prevent motorcycle accidents in New York and elsewhere around the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is sponsoring Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. The campaign urges all drivers to share the road and reminds drivers that motorcyclists have the same rights as any motor vehicle on the road.

Unfortunately, some drivers on the road are not familiar with the practices of motorcycle riding and the unfamiliarity can sometimes lead to oversight that causes an accident, injury or worse. Because of the smaller size of motorcycles road conditions that may be minor annoyances to drivers can be significant obstacles to motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders may need to move within a lane or change speed to avoid potholes, pavement seams and adjust to wet surfaces, grooved pavement, gravel and railroad crossings.

To allow sufficient space for adjustments, drivers should give motorcyclists more following space than other drivers. When following a motorcycle, a driver should give three to four seconds of distance, so that motorcycle riders have enough time to maneuver around obstacles or stop in an emergency.

Drivers should also be aware of a motorcyclist's smaller size when changing lanes or turning at intersections. A motorcyclist may be hidden in a driver's blind spot and therefore drivers should always check for motorcycle riders by checking mirrors and blind spots before leaving a lane or turning. Finally, drivers should always signal their intention to change lanes. Signaling helps motorcyclists prepare for changes in traffic flow.