By Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeff Nadrich is a motorcycle accident lawyer based in Los Angeles California, with more than 25 years of experience successfully defending clients. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, call us today at 1-800-718-4658. You may be entitled to compensation.

The importance of motorcycle safety can scarcely be overstated. As statistics indicate, motorcyclists have far more to lose than other motorists in the event of an accident, because quite simply, motorcyclists don't have the same protections. When you're riding against the wind, gripping your handlebars and relying on the laws of gravity to keep you in your seat, even a seemingly minor accident can have disastrous results.

Case in point, a 27-year-old San Diego man was hospitalized recently and treated for a broken femur and two open leg fractures after crashing his motorcycle near the Bay Terraces neighborhood. The story was reported by ABC, and although the details are fairly sparse so far, the article does offer a couple of very telling details. For instance, according to the report, “The rider was headed south at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle in the 700 block of Carefree Drive near South Varney Drive.”

In cases like this, we often hear that the motorcyclist was driving “at a high rate of speed,” and that can have a huge impact on the outcome of an accident. According to the report, the rider slid more than 300 feet after crashing his motorcycle. Fortunately, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, but not every victim is so lucky unfortunately.

When riding, it's very important to pay close attention to the speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly. If you crash your motorcycle at 40 miles per hour, your prospects are typically much better than if you crash at 70 miles per hour. Remember also to wear a helmet at all times, and follow all laws. These guidelines may sound obvious and self-explanatory, but each day we see far too many news stories about motorcycle casualties that could have been avoided if not for these simple rules of thumb.

Have you or someone you love been the victim of a motorcycle accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the California motorcycle accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen today to discuss your case and receive a free consultation from one of our qualified representatives. You must act quickly, though. In order to gather the proper evidence, we must begin our investigation as quickly as possible.

We are contingency lawyers, and we don’t charge you any money if we don’t win your case. So don’t suffer alone any longer. Call us at 1-800-718-4658.

By Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeff Nadrich is a motorcycle accident attorney based in Los Angeles California, with more than 25 years of experience successfully defending clients. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, call us today at 1-800-718-4658. You may be entitled to compensation.

In 2012, the nation saw a 9 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities, which is truly staggering. The number of deaths topped 5,000, despite numerous states’ efforts to invest in and promote motorcycle safety. But what could be responsible for such a sizable increase in these types of tragedies?

The Sacramento Bee has published an interesting article that theorizes about the reasons for the increase. For starters, the U.S. economy is growing, but so are gas prices. This dichotomy carries multiple implications. As the economy rebounds, people have more time and money for leisure, but as gas prices become more burdensome, motorists start pursuing more cost-effective ways to get around: i.e. motorcycles.

But there’s another theory about the motorcycle fatality problem that also has some merit: warmer temperatures. Warmer weather means a longer riding season, and more time on the roads means prolonged exposure to the dangers of unpredictable terrain.

It’s worth noting that California is one of the few states that saw a decrease in motorcycle fatalities in 2012. This may be due in part to the committed efforts of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, but weather may also play a role. California doesn’t experience the kinds of extreme temperature fluctuations found in other parts of the nation, and one might even argue that California has no winter at all, so the climate variables that arguably worked against riders in other states wouldn’t play as much of a role here.

Regardless of why motorcycle accident rates are increasing, our focus should be on how to quell the problem, and how to defend those riders and families who are impacted by tragic, unforeseen wrecks. At Nadrich & Cohen, that is the focus to which we are committed.

Have you or someone you love been the victim of a motorcycle accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the California motorcycle accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen today to discuss your case and receive a free consultation from one of our qualified representatives. You must act quickly, though. In order to gather the proper evidence, we must begin our investigation as quickly as possible.

We are contingency lawyers, and we don’t charge you any money if we don’t win your case. So don’t suffer alone any longer. Call us at 1-800-718-4658.

For Immediate Release:

San Diego, CA -- Even the Easter Bunny has no diplomatic immunity against California’s motorcycle laws, as one costume-clad cyclist recently learned. On March 31, CBS News reported that a CHP officer pulled over a motorcyclist in an Easter Bunny costume for not wearing a helmet. The incident occurred on Interstate 8 near San Diego.

According to CBS Los Angeles, a CHP officer was on routine patrol when he observed a man dressed up as a giant rabbit on a motorcycle traveling down the highway near San Diego. Brian Pennings, a public information officer for the CHP in East County, told CBS that the officer pulled over the motorcyclist and issued a warning, not only for lack of a helmet, but also because the bunny mask presented a potentially dangerous visual impairment.

The man in the bunny suit – who claimed he was on the way to a charity event – was reportedly not cited, but was issued a warning. “This was the first time I’m aware that we got the Easter Bunny on a motorcycle,” Pennings told CBS.

According to San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer Jeff Nadrich, “Safety is absolutely paramount for motorcyclists. Any distraction, impedance or even costume can create a serious road hazard and also a legal liability.” Nadrich urges all motorcyclists to observe the laws and wear the proper headgear whenever riding.

Nadrich also urges motorists and motorcyclists who have been in an accident to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer right away, in order to determine eligibility for compensation.  “After seeing a doctor, it’s imperative that you contact a knowledgeable attorney or legal team immediately following an accident.”

For Immediate Release:

San Francisco, CA -- North Carolina is considering a bill that would make helmets optional for motorcyclists over the age of 18. The local CBS affiliate reported the news on March 24^th, and further pointed out that motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities are currently very high in the state.

"Across the state there have been 783 motorcycle fatalities from 2007-2011, with 15 of those in Gaston County," Sgt. Chad Hawkins of the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program told CBS. Because of statistics like these, North Carolina has implemented a program called BikeSafe North Carolina, which seeks to educate riders on motorcycle safety, with the help of trained motorcycle police. So far, it’s unclear how much of an impact a helmet law repeal would have on this safety effort.

According to CBS, House Bill 109 would amend the current law so that only minors would be legally required to wear a helmet, and opponents fear that the change would lead to an increase in brain injuries, while also impacting health care costs statewide. The bill was introduced by Rep. John Torbett, a motorcyclist, who says wearing a helmet should be a choice.

Jeff Nadrich, a San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer, believes that motorcycle safety is absolutely paramount, and that legislation can go a long way in promoting safety. According to Nadrich, “The personal freedom of bikers is very important, but that freedom is outweighed by the need for safety, and helmet laws do in fact save lives.”

Nadrich believes that repealing the helmet law would be a step in the wrong direction, especially considering North Carolina’s motorcycle accident statistics. Nadrich urges all riders should protect themselves with the proper headgear, regardless of the laws, and he urges all motorcycle accident victims to contact a qualified motorcycle accident attorney right away.

About Nadrich & Cohen: Jeffrey Nadrich is a personal injury attorney with Nadrich & Cohen, a California based law firm with offices in 18 locations across California. The firm has offices in Arcadia, Bakersfield, Fresno, Irvine, Long Beach, Modesto, Oakland, Oxnard, Palm Springs, Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Tracy. Nadrich & Cohen handles all types of wrongful death and serious injury accident cases, including auto, truck, bus, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents, pedestrian collisions, boating accidents, dog bites, defective product cases and nursing home abuse. Victims are encouraged to call 1-800-718-4658 for a free consultation with a Nadrich & Cohen attorney.

By Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeff Nadrich is a motorcycle accident lawyer based in Los Angeles California, with more than 25 years of experience successfully defending personal injury clients in all 50 states. If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident, call us today at 1-800-718-4658. You may be entitled to compensation.

The Michigan Department of State Police has released new traffic numbers for 2012, and the information provides some good news and some bad news for drivers in Michigan. Accidents have decreased across the board, continuing a trend the state has been experiencing for the past 10 years. Fatalities, though, have risen, and the greatest increase was seen among motorcyclists.

The motorcycle fatality rate for 2012 was 18 percent higher than in 2011. More specifically, fatalities increased from 109 in 2011 to 129 in 2012, and the reason is somewhat unclear. It’s notable, though, that in the past year, Michigan has rescinded its helmet law for motorcyclists. If more cyclists are indeed riding without head protection, this may account for the unprecedented rise in motorcycle fatalities, despite overall improved traffic safety.

"Michigan's increase in traffic fatalities mirrors what has taken place across the country," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, MSP director, in an official statement. "Despite an increase in traffic deaths last year, the long-term picture indicates this is the fifth year in a row Michigan had fewer than 1,000 traffic deaths. Ten years ago there were nearly 1,300 people who died as a result of traffic crashes in our state."

Motorcyclists in all 50 states should remember the essentials of motorcycle safety. While Michigan is one of 30 states that no longer requires adults to wear helmets, helmets nevertheless save lives, as does driving defensively and obeying the rules of the road. You can’t always count on other motorists to respect your rights on the roads and highways, so you must always be diligent. Motorcycle safety courses can also be extremely beneficial for many riders.

Have you or someone you love been in a motorcycle accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the motorcycle accident lawyers at Nadrich & Cohen today to discuss your case and receive a free consultation from one of our qualified representatives. You must act quickly, though. In order to gather the proper evidence, we must begin our investigation as quickly as possible.

We are contingency lawyers, and we don’t charge you any money if we don’t win your case. So don’t suffer alone any longer. Call us at 1-800-718-4658.

By Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeff Nadrich is a motorcycle accident attorney with offices throughout California and more than 25 years of experience successfully defending personal injury clients. If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident, call us today at 1-800-718-4658. You may be entitled to compensation.

Four men have been arrested after implementing an elaborate freeway stunt for a marriage proposal. Among those arrested was the would-be groom, who reportedly orchestrated the ordeal, which took place on the eastbound i-10 freeway in West Covina and involved as many as 250 motorcycles. At one point, a bike even sent up a cloud of pink smoke.

The prospective groom is 24-year-old Hector Martinez of Covina. He was reportedly booked for investigation of misdemeanor public nuisance and participating in an unlawful assembly. According to authorities, Martinez was also booked for exhibition of speed. All in all, this has created an extremely frustrating situation for local law enforcement.

“They made a spectacle of it,” said Sgt. Kurt Stormes of the California Highway Patrol. “It’s a slap in the face of law enforcement, in general.” Stromes also pointed out that the bikers bragged about the stunt quite a bit.

For those who are wondering, Martinez’s girlfriend accepted the proposal.

Even though the entire ordeal took only two minutes, the incident caused quite a bit of frustration for commuters. Incidentally, the men were not arrested on the spot. Ultimately, it was their bragging that proved to be their undoing. Law enforcement officials were able to track them down through social media, as the proposal was videotaped and almost instantly went viral.

While actions like this may seem daring or romantic, in fact they can create very perilous highway conditions and endanger the lives of the people responsible for the act – as well as the lives of unsuspecting bystanders.  The busy freeway is not a place for creating memories or making an impression. Last year, you may recall that three members of a rock band were arrested for engaging in their own viral marketing campaign along the highway. Fortunately no one was harmed, but these actions can impact thousands of commuters.

Have you or someone you love been in a motorcycle accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the motorcycle accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen today to discuss your case and receive a free consultation from one of our qualified representatives. You must act quickly, though. In order to gather the proper evidence, we must begin our investigation as quickly as possible.

We are contingency lawyers, and we don’t charge you any money if we don’t win your case. So don’t suffer alone any longer. Call us at 1-800-718-4658.

By Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeff Nadrich is a motorcycle accident lawyer with offices throughout California and more than 25 years of experience successfully defending personal injury clients. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call us today at 1-800-718-4658. You may be entitled to compensation.

A California Highway Patrol officer has been injured after colliding with a Mercedes in Sacramento. CBS reports that the officer is expected to survive, but his injuries are considerable, and include several broken bones. He has been rushed to nearby U.C. Davis Medical Center to undergo treatment. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Not much is known about the driver of the Mercedes, or about the details surrounding crash, but several witnesses have spoken to CBS, revealing bits of information that may prove useful in uncovering a cause and determining who may have been at fault. For instance, witnesses do not believe that the CHP cyclist was speeding at the time of the crash.

According to officers, the driver of an older Mercedes pulled out of a nearby shopping center, into the path of the officer, when the collision occurred.

“I heard a big old boom,” one witness said. “He didn’t touch the car, only the motorcycle did, and he flipped over. I called 911 and, maybe 60 seconds later, a lady came and held his head together.” The CHP officer apparently flew through the air after colliding with the Mercedes.

Authorities are still piecing the evidence together, and no determination has been made about who carries the blame. Still, incidents like this remind us that motorcyclists have much more to lose when colliding with motorists, and that’s why motorcycle safety is so important. When riding, always wear your helmet and maintain a full awareness of your surroundings. If you are involved in a collision due to the negligence of a motorist, you are far more likely to be injured or even killed. So always obey the laws, including speed limits, and ride defensively. And if you do find yourself the victim of an accident, call a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer.

Have you or someone you love been injured in a motorcycle accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the motorcycle accident lawyers at Nadrich & Cohen today to discuss your case and receive a free consultation from one of our qualified representatives. You must act quickly, though. In order to gather the proper evidence, we must begin our investigation as quickly as possible.

We are contingency lawyers, and we don’t charge you any money if we don’t win your case. So don’t suffer alone any longer. Call us at 1-800-718-4658.

By Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeff Nadrich is a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles California, with more than 25 years of experience successfully defending personal injury clients. If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident, call us today at 1-800-718-4658. You may be entitled to compensation.

Maybe you’re unfamiliar with the term “lane-splitting,” or “lane-sharing,” but if you have spent any time on California roadways, you have definitely seen it in action. Lane-splitting is the process by which motorcyclists pass vehicles by driving between lanes. California is the only state in the nation that allows lane-splitting, and recently, the California Highway Patrol published a new set of lane sharing guidelines intended to promote safety for cyclists.

"There is a need to acknowledge lane-splitting is being done in California, and a need to help people understand what is reasonable," California Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Pope told the Sacramento Bee. "Until now, no one in authority has said how to do it safely."

The practice is admittedly controversial, and has long represented a point of contention among automobile drivers and motorcyclists in California. Some motorists argue that the practice is reckless and dangerous, while cyclists contend that lane-splitting is actually safer than having to share individual lanes with drivers. For instance, if a motorist makes a sudden stop, a trailing motorcyclist will not always have ample time to follow suit, which can result in serious injuries or even fatality. Lane-splitting provides motorcyclists with a safety net.

Here are the new guidelines, laid out by the CHP:

1) Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than other traffic – danger increases at higher speed differentials.

2) It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster – danger increases as overall speed increases.

3) Typically, it is more desirable to split between the #1 and #2 lanes than between other lanes.

4) Consider the total environment in which you are splitting, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, as well as roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.

5) Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road users.

The new guidelines provide some worthwhile, common sense tips for motorcyclists, but motorists should likewise be diligent about sharing the roads. In order to reduce motorcycle injury and fatality rates, everyone must do their part. That means greater awareness, and an increased adherence to the laws.

Have you or someone you love been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the CA motorcycle accident attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen today to discuss your case and receive a free consultation from one of our qualified representatives. You must act quickly, though. In order to gather the proper evidence, we must begin our investigation as quickly as possible.

We are contingency lawyers, and we don’t charge you any money if we don’t win your case. So don’t suffer alone any longer. Call us at 1-800-718-4658.

Jeff Nadrich is a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney with more than 25 years of experience in successfully defending personal injury clients. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, call our law firm today at 1-800-718-4658. You may be entitled to compensation.

A motorcycle accident was responsible for the closure of all lanes on the upper deck of the San Francisco Bay Bridge Friday morning, as reported by CBS, the San Jose Mercury News and other news sources. The CHP reports that the accident occurred at 6:30 a.m., affecting the center three lanes. The California Highway Patrol quickly responded and closed all lanes.

According to the CHP, the roads were reopened at 7:12 a.m., and traffic was cleared by about 7:20. Fortunately, the motorcyclist sustained only minor injuries, but the cause of the accident presents some cause for concern. The CHP reports that the accident occurred after a drive shaft detached from a big rig. The cyclist came into contact with the shaft and was thrown from the motorcycle.

If this is confirmed to be the cause of the crash, the big rig driver—or the company responsible for maintaining the big rig—may face legal liability for the accident. Fortunately there were no serious injuries, but the outcome could have been much worse, and trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that all of their commercial vehicles are highway-safe.

Unfortunately, the roads and highways can be highly unpredictable. If you drive a motorcycle, the reality is that you must be twice as diligent about road safety, not because you hold greater responsibility, but because you have more to lose in an accident. Always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, obey all speed limits, pay close attention to your surroundings, and never hit the road without wearing a full-face helmet. If you don’t have much practice with emergency braking and steering, find a vacant location and master this essential skill right away. You never know when you’re going to need it.

Have you or someone you love been injured or killed in a motorcyle accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation, but you must act quickly in order to file your claim in a timely manner and ensure the best chance of success. The attorneys at Nadrich & Cohen have been leading clients to victory for more than 25 years, and we fight aggressively to ensure the best possible recovery.

Don’t suffer in silence any longer, and don’t be held back by an inability to pay. We don’t charge you any money if we don’t win your case. Call a San Francisco motorcycle accident attorney today at 1-800-718-4658 for a free case evaluation.

A motorcyclist has tragically died after an accident on the 110 freeway, according to a report from Patch Highland Park. No arrests have been made, but the situation is still under investigation and the cause is being attributed to the unlawful presence of a commercial vehicle on the narrow highway. California Highway Patrol Officer K. Poulin told reporters that it was premature to blame the commercial vehicle, but officers are working to pinpoint the exact cause.

"Everything is still pending at this time and I have multiple witnesses to speak with," Poulin said on Tuesday afternoon. "No arrest has been made." Poulin added, however, that the driver of the commercial vehicle violated the law by exceeding the road's 6,000 pound weight limit. What’s not yet certain is whether or not the driver's actions were responsible for the deadly collision.

According to reports, the incident took place just after 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23 in the northbound lane of the parkway near the Avenue 43 exit. The 59-year-old male victim was reportedly traveling in the number three lane on a Harley Davidson when he collided with the commercial vehicle.

But by the CHPs own report, the cyclist did not cause the accident. "He was cut off by the 18-wheeler and crashed into the off-ramp," LAFD Station Captain Steve Navarro told Patch. The 110 in Pasadena and Highland Park is an extremely dangerous, winding highway with narrow lanes and an ever-curving structure. The oldest highway in California, the 110 can be deadly, especially when motorists fail to yield and obey the laws.

Navarro did offer one last important warning. "The travel lanes on the parkway are barely big enough for cars, let alone a big rig," Navarro said. "It's an important reminder for the community; if you see an 18-wheeler getting on the 110, make sure to call 911 right away."

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney today at 1-800-718-4658 to receive a free and confidential consultation. We fight aggressively on behalf of our clients, and we will come to you if necessary. With more than a quarter century of experience, we have the expertise the skill to get the job done right. Additionally, we have recovered more than a billion dollars for our personal injury clients, and we don’t charge you any money if we don’t win your case. Call us today.