Unfortunately, the deceptively tantalizing nature of the super sport motorcycle aka “crotch rockets” has lead to  a significant rise in motorcycle related deaths.

Growing numbers don’t lie

Crotch rockets earned their name because they are amazingly fast vehicles.  Able to zip through traffic these motorized bikes  can weave through stalled interstates at the greatest of speeds.

And herein is the problem.

Young people, who  already do not have a sense of their own mortality, are far too often tempted to try  push their bikes to the ultimate limits. Unlike more experienced riders, they are also prone to take greater chances and less likely to care about the consequences of their actions.

The results?

Although super sport bikes make up a small percent of the motorcycle population (less than ten percent) they account for 25 percent of motorcycle relate deaths. Not surprising, when one considers that the young cyclists will speed by  other vehicles at over 100-150 mph on busy streets and highways.

Youth never accounts for the unforeseeable, like distracted motorists suddenly pulling out of a lane to circumvent traffic or to get to their exit.

And all to often, tragedy strikes.

Other Motorcycle Accident Contributors

While age and motorcycle riding inexperience is certainly a factor when it comes to reckless behavior  alcohol use, and the  disregard for personal safety by not wearing helmets can also  be to blame for numerous crotch rocket related deaths.

Safety first

While it may not seem hip,  riders of super sport bikes could reduce their fatality numbers by exercising due caution when  riding their sleek bikes.  Observing safe speeds and not driving while distracted, drowsy or under the influence are some of the best ways to prevent serious injury and death.

New riders may also benefit from taking courses on how to handle their motorcycle in given situations.  By taking a more responsible approach to super sport bike ownership, young motorcycle can become their own advocates for road safety and injury prevention.

When all else fails…

Unfortunately, even bikers who obey all the rules can be hurt by a car driver’s negligence. Often times these motorcycle accidents occur because an automobile driver failed to yield the right-of-way to the bike.  Nearly 2/3rds of bike to car accidents are created by this very scenario.

If you have been injured in a  motorcycle accident that was not to your fault we can help.  The motorcycle accident lawyers at Slaughter and Slaughter understand that not all motorcycle riders  are hurt because they speed or disregard the law.  By calling us today for a free consultation, we can help motorcycle victims recover the compensation they need and get the justice they deserve.

Call us right away to see what you can do to get financial reparations for your serious personal injuries after a devastating motorcycle accident threatens you and your family’s economic future.

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With such a solid foundation, things can hardly go wrong when it comes to getting  fair compensation from your insurance provider right?

Wrong!

The Insurance Adjuster is Not your Friend

Shortly after your debilitating motorcycle accident, you will find out how fairly your insurance company will treat you.  Far from being sympathetic to your plight, you will find them combative, hard to negotiate with and unwilling to give you the respect  you deserve.  Even if you have gone 20 years without an accident and faithfully paid all your premiums on time, it won’t matter.  Insurance companies are in the business of making money and keeping as much of it in their pockets as they can.

When the insurance adjuster comes to your home, it won’t be with the idea of providing a fair settlement, but to sniff out information they can use against you to pay you as little as possible.

Lets say for example you hurt your leg and walk with the assistance of a cane.  The adjuster may note that you are mobile and use this to pay you far less than if you were wheelchair bound.  They will attempt to do this even if they know that you permanently  need a cane to walk due to crippling leg fracture.

Another Insurance  Adjuster Trick

Some adjusters won’t come off  combative at all, in fact, they w ill act as if they are doing everything they can to help.  They may even produce a settlement offer that has enough zeros behind it to be tempting.  Before you accept the offer, really think about what you may be losing in the long run.  If the personal injury you incurred was substantial enough,  you could find yourself out of work and  in rehabilitative therapy for years.

You will notice that the insurance settlement does not cover lost wages, and if it does, the amount is so low ball as to be laughable.

Don’t fall for insurance adjusters tricks.  If you have been severely hurt in an motorcycle accident, you need the assistance of an experienced personal injury law firm.

Call on Slaughter and Slaughter to Help

With decades of combined personal injury experience, the law firm of Slaughter and Slaughter can help accident victims recover the funds that are appropriate for the type of injury  they sustained. These expert legal advisers w ill also ensure that other losses, like lost wages, are also repaid.

The money obtained via compensation can also go towards costly medical treatments as well as any money related issues that came up while recuperating.

The experienced legal team at Slaughter and Slaughter know how to make the insurance companies play fair and will  try their best to ensure you get the financial reparation you and your family
deserve.

Call us today  toll free at 888.222 .8286  and set up an appointment for a free case review.  One of our legal representatives will be happy to assist you and go over the finer points of your case.

The insurance company only cares about one thing — the  bottom line.  If you really want to stave off financial ruin after a serious motorcycle accident, contact our legal office right away.  We can help you
get the money you need to protect you and your loved one’s economic future.

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24-year-old Dana Watkins was killed Sept. 10, 2008 after a collision with a minivan.   Pronounced dead at The Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, the young man’s death left a gaping hole in the lives of Don and Kathy Watkins, his doting parents.

Motorcycle and Road Safety and Awareness

Don and Kathy decided that their son’s death was not going to be in vain.  In an effort to bring greater awareness to other motorists, they have begun a campaign to promote  road safety for bikers.

Unlike most people, they understand that most tragic motorcycle accidents occur because passenger car drivers are not paying attention and often do not see motorcyclists.  They also fail to give them the right of way, culminating in deadly accidents that are most likely to kill the biker.

With these facts in mind, the parents of the slain motorcycle rider decided to start a campaign to raise funds that would be applied towards educating other motorist about how to look out for motorcycle riders.  The fund would also assist family members in paying funeral expenses for loved ones killed in motorcycle related accidents.

Successful Memorial Bike Run

A November 2008 event held in Trabuco Canyon honored Watkins and helped to raised $1,700 dollars for families  who lost loved ones in  Similar circumstances.  Dana, who was also survived by sisters Dionne and Debbie; and brothers Donald, David and Dale, was certainly loved and will always be missed.

Motorcycle Accident Claims

Every year, thousands of motorcycle riders like Dana are killed by careless drivers who do not think to look twice before making turns or moving over into another lane.  The Watkins’ have their work cut out from them in this regard but will hopefully help at least spare one life by their efforts.

When the unthinkable occurs however, surviving family members can look into wrongful death litigation in an effort to hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions.

The law firm of Slaughter and Slaughter can help, providing financial reparation and modicum of closure to grieving families who have lost a loved one in a tragic motorcycle to car accident.

Contact us today for a free consultation. After speaking with an experienced wrongful death lawyer you will understand your legal options and perhaps gain a measure of satisfaction in knowing that there is something you can do to obtain justice for your deceased love one.

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While some who sustain a crushing blow to the skull will die from their injuries others may survive only to find that their lives and the lives of their families have changed forever.  The victims may also discover that they have lost the ability to function normally or independently and could even lose their jobs.

This is due to the fact that a TBI sufferers  speech cognitive and motor skills have been grossly affected.  Spouses who were equal partners soon change into the roles of caregiver and disabled loved one.  While we do sign up for this potential aspect of life when we marry, this doesn’t make it any more or less emotionally challenging for a spouse, especially if the changes are largely mental and not physical.

Indeed, some TBI victims display an alteration in temperament that makes them very difficult to be around.  Even understating relatives can be put off and in turn, become estranged from the individual. Children who had a once loving and strong parent may also feel a bit cheated as the family fabric begins to unravel.

Cause of Motorcycle Accidents

While a great majority of solo motorcycle accidents are caused by driver error or severe weather conditions, the fact remains that there are several other reasons why a bike crashes and a TBI results.

Among these reasons, the primary ones are:

1. Poorly kept roads – this would include loose asphalt, uneven pavement and  gaping potholes
2. Bad road design – narrow streets, unlit forks and dangerous curves can create a hazardous situation for motorcyclist.
3. Distracted drivers – cell phones, screaming kids and rubbernecking can make a car driver turn their attention from the road which is all it takes for a motorcycle accident to occur
4. Poorly lit streets – dim or malfunctioning lights make it hard for the biker, who is already wearing a helmet, to see ahead of him and disaster could result.
5. Unmarked hazardous conditions – construction zones, sink holes and all manner of dangerous road conditions that are not marked by warning signs can spell disaster for a motorcycle rider.
6. Failure to yield the right of way – this is the number one cause of injury and death in a car versus motorcycle collision as well as the most preventable.

If any of the above were the cause of the motorcycle accident that caused a grievous TBI, victims and their families can pursue the responsible party in court to receive reparation for their injuries.

Motorcycle Lawyers that Care

At Slaughter and Slaughter we care about our client’s rights and fight passionately to ensure they receive the compensation they require to get their lives back on track after a motorcycle accident.

A Traumatic Brian Injury often requires a lot of medical attention including rehabilitation and therapeutic aspects that help the individual and their families cope with this new and overwhelming life change. Slaughter and Slaughter can make sure you obtain the financial means to pay for these essential medical related treatments as well as compensation for pain and suffering and lost wages.

Contact us today for a free case review and find out what our personal injury attorneys can do to help you and your family heal and survive after a TBI related motorcycle accident.

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In the vehicle to motorcycle style accident, the car is usually at fault.  With these scenarios, the car driver often fails to see the motorcycle before the collision or saw it when it was too late to avoid it. The accidents are also prone to occur at intersections, after a car has violated the cyclists right-of-way.

With solo accidents the causes can vary from road obstructions, to pavement defects or even bad motorcycle parts.  Driver errors are also a culprit, occurring in 2/3 of solo incidents.

Whether it was single or multiple accident event however, the motorcyclist often bears the brunt of the collision, most times with dire consequences.

Who was at fault?

Contrary to popular belief, in most bike accidents, the motorcycle rider is not at fault.   Liability however, is often assessed via an investigator who in turn, establishes the negligence of the guilty party. When this occurs, an innocent motorcycle rider may be able to receive compensation.

When to file a claim

A personal injury claim should be filed as soon as human possible after the collision.

Why?

An experienced personal injury lawyer will need to get started right away building a case and solidifying evidence.    Witness’s memories will still be sharp and the acquisition of pertinent information, like medical files, will be easier to acquire.

The easier it is to build a strong solid case, the more likely you are to win it.  When injuries are severe and the costs astronomical, the sooner you win your case the better.

Finding a Motorcycle Lawyer you can Trust

After your accident don’t wait to locate a reputable motorcycle lawyer with experience in the realm of personal injury litigation and motorcycle related civil law.

Slaughter and Slaughter is such a law firm.  With our team of seasoned attorneys you can assure that you are getting the best representation around.  Contact us today for a free consultation and see what we can do for you after a motorcycle accident threatens to overwhelm your finances and your life.

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Interestingly, statistics indicate that in  1996, 5.6 motorcyclists were killed for every 10,000 registered motorcycles, but by 2006 the rate had risen to 7.3.  That  means the annual death toll rose from 2,160 to 4,810 over that same period. This trend was occurring while fatality rates for all other passenger vehicles fell steadily.

Even with these alarming statistic however, it should be noted that wearing a helmet will not guarantee you won’t die, it just mitigates the chances .  You can still also be seriously injured and most likely, the accident won’t even be your fault.  If you have been hurt in an motorcycle collision, do not hesitate to fight for your rights whether you were wearing a helmet or not.     Contact out law offices to learn more about motorcycle accident lawsuits and what you can do to get the money you need for your devastating injuries.

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Sport and unclad sport motorcycles have more upright riding positions than supersport motorcycles, and have more legroom between the seat and the foot pegs. Unlike supersport motorcycles, sport and unclad sport motorcycles have lower power-to-weight ratios and can be equipped with a rear trunk or side bags. Unclad motorcycles are modeled after sport and supersport motorcycles in design and performance, but do not have the full body panels, fairing covering, or windscreens typically found on sport and supersport motorcycles.

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, supersport motorcycles are among the highest type of motorcycle involved in accidents, more than six times higher than cruiser motorcycles and almost four times higher than touring motorcycles. (Supersport biks are also the most frequently stolen type of motorcycle.) Figures released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal that, while supersport motorcycles account for less than 10 percent of all registered motorcycles, over 25 percent of motorcyclist deaths can be attributed to supersport motorcycles. 57 percent of supersport motorcycle fatalities are due to speed and driver error. Speed and driver error were significant factors in fatal sport and unclad sport motorcycle accidents (46 percent), while they were factors in only 27 percent of fatal cruiser and “regular” motorcycle accidents, and only 22 percent of fatal accidents involving touring motorcycles.

Because supersport motorcycles are built for speed and performance and are slung low to the ground making them harder to see, and because drivers of this kind of motorcycle tend to be young and a bit of risk-takers, they are involved in a significant number of accidents with other vehicles. Even where the driver of the other vehicle is to blame for the accident, juries are often put off by the reputation of supersport motorcyclists for speeding, driving in and out of traffic, and general disregard for other vehicles on the road and recklessness.

In a motorcycle case in which the riders of a supersport bike are injured because of another driver’s carelessness (“negligence”), juries tend to assess a percentage of the fault for the accident to the driver of the supersport motorcycle. This is known in law as the doctrine of “comparative negligence,” in which each driver was partially to blame for the accident. For instance, in a collision involving a supersport motorcyclist, the jury is often likely to find that the supersport bike’s driver was, say, 25 percent at fault for the accident. This means the driver of the supersport bike would be entitled to recover only 75 percent of his or her medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injuries and damages.

If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed while riding a supersport motorcycle, you should contact an experienced motorcycle law firm such as ours to determine what rights you have. The accident may have been the other driver’s fault or the accident could have happened because of a defect in the bike itself.

Many drivers of supersport motorcycles do not have a license to drive a motorcycle and/or do not have insurance. In California, when the injured driver does not have liability insurance, he or she is entitled to recover only so-called “economic” damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages; the driver is not entitled to recover “non-economic” damages such as pain and suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, disfigurement, or other “nonpecuniary”  damages. Non-economic often make up a significant portion of the damages recoverable in the typical personal injury case. An injured motorcyclist is also barred from recovering non-economic damages if he or she was convicted of driving while under the influence (unless the driver of the other vehicle was convicted of such offense as well).

Note that, if there was a passenger on the motorcycle who was injured or killed, the amount of damages he or she (or the family if the passenger died as a result of the crash) could recover generally would not be reduced under the comparative negligence doctrine unless the other party could prove that the motorcycle passenger did something to cause the accident. Also, the injured passenger (or the survivors of a passenger killed in a motorcycle accident) is not barred from recovering non-economic damages for his or her pain and suffering, etc.

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There are many people postulating on the reason for the increase in motorcycle crashes and fatalities, with some postulating that it could be the fact that motorcycle registration has risen to roughly 7 percent.  Studies suggest otherwise as NHSTA research indicates that fatality rates can outpace resignation rates.  In 2005-2006 FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) data showed that motorcycle registration actually decreased by 1.6 percent while fatality rate increased by 5.7 percent.

It is far too easy to try to single out a single culprit and claim that this is the sole reason for motorcyclist injury and death, but the reality is there are numerous reasons why any accident can occur.

No matter the reason, when a biker dies he most often leaves behind loved ones who will mourn the loss and seek answers.  Of course, in some of these instances, driver error will be the culprit, particularly in solo bike accidents. Even so, there are times when a motorcycle fatality may not be so easily dissected, even though the case seems cut and dry.

Defective Auto Parts

Some people chalk solo motorcycle accidents up to some hot dogging, free wheeling biker possibly getting his just desserts for being so negligent.  This perception is largely due to the idea that motorcyclists are all rule breakers with little regard for traffic safety.  The exact opposite is true with only a few bad apples tainting the whole bunch.

It would surprise most to learn that solo accidents could be caused by defective motorcycle parts that fail to function as needed.  This malfunction often makes  it difficult for the motorcycle rider to stop his vehicle, even when he sees impending danger.

Passenger Car Negligence

2/3 of motorcycle versus passenger vehicle accidents is the fault of the passenger car driver. Many times this is due to driver distraction or a failure to yield the right of way to the bike.  Whatever the cause, car and truck drivers present a danger to motorcyclists and need to keep in mind the admonition to “look twice and save a life” when on the road.

Dangerous Roadways

Pot holes, loose gravel, missing or hard to see street signs and unlit roads can contribute to the potential hazards a biker faces.  In many cases where an unkempt roadway itself is the issue, there is often little the motorcycle rider can do to save themselves.

The above list is hardly comprehensive in regards to what can contribute to the death of a cyclist; however, they are the most common and most likely to lead to death.  They are also the result of negligence on someone else’s part.  Under these circumstances, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to receive reparation as well as justice for the deceased victim.

Contact a Qualified Legal Representative

If a loved one was killed due to someone else’s negligence, relatives of the deceased can pursue the matter in court via a wrongful death lawsuit.  Contact the law offices of Slaughter and slaughter today to speak with a seasoned attorney regarding your case.  During a free consultation we will assess the strength of yor case and advise you of your legal options. Don’t wait, call Slaughter and Slaughter today at  888.222.8286 and ensure that the individual responsible for your loved one’s death is held accountable for their careless actions.

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Which leads to the topic of what the true cause of recent motorcycle accident related deaths has been.  People who say lane sharing is the culprit do not have the data to back that up.  Current research does exists however, that seems to indicate that many motorcycle collisions are caused by  speeding, improper turning or  passing, and unsafe lane changes.   Motorists who disregard the motorcycles right-of-way also cause more biker injuries and deaths that any hot-dogging, wheelie popping shenanigans do.

On average, many motorcyclists are respectful of the rules of the road and try to ride safely.  In regards to altering perceptions, educating people on these facts could be the key.

The Case for Lane Splitting

To date, California is the only State in the Union that legally allows lane splitting, but with a few stipulations.  The practice is supposed to largely be used during stop and go traffic and was originally intended to help motorcycles keep their engines from over heating.  Bikes tend to need to keep moving as their engines are air cooled.  When they stop a lot in traffic, they can stall out.

Unfortunately, some people abuse the freedom and indulge unsafe practices, like trying to lane split at speeds greater than what could be found in a typical traffic situation—it is then that injuries could result.

Nonetheless, when prudence is used, lane splitting is safe and legal, so a motorcyclist that was obeying the rules and is hurt can fight for their legal rights in civil court after an accident.

Reality versus perception

Part of the issue is that motorist do not understand the special needs of motorcyclist  and a great majority do not like sharing the road with them at all.  The way to change this is to really address the concerns bikers have in a way that educates the public.

For example, many people do not understand why lane sharing is necessary and therefore are more annoyed at the practice than they should be.  As any car driver will tell you,  most really feel violated by sharing the space.  One somewhat valid reason is that car drivers can miss their intended off ramp when a bike is sitting next to him.

However, this impatience is no excuse to cause harm or potentially endanger the lives of motorcyclist for what is essentially a legal maneuver.  Any biker that is hurt in a situation where a road raging passenger car driver its to blame has to right to pursue financial compensation via a personal injury lawsuit.

We can Help

At  Slaughter and Slaughter, we know the stereotypes associated with bikers and understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face. Because of this, we can form a solid case that will remove the automatic bias that can accompany such litigation.  Once this is done, you are more apt to prevail in court.

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, the law is on your side!  Call us today for a case evaluation and see what we can do to ensure you get the fair treatment and injury related compensation you deserve.

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The motorcycle kept going and ended up several hundred feet away.  At around 5 a.m. fellow drivers noted the bike lying on the shoulder of 125 and called the police. The man’s name is not being released pending further investigation and notification of family.

Although at this juncture cops do not know how the accident occurred they do know that alcohol was not involved.  This fact is significant,   as it will narrow down causes.  One likely scenario is that the motorcycle had a faulty part in it that caused it to lose control. Another is that  hazardous road conditions caused the wreck.  If it is deemed that someone else’s negligence caused the demise of the biker, family members will be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.  Have investigators determined that your loved one was not at fault for their motorcycle accident?  Then call our seasoned wrongful death legal team today for a free consultation  and get the care and attention your case deserves, today.

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