Motorcycling in the United States grows in popularity every year. What was once reserved for only a few, motorcycle dealers now see executives, couples, women and young people buying motorcycles in record numbers. As you might expect, with more motorcycles on the road comes more motorcycle related accidents. According to a recent study, 75% of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, while 25% are single-bike accidents. Of the 75% involving another vehicle, 2/3 of those accidents were the result of the non-motorcycle vehicle violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way. The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in a collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.
At The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, we stand up for motorcyclists. From the executive to the hard-core biker, we have represented people injured while riding motorcycles since the firm was founded. It takes a biker to understand a biker. As an avid motorcycle rider, I know what bikers face on the road every day, whether it be a short trip around the city, or a long ride for pleasure. In Sturgis, South Dakota, people there are well-acquainted with motorcycling. They usually know to look out for bikers. Unfortunately, in Texas, where cars & trucks outnumber motorcycles at least 250 to 1, people are not as observant and watchful for bikers. Since I ride on the streets of Texas, I know what bikers face, which is why I am such a strong advocate for bikers at my firm.
Usually, when someone is injured riding a motorcycle, the injuries are far more severe than what you see in a typical automobile collision, for obvious reasons. Burns, paralysis, and death are all too common when dealing with motorcycle injuries. At our law firm, we help dozens of bikers every year recover money for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering and mental anguish. It is a pleasure to help motorcyclists, because in doing so, we know we are making the streets safer for those that ride.
Here is a list of to-dos to keep you safer while riding:
1) Wear a Helmet
2) Wear Protective Clothing
3) Wear Reflective Clothing and Make Sure all Lights are working on your bike
4) Don’t Drink & Ride
5) Drive Defensively and Keep an Eye Out for Other Motorists – it is the other guy you need to be concerned about
6) Take a Motorcycle Safety Refresher Course
7) Don’t hesitate to use your horn
By following these simple steps, you could save your life. But, even being careful and responsible doesn’t assure your safety. So when you need a lawyer to handle your injury case from yours or a loved one’s motorcycle wreck, call me, a lawyer who makes it part of his daily job to stand up for fellow motorcyclists.
