Wearing the right safety gear can protect you from serious injuries.

Because of their smaller size, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries or death stemming from a collision with another motor vehicle. Wearing the proper safety gear can potentially help you to avoid a serious or life-threatening injury if you're involved in a motorcycle accident.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle accident fatalities in the state increased 175% in the period from 1998 through 2008. Data for 2009 and 2010 suggests a decline in fatal California motorcycle accidents but preliminary data for 2011 indicates that deaths may once again be on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident compared to drivers or passengers of motor vehicles.

Motorcyclists are most likely to sustain injuries to their head or extremities caused by a sudden impact with another vehicle or object. Wearing the proper protective clothing can help to minimize the damage sustained as the result of an accident and make riders more visible to oncoming drivers. The NHTSA recommends that all motorcyclists equip themselves with the following safety gear in order to reduce the risk for an accident-related injury.

Recommended Motorcycle Safety Equipment

• Motorcycle Helmet - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, proper motorcycle helmet use reduces the risk of a fatal injury to motorcyclists by up to 37%. The risk to passengers is reduced by 41%. Overall, wearing a DOT-approved helmet reduces the risk of sustaining a head injury by 69%. In the state of California, motorcyclists of all ages are required to wear an approved safety helmet at all times.
• Protective Eye Wear - Protective glasses or goggles protect your eyes from the elements and from potential injury caused by flying debris resulting from an accident. If wearing glasses while you ride is uncomfortable, you may consider purchasing a helmet with a protective face shield.
• Riding Gloves - If you're involved in a collision and are thrown from your bike, durable riding gloves can protect your hands from abrasions, cuts or other injuries.
• Jackets/Pants - Similar to gloves, a protective jacket and pants can protect your arms and legs from injury if you're thrown from your bike. Choose pants and jackets that are made of a durable material, such as leather and avoid clothing that is loose or baggy, which could become entangled with the bike.
• Footwear - Ideally, you should choose a boot or other durable shoe which will offer protection to your foot and ankle in the event of an accident. Leather boots are often a favorite of motorcyclists and you should avoid choosing any shoes with hanging laces, which can present a safety hazard.

If you've been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contacting an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney can help you to protect your legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing motorcycle accident victims and their families throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

In honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is urging motorists to use caution and remember to share the road in order to reduce the potential for a serious motorcycle accident.

Because of their smaller size and decreased visibility, motorcyclists are frequently involved in serious and sometimes fatal accidents. In 2010, there were 361 deaths and another 11,000 motorcycle-accident related injuries on California roads, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. While motorcycle accident fatalities in California have declined since 2009, law enforcement and motorcycle safety advocates say more needs to be done to reduce motorcycle accident deaths.

During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the CHP is offering tips to both drivers and motorcyclists which are designed to increase awareness and encourage safer driving practices. One of the key areas the CHP and the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are trying to address is the issue of lane-splitting, which is legal in the state of California. Lane-splitting refers to the practice of riding close to the center line while sharing the lane with another vehicle. A recent survey conducted by the OTS revealed that only 53% of drivers were aware that lane-splitting is legal in California and that 7% of drivers attempt to block motorcyclists when they attempt to lane-split. Of the motorcyclists surveyed, 87% said that have engaged in lane-splitting at some point. The survey highlights how common the practice is and how a lack of knowledge on the part of drivers could potentially lead to a serious motorcycle accident.

The CHP has offered the following tips for drivers and motorcyclists who are concerned about the safety of lane-splitting.

Tips for Drivers

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contacting an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney is the first step in protecting your rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing motorcycle accident victims and their families throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

A new study shows that the first year is generally the most dangerous for motorcycle riders.

Safety studies show that motorcyclists have a significantly higher risk of being involved in an accident during the first year after they receive their license, with the majority of accidents occurring in the first month.

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, 22 percent of nearly 57,000 motorcycle accident insurance claims filed from 2003 to 2007 occurred in the first 30 days after an insurance policy took effect. The number of claims filed dropped one-third in the second month and decreased by almost two-thirds after six months. Statistically, the research data indicates that the first month is approximately four times as dangerous for new riders as their entire second year. So-called supersport bikes, which are faster accounted for more than half of the insurance claims filed in the first three months.

The Highway Loss Data Institute also analyzed several state-required training programs for riders under the age of 21, including those in California, Florida, Idaho and Oregon. The data indicated that motorcyclists who had completed the mandatory training had a 10 percent higher collision claim rate compared to riders in 28 states without mandatory training requirements. Researchers suggested that programs that allow for fast-track training may actually contribute to an increased accident risk by reducing the amount of riding time that's required prior to licensure.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accident fatalities have been declining nationwide over the past several years. This has been largely attributed to the economic recession, which has made the past-time of motorcycle riding simply too expensive for many individuals to pursue. In California, motorcycle accident deaths declined from 506 in 2006 to 352 in 2010. California is one of several states that enforces mandatory motorcycle helmet laws but interestingly, the majority of fatalities involved riders who were wearing helmets. The majority of the deaths occurred among individuals aged 20 to 29.

The Highway Loss Data Institute suggests that inexperience is the number one factor in determining whether a new motorcyclist will be involved in an accident. It can take new riders some time to get comfortable with handling the bike and learning to navigate the rules of the road. This includes knowing how to maneuver when confronted with roadway hazards that may contribute to an accident. Unfortunately, no amount of experience can protect a motorcyclist from a reckless or negligent driver.

When a motorcycle accident occurs as the result of someone else's negligence, the injured rider may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Whether you're novice motorcyclist or an experienced rider, you need to know how to protect your legal rights following an accident. Contacting an experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney is the first step in getting the help you need.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento motorcycle accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

You may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

If you've been hurt in a Sacramento motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence. If you're considering filing a motorcycle accident claim, learn what you need to do to get the best settlement possible.

Following a Sacramento motorcycle accident, you may not be sure what you need to do to protect your rights. If you've hired a Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney, you've already taken the most important step. Your attorney can evaluate your case to determine what type of damages you're entitled to and guide you in negotiating a fair deal. If you haven't consulted a motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento, the following tips can help you to protect your claim.

• Collect evidence to support your claim. Immediately following a motorcycle accident in Sacramento, you should make every attempt to collect evidence relating to the incident. This may include taking pictures of the accident scene, collecting witness statements and getting a copy of the police report. You should also take pictures of your injuries and obtain copies of your medical report in order to document your recovery. The more evidence you're able to collect, the stronger your claim will be and the more likely the responsible party's insurance company is to offer a settlement. The better your evidence is, the higher the initial offer is likely to be.

• Document your expenses. In addition to documenting the accident itself, you also need to maintain records of any expenses you've incurred as a result. When determining how much of a settlement to offer, insurance companies will look at the actual amount of your medical care, the amount of money you've lost by not being able to work as well as the overall loss of quality of life you endure. You should keep careful records of all the costs of your medical care, including out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions and co-pays as well as the costs of traveling to and from your doctor's appointments. You should also keep a calendar showing how many days of work you miss and gather old pay stubs as proof of income. Finally, you may also want to consider keeping a journal or diary detailing your recovery and how the accident has impacted your life. By providing proof of your financial losses stemming from the accident, the insurance company will have less room to argue that your expenses are inflated or unrelated.

• Don't wait for a settlement offer. Many people who are injured in a Sacramento motorcycle accident may choose to wait for the insurance company to offer a settlement. By taking the first step and sending a demand letter which specifies the amount you're willing to settle for, you can begin negotiations from a starting point that you're comfortable with. Setting the ground rules early for what you will and won't accept lets the insurance company know that you won't allow your injuries to be undervalued. Of course, you should consult with your Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney prior to doing so.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento motorcycle accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

If you've been hurt in a Sacramento motorcycle accident, you need to know how to protect your rights.

When a motorcycle accident occurs, it's important that you know what to do if you've been injured because of someone else's negligence. Following these steps after a motorcycle accident in Sacramento can ensure that your rights are protected.

1. Get Medical Help

Because of their smaller size, motorcyclists are at much greater risk of sustaining serious injuries or death in an accident compared with other motorists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately half of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle or object. These types of collisions can result in serious injuries, including lacerations, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, organ damage and internal bleeding. Seeking medical care should be your number one priority following a Sacramento motorcycle accident. Even if you don't think you've been hurt, you still need to see a doctor to check for injuries. In some cases, an injury can take days or even weeks to become apparent following a motorcycle accident.

2. Create a Record of Your Injury

If you're injured because of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your medical bills, time away from work and pain and suffering. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Sacramento, it's important to maintain a record of the events following your injury. This could include collecting copies of all your medical bills, retaining receipts associated with transportation costs, documents from your insurance company, copies of your medical records, a copy of the official police accident report and a personal journal detailing your injuries and your recovery. You should also get a letter from your doctor detailing any restrictions on your abilities if you're unable to return to work.

3. Contact a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a complicated legal process and it's not one that you should undertake without first seeking the advice of an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your accident to determine whether you're eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and in what amount. An experienced injury lawyer can also communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. In many motorcycle accident cases, the negligent party's insurance company will try to settle the case for as little as possible. A Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer will act as an advocate on your behalf to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento motorcycle accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Failure to yield is a common cause of motorcycle accidents.

Motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights as other motorists when traveling the roadways, however, not all drivers always observe the rules of the road. If the driver of a car, truck or other passenger vehicle fails to properly yield the right of way to motorcyclists, it can potentially result in a serious motorcycle accident.

California Right of Way Rules

The California Vehicle Code outlines the rules governing who has the right of way at intersections. Drivers and motorcyclists are required to adhere to the following guidelines when approaching intersections:

• The driver who is approaching the intersection must yield the right of way to any vehicle that has entered the intersection from a different highway
• When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield to the driver to his or her immediate right

In many cases, the driver responsible for causing the accident may claim that they didn't see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a collision. While this may sometimes be the case, oftentimes, failure-to-yield motorcycle accidents occur because:

• The driver fails to check their blind spot
• The driver executes a turn in front of a motorcyclist without using proper turn signals
• The driver does not allow the motorcyclist a safe traveling distance.

Driving Safety Tips: Yielding the Right of Way

The California Department of Motor Vehicles offers a number of safety tips which are designed to help prevent failure-to-yield accidents.

• Slow down and be ready to stop at intersections without "STOP" or "YIELD" signs. Yield to motorcyclists or other vehicles already in the intersection or just entering the intersection. Yield to the motorcyclist that arrives first or the motorcyclist on your right if they reach the intersection at the same time as you do.
• At intersections without "STOP" or "YIELD" signs, yield to motorcyclists approaching on the through road.
• When turning left, yield the right of way to motorcycles or other vehicles that are approaching.
• When turning right, be sure to check for motorcyclists coming up behind you.
• Watch for motorcyclists when attempting to turn left or right on divided highways or highways with several lanes.
• If parked on a roadway, look for oncoming motorcyclists before pulling out into traffic.

If You're Injured in a Failure-to-Yield Motorcycle Accident

If you're hurt in a motorcycle accident as a result of another driver's failure to yield, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. If the other driver acted negligently in causing the accident, you may be eligible to receive damages for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Your first priority should be to contact an experienced Sacramento motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento motorcycle accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless a judgment is recovered on your behalf.

Drivers need to be aware of motorcyclists while on the roadways.

Riding a motorcycle is an extremely popular past time but it can also be extremely dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to be killed in an accident versus other motorists. If you frequently driver along California's roadways, it's important that you be aware of motorcyclists in order to avoid a potentially fatal collision.

The NHTSA estimates that nearly half of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle. The  majority of these accidents occur as the result a car or other vehicle turning into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. This is believed to be caused at least in part to the smaller size of motorcycles, which may be less visible than other vehicles. Under California law, drivers are required to share the road with other motorists, including motorcycle riders. By following these safety guidelines, you can ensure your safety and that of any motorcyclists you may encounter.

Motorcycle Accident Prevention Tips

• Avoid distracted driving. In the state of California, drivers are banned from texting while driving and adult drivers are required to use a hands-free device in order to talk while behind the wheel. While you may think taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds is harmless, encountering a motorcyclist in that brief moment can have devastating consequences.
• Avoid lane sharing. While the state of California permits motorcyclists to "split lanes" when riding in heavy traffic, it's always best to give motorcycle riders as much room as possible. Doing so will ensure that the motorcyclist has enough room to maneuver should they need to avoid another vehicle and it also gives you enough time to stop in order to avoid a collision.
• Always use proper turn signals and pay attention to traffic signs and lights. Avoid making any type of sudden maneuver, particularly if a motorcyclist is riding in the lane behind you, as this can result in an accident. It's also important to look for turn signals or hand signals for motorcyclists traveling in front of you. Use caution when attempting to pass motorcyclists.
• Adjust your speed accordingly when driving in potentially unsafe weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, hail or snow. Don't follow too closely to other vehicles, especially motorcyclists who may need additional time to correct speed or maneuver in less than optimum conditions.

A motorcycle can have a life-changing effect on both the motorcyclist who is injured and the driver who causes the accident. If you're found to be at fault in causing a California motorcycle accident, you may have to pay the victim compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. If the accident occurred as the result of substantial negligence on your part, you may also face criminal charges. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that you stay safe on the roads.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing motorcycle accident victims in the San Diego area and throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident can be complicated.

If you're involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be legally entitled to compensation for your injuries if the other driver was at fault. Proving fault in a San Diego motorcycle accident means establishing to what degree either party acted negligently.

Motorcycle Accidents Involving Negligence

Negligence refers to the failure to use reasonable care to avoid causing damage or injury to someone else or their property. Negligence can contribute to a motorcycle accident in a number of ways. Examples of driver negligence that may result in a collision with a motorcyclist may include:

• Cutting off the motorcyclist by making a sharp or sudden turn
• Failing to yield the motorcyclist the right-of-way
• Causing the motorcyclist to drive off the road or into an object
• Tailgating a motorcyclist
• Changing lanes without using turn signals
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Driving recklessly
• Driving while distracted

Any of these behaviors may constitute negligence on the part of the driver if an accident occurs. If you believe that a driver acted negligently, you still need to be able to prove that he or she did so.

Proving Negligence After a Motorcycle Accident

Establishing negligence on the part of another following a motorcycle accident in San Diego requires proving three key elements.

First, you must be able to prove that the driver was legally required to be reasonably careful in the situation. Since all motorists, including motorcyclists, are required to follow the rules of the road when driving it seems logical to assume that this condition has been satisfied, regardless of the circumstances in which the accident occurred.

Second, you must be able to prove that despite this legal requirement, the driver did not use reasonable care to avoid an accident. Proving this element can be more complicated but an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorney can help you with this step.

Third, you must be able to prove that the other driver's failure to use reasonable care directly resulted in injury to your person or damage to your motorcycle. The most effective way to prove injuries or damages is to document the accident scene through photographs, including taking pictures of your bike and your physical injuries. You should also seek medical treatment, no matter how minor you think your injuries are, and continue to seek follow-up care in order to establish a documented record of your recovery.

When Both Parties Are at Fault

The state of California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that both parties can be held partially responsible if a motorcycle accident occurs. This does not mean that you cannot file an injury claim for damages if an accident occurs. However, any amount of compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion with the amount of responsibility you bear in causing the accident. Consulting an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in San Diego can help you to determine whether you have a claim for damages and how to proceed in exercising your rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing motorcycle accident victims in the San Diego area and throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

If your motorcycle clutch malfunctions, you may be at risk for a serious collision.

Riding a motorcycle goes hand in hand with a sense of freedom but it also carries with it an increased risk of serious injury if you're involved in accident. While you may think other drivers are the biggest danger when you're on the road, your bike could actually present a greater risk if it's equipped with a defective or malfunctioning clutch.

How a Motorcycle Clutch Works

Motorcycles may be equipped with an automatic or standard transmission. Bikes with a standard transmission rely on the clutch to assist in shifting gears. The clutch is typically controlled by a lever on the handlebar, although some bikes may also feature a foot-activated gear selector. When you hold down the clutch lever, this results in a release mechanism which allows the engine to run without using power in the back wheel. When you release the clutch, the engine's power is transferred to the transmission, which propels the bike forward.

Motorcycle Clutch Failure

If your motorcycle clutch malfunctions, it can potentially cause you to lose control of your bike. If you find yourself unable to safely shift gears, you may find yourself at risk of a collision with another vehicle. There are a number of reasons why your clutch might malfunction, including a defective design or an error during the manufacturing process. When a clutch failure occurs, it can typically be attributed to one of the following factors:

• Broken clutch cable
• Broken clutch lever
• Clutch pack slipping

If your clutch malfunctions while you're riding your motorcycle, you should try to slow down and shift into neutral without using the clutch. Attempt to get off the roadway but don't make any sudden turns or maneuvers without checking for other traffic around you. Some motorcyclists will argue that laying down the bike is a good way to prevent a collision, however, doing so may potentially lead to more serious injuries. If you're in a situation where the bike is poised to go through a guardrail or down an embankment, you would be better off attempting to jump off rather than laying it down.

Motorcycle Clutch Failure and Your Legal Rights

If your motorcycle's clutch fails because of a design flaw or an error in the manufacturing process, you may be eligible to pursue a product liability claim against the product's manufacturer. When a motorcycle accident occurs as the result of a clutch failure, the manufacturer may be liable for covering the cost of your injuries, including your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved was hurt in a motorcycle accident that you believe was caused by a faulty clutch, you need to know how to protect your legal rights. Contacting an experienced Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorney is the first step in getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Bakersfield motorcycle accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.

The L.A. County Sheriff's Office is taking steps to promote motorcycle safety.

In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents occurring each year, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office has initiated a new program to promote awareness and safety among drivers.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Risk Management Bureau/Traffic Services Detail kicked off its plan to promote motorcycle safety by conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on February 24, 2012 in Pico Rivera. Specifically, officers were on the lookout for drivers and motorcyclists who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sheriff's deputies were also issuing citations to drivers and motorcyclists for traffic violations that could potentially lead to a serious or fatal collision.

From 1998 to 2008, the number of motorcyclists killed on California roadways had steadily increased. In 1998, there were 204 fatal motorcycle accidents compared to 560 in 2008. Motorcycle accident deaths saw a marked decline in 2009, dropping to 394, a trend that continued into 2010, when 352 deaths were reported.

Motorcycle accident injuries and deaths have increased over the same time period in the area that is patrolled by the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. In 1998, there were 47 injuries and two deaths. In 2011, the number of injuries jumped to 184, with six motorcyclists killed in accidents.

The Sheriff's Office is hoping that increasing awareness and cracking down on motorists and riders who drive while under the influence can help to reverse this trend. The majority of motorcycle accidents resulting in injury or death on California's roadways can be attributed to drug or alcohol use, speeding and unsafe maneuvering. It's also believed that taking unlicensed drivers off the road may help to reduce the accident risk. In 2009, less than half of all California riders were properly licensed or trained to operate a motorcycle.

The California Highway Patrol administers the California Motorcycle Safety Program provides education and rider training for individuals who have a learner's permit and are seeking a motorcycle license. The program provides specialized training to an estimated 65,000 motorcyclists annually at 120 locations throughout the state. Riders may successfully obtain their California motorcycle license by completing the Basic RiderCourse. Licensed riders who are seeking to fine-tune their riding ability and enhance their decision-making skills may enroll in the RiderCourse 2. Motorcyclists who enroll in either program may also be eligible for a discount on their insurance.

When a motorcycle accident occurs, it can have a devastating impact on the victim and their family. The high cost of medical bills coupled with an inability to work due to your injuries can potentially cause financial difficulty in addition to your physical and emotional pain. If a motorcycle accident is caused through the negligent actions of another driver, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles is the first step in protecting your legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing motorcycle accident victims and their families in the Los Angeles area. For more information on filing a Los Angeles motorcycle accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658.