Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Foley & Small has handled many motorcycle accidents. In handling these cases we often hear the other driver testify that he or she looked but did not see our client, the motorcyclist, before the impact. Tragically, these accidents often result in serious injury or even death to the motorcyclist. The number of motorcycle deaths has increased each year for the past 11 years with more than 5,200 killed in the U.S. in 2008.

Overview

Despite significant gains since the enactment of Federal motor vehicle and highway safety legislation in the mid 1960's, the annual toll of motorcycle crashes remains tragically high. Motorcycle crash-related fatalities have been increasing since 1997, while injuries have been increasing since 1999.

Share the Road Program

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed model “Share the Road” language by reviewing materials currently being used by safety, and motorcycle safety agencies and a variety of national organizations that have a vested interest in motorcycle safety. These materials included operator licensing manuals, public service announcements, brochures, pamphlets, posters, and Internet Web sites. The agency identified the common themes and language from these materials that serve to effectively convey the importance of sharing the road safely with motorcyclists.

Safety Points for Car & Truck Drivers Regarding Motorcycles

• Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway.
   
• Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
   
• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
   
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
   
• Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
   
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
   
• Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.
   
• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

Motorcyclist Deaths are Rising.

In 2008, motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the eleventh straight year.

During 2008, more than 5,200 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal highway crashes.

Fifty percent of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle in transport. In two-vehicle crashes, 78 percent of the motorcycles involved were struck in the front. Only 5 percent were struck in the rear.

Over 90 percent of all two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle in which the motorcycle rider died occurred on non-interstate roadways.

Fifty percent or more of all two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle in which the motorcycle rider died were intersection crashes.

In 2007, there were 2,332 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 40 percent of these crashes, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle.

Foley & Small Can Help

If you or a family member have been involved in a motorcycle accident, be sure to contact us at Foley & Small.  Click on the link at the top right of this page for a live chat with a member of our staff or email us from our Contact page. You can also call us at 800-276-2525.

We have years of experience and have handled many motorcycle accident claims. We work with experts knowledgeable in accident reconstruction and motorcycle safety. We are staffed and equipped to effectively and efficiently handle such claims.