May 7, 2012--San Bernardino, CA--A 48-year-old female passenger on the back of a motorcycle is dead after a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino yesterday.

The victim's name has not been released, but California Highway Patrol officers, who are investigating the accident, say that it appears that Thomas Donohoe, of Hemet, CA, was riding a motorcycle when he lost control, throwing the female passenger from the back.

Donohoe had on a safety-approved helmet, although his passenger was wearing only a "novelty" helmet that did not meet safety requirements set by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. CHP officers suggested that this lack of proper headgear contributed to the passenger's death.

On further investigation, CHP stated that Donohoe had only an instructional motorcycle permit. This would prevent him from carrying passengers legally.

My sincere condolences go out to the victim's family on this tragic loss. Read More

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April 29, 2012--San Bernardino, CA--A 17-year-old driver was speeding along Highway 18 this weekend when he struck an oncoming car, causing the driver of the vehicle to be ejected. Both the victim and his passenger were hospitalized with extensive injuries.

The accident occurred about 11:45 a.m. on Sunday morning as a Crestline teenager sped north in a Pontiac Firebird along the highway. He apparently crossed the center line and struck an oncoming Nissan Altima driven by Robert Munoz of Los Angeles County. According to the California Highway Patrol, Munoz was ejected when the Pontiac struck his driver’s side door. Both Munoz and a 14-year-old passenger were taken to Loma Linda Medical Center following the accident. No word has been released on their condition at this time.

My heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery go out to the victims of this accident. Read More

Motorcycle accidents are not as common as car accidents for several reasons.  First, cars are much more prevalent on the highways than motorcycles.  Additionally, motorcycle riders are required or choose to take more safety courses than most automobile drivers, so motorcycle riders as a whole tend to be more aware of defensive driving techniques.  Finally, motorcycle riders are well aware that in a collision between themselves and a car, they will end up with far greater injuries in most cases, so motorcycle riders have a heightened interest in avoiding a collision with a car.

However, despite these facts, motorcycle riders are up to 35 times more likely than car drivers to wind up in an accident per vehicle mile traveled, according to the Hurt Report conducted early in the 1980s at the request of several states and the federal government.  This seminal study found that motorcycle riders are in great danger on the highway, despite the fact that few motorcycle accidents are directly attributable to motorcycle rider error.  Recent studies have supported the Hurt findings. Read More

Surviving on a motorcycle in California is by pure craftiness. Rolling the streets of California a bright day, you enjoy a certain enthusiasm that car drivers just don't get. That does not extend to the wind in your face. Nope, all California riders must be wearing a helmet. In fact, helmet necessities are not the only thing different about California's motor bike laws. There are other legal intricacies of California motorcycle accidents that can only be deciphered by trained, experienced California motorcycle accident attorneys. These public figures are there to help ensure that you get the fair settlement that you deserve for your situation. While this should not be construed as proper legal advice, let’s take a look at a few of the different aspects of California motorcycle law.

California differences

Motorcycle laws vary by state and while California's laws are similar to other states, there are a few exceptions that everyone on the road should known about.

In California, you have to wear an approved helmet. No more wild breezes through your hair. That's a very important aspect of the law. You don't have to wear any protective gear other than the helmet. You don't even have to wear the right kind of shoes, but you have to wear a helmet.

Another California law allows what we call "lane sharing," which means that bikers can drive in between cars that are in a lane. Yes, most motorists believe this is insane and an illegal act by a biker. In an odd juxtaposition, it is not against any law and it is not in any law. The CHP used to offer guidelines, advising people about safe lane sharing, but they have since taken that off of their pamphlet.

The practicality of lane sharing

Many drivers believe that a biker who motors in between cars is only trying to get through traffic quickly. Nope. Years ago, because California is warm and motorcycles were air cooled, a lot of bikes overheated and stalled on the roadway. They got hit from behind. They posed a hazard by having to be pushed off to the side and trying to figure out what to do with them."

It is much safer with lane sharing than to be sitting there stopped. A bike more likely to rear ended than a car since it is tough to see. There's only one tail light. Only the body of the rider is there instead of a full car.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is in your best interests to discuss the situation with a skilled, experienced California motorcycle accident attorney. They will be able to determine whether or not you have a case, provide you with legal advice regarding your situation, and valuable information. Please be sure to call us at 1-866-990-8787 or contact us for a free case evaluation and more in depth information for your situation.

Surviving on a motorcycle in Buena Park is by pure craftiness. Rolling the streets of Buena Park a bright day, you enjoy a certain enthusiasm that car drivers just don't get. That does not extend to the wind in your face. Nope, all California riders must be wearing a helmet. In fact, helmet necessities are not the only thing different about California's motor bike laws. If you have been in a Buena Park motorcycle accident, then it will be wise to discuss the situation with a Buena Park motorcycle accident lawyer. They will be able to provide more information regarding your situation.

Buena Park differences

Motorcycle laws vary by state and while California's laws are similar to other states, there are a few exceptions that everyone on the road should known about.

Helmets. In California, you have to wear an approved helmet. That's a very important aspect of the law. You don't have to wear any protective gear other than the helmet. You don't even have to wear the right kind of shoes, but you have to wear a helmet.

Lane sharing. Another California law allows lane sharing, which means that bikers can drive in between cars that are in a lane. Yes, most motorists believe this is insane and an illegal act by a biker. In an odd juxtaposition, it is not against any law and it is not in any law. The CHP used to offer guidelines, advising people about safe lane sharing, but they have since taken that off of their pamphlet.

The practicality of lane sharing

Many drivers believe that a biker who motors in between cars is only trying to get through traffic quickly. Nope. Years ago, because California is warm and motorcycles were air cooled, a lot of bikes overheated and stalled on the roadway. They got hit from behind. They posed a hazard by having to be pushed off to the side and trying to figure out what to do with them."

It is much safer with lane sharing than to be sitting there stuck. A bike more likely to rear ended than a car since it is tough to see. There's only one tail light. Only the body of the rider is there instead of a full car.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, then it would be advantageous to discuss your situation with an expert Buena Park motorcycle accident lawyer. They will be able to help determine the specifics of your situation, and whether or not you have a case. Please call us at 1-866-990-8787 or contact us for more information about your situation, and for a free case evaluation.

February 27, 2012--San Mateo County, CA--Traffic was delayed for an hour on California Highway 84 in San Mateo County when a motorcycle rider hit an oncoming car after losing control of his bike. The car accident in San Mateo took place west of Portola Valley on February 25 at around 1:30.

The unidentified motorcycle operator was a 20-year-old man from Stockton who was traveling westbound on Highway 84. He apparently tried to negotiate a left turn and lost control of the bike. The California Highway Patrol states that the motorcycle crossed the dividing line and traveled into the eastbound lane, where the rider struck a 2007 Lexus head on. The driver of the car, an unnamed 67-year-old man from Menlo Park, was not injured. The motorcycle operator suffered severe injuries and was taken to a local hospital. However, the CHP stated that his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

I want to extend my sincere wishes for a speedy recovery to the motorcycle operator.

Accident Statistics

Due to the rising number of motorcycle accidents, the federal government has finally issued an order for a new report to be done on motorcycle accident statistics. The Hurt Report in 1981 was the last full-scale investigation of motorcycle accidents, and the new report, conducted by the Oklahoma Transportation Center through Oklahoma State University, is expected to take until 2013 to complete.

Current statistics show that motorcycle fatalities decreased from 5,312 in 2008 to 4,462 in 2009. However, the death rate has risen every year up until 2009 since the Hurt Report released its findings. It is clear that motorcycle fatalities are a problem that will not simply "go away."

What Happened In This Accident

According to the California Highway Patrol’s report, the motorcycle operator lost control of his vehicle when trying to negotiate a steep turn. It is possible that some obstruction in the road contributed to the accident, although this is not recorded in the police report. It is also possible that the motorcycle rider was traveling at too high a rate of speed for the conditions.
Liability Issues

If the accident was indeed the motorcyclist’s fault, he will be liable for the damages to the other person’s car. However, if some road obstruction caused the accident, it is possible the motorcycle rider may be able to pursue a case against the State Highway Commission that is charged with keeping the road safe for drivers. The question of signage may also enter into this case, as there is no indication if there were warning signs about the dangerous curve.

Every day, someone in this country is hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident. In fact, motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of death for certain age groups, especially older drivers who have discovered motorcycling as a fun and relaxing weekend sport. Most motorcycle accidents occur at night, and more motorcyclists are killed by passenger vehicle drivers than any other single cause.

Motorcycle accidents routinely involve death, dismemberment, and other critical or life-threatening injuries. This is because motorcyclists have very little protection against ejection from the bike if struck by another vehicle. Motorcyclists ejected from the motorcycle can suffer broken necks from contact with the pavement or other objects; many are killed when they strike buildings or even the car that hit them.

While motorcycle accidents can be deadly, the most ironic thing about them is that they are often blamed on the motorcycle rider, even if he or she is in no way to blame for the accident. This is because the media has portrayed motorcycle riders as careless risk-takers, when the truth is that most motorcyclists are safe and careful operators. However, the "Hell's Angels" stereotype remains prevalent and even rational people tend to think a motorcyclist involved in an accident is somehow to blame for the crash. Read More

4,778 people were killed in motorcycle accidents nationwide in 2006, and several years later, we can see this number is not going down. Approximately three-fourths of these motorcycle accidents involved collision with another vehicle, which was most often a passenger automobile. In multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is imperative to contact California Motorcycle Accident Lawyers as soon as possible.

Besides the causes of motorcycle accidents which are often preventable, the post-scene accident may be even more dangerous. Fuel system leaks and spills were present in 62% of the motorcycle accidents in the post-crash phase. This represents an undue hazard for fire. Vehicle defects related to accident causation sometimes occur and are likely to be due to deficient or defective maintenance, however product defects have occurred in the past and you may be entitled for compensation if involved in a crash caused directly due to a defective or faulty break or other motorcycle part or component.

A recent motorcycle accident occurred where Jeff Rupp, a government and philosophy teacher at Fullerton Union High School, was critically injured in a motorcycle accident. While riding his 2003 Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the northbound lanes of Euclid Street he was struck by a 2004 Hyundai sedan making a left turn from the southbound lane onto Malvern Avenue. He sustained head injuries and broken bones and was transported to UCI Medical Center.

If involved in a California motorcycle accident, you will usually end up being approached by an insurance provider to speak about your incident. Your insurance company will want to have a recorded declaration or even draw diagrams having to do with the crash. Without having a skilled motorcycle lawyer by your side, this specific questioning by the insurance company can certainly highly impact and possibly devastate your court case.

The law office of Bisnar | Chase can help you with over 30 years of experience in motorcycle accidents. Contact the California motorcycle accident lawyers at our firm today. We offer a free consultation and a no-fee guarantee so there is no risk for calling.

A car accident in Los Angeles proved fatal for 53-year-old Jennifer Lynne Jensen after she was struck by a teen driver who was making a U-turn. The Daily Breeze reports that the fatal motorcycle accident happened at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Eighth Street in Manhattan Beach. Police say Jensen entered the intersection on a green light when she was struck by a 1997 Toyota that was making a U-turn. Jensen suffered head injuries that were fatal. Two passengers in the Toyota also suffered injuries, but are expected to survive. An investigation is underway into the cause of this fatal crash.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Jennifer Lynne Jensen, especially her two sons, for their terrible loss. They will be in my prayers.

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