Lansing Personal Injury Lawyer - Motorcycle Accidents - Most Commented

Local Motorcyclist Exemplifies Fact that Helmets Save Lives

David Mittleman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:34:49 GMT

I recently wrote about motorcycle accidents and the serious injuries they can cause. A logical and simple answer to increase motorcycle safety (pdf) is to wear a helmet while riding. A local man is a testament to this fact: Jimmy Hunter, a 56-year-old musician from Muskegon and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider, suffered a brain injury after he was in a car accident two years ago. However, his injuries would’ve been much worse if hadn’t worn a helmet.

Along with purchasing a Harley-Davidson Sportster, Hunter also purchased one of the best helmets available. In fact, it was a full-face helmet. Hunter admits he might have looked “silly” going down the road, but he readily adds that if he had worn a smaller helmet, he wouldn’t have survived. In fact, Hunter was injured after a vehicle pulled out in front of him, even though he was following the speed limit. Although the accident left him in critical condition for weeks, and he still has difficulty moving freely on his own, he continues outpatient therapy and hopes to ride his Harley again soon.

In Michigan, motorcycle deaths have increased slightly, from 124 in 2007 to 127 in 2008. While deaths are up statewide, fatalities decreased in Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties between 2007 and 2008. Hopefully, the decline in deaths can be partially attributed to other riders who put safety first and wear helmets while riding their motorcycles. At least in Hunter’s case, his helmet saved his life.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

David Mittleman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:54:31 GMT

Motorcycle accidents can be fatal. But just as likely, motorcycle accidents lead to serious, permanent, and debilitating injuries. The leading type of injury sustained in a motorcycle accident is a head injury.

Some important information that could help limit your exposure to serious injury while riding a motorcycle includes: wearing a helmet, reducing your speed around curves, avoiding alcohol consumption before riding the motorcycle, riding during the daytime, and avoiding speeding.

Statistics fluctuate with motorcycle accidents over periods of years. Ultimately, what doesn't change is the fact that an injury sustained while riding a motorcycle can be devastating. In 1998 alone, a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that 500 lives were saved by the use of a helmet, and another 307 could have been saved by riders killed in motorcylce accidents had they worn a helmet.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, feel free to contact our office, ChurchWyble, P.C. at (888) 227-4770 to discuss your situation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Paralyzed Motorcyclist Wins $44.9 Million in Lawsuit

David Mittleman — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Gerald Aloia was riding his motorcycle on October 22, 2006, when a Chevrolet Corvette struck him. The accident dramatically changed his life, leaving him paralyzed. However, a Lee County, Florida jury awarded him $44.9 million in his lawsuit against the late Deborah Veillux, the driver of the Corvette. Veillux, 45 years old at the time of the accident, died in 2007 of causes unrelated to the accident.

According to the lawsuit, Veillux was driving in Cape Coral, Florida when she struck Aloia on his motorcyle. The verdict represents one of the largest in the county’s history. However, both Gerald and his attorneys are unable to comment on the case because of pending post-trial matters.

Since the time of the accident, local motorcycle groups have held rallies to help Aloia and his daughter with medical bills and other related expenses. Aloia’s 20-year-old daughter, Holly, was also injured in a car accident right before her father and is working on her own rehabilitation. Both “Jerry” and Holly are wheelchair bound, however, they are described as “strong, resilient individuals”.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Harley-Davidson Recalls 111,569 Motorcycles

David Mittleman — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:03:04 GMT

Harley-Davidson Inc. is recalling 111,569 motorcycles after discovering during testing that the motorcycles’ front fuel tank mounts may leak as a result of a front-end crash, creating a greater hazard for fuel leakage and subsequent ignition after a crash.

The recall affects motorcycles manufactured between June 6, 2008 and November 19, 2009. Furthermore, the recall also affects some 2009 and 2010 touring bikes including the CVO Touring and Trike models.

As part of the recall, dealers have agreed to install left and right front braces to reduce the amount of leakage that may occur as the result of a front-end crash. Consumers affected by the recall are eligible for the installation free-of-charge and may contact Harley Davidson for more information.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

High Speed a Factor in Brighton-Area Motorcycle Crash

Devon Glass — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:53:29 GMT

A Hartland Township man was thrown from his motorcycle early last week, landing nearly 200 feet away and suffering serious injuries. The man, whose name was not released, was traveling southbound on US-23 near Brighton, Michigan, when he lost control of his 1994 Harley-Davidson. According to reports, the force of the impact flung the man all the way to the western shoulder of nearby Old US 23, some 190 feet away.

Emergency personnel from several jurisdictions responded to the crash, including the Livingston County Sheriff's Department, the Fenton Township fire department, Livingston County EMS, and the Michigan State Police. Investigators believe high speed was a key factor in the accident.

The driver sustained numerous serious injuries. He was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital for treatment. It appears that the man was wearing a helmet, as required by Michigan law.

Motorcycles can be a safe and enjoyable form of transportation if they are used responsibly. If you drive a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and avoid excessive speed.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Devon Glass

Motorcycles Require Extra Caution to Ensure Safety

David Mittleman — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:58:28 GMT

At first glance, motorcycles and automobiles seem to have a lot in common. They both use gas to fuel internal combustion engines, they share the same roadways, and they must obey the same traffic laws. However, that is where the similarity between the two vehicles ends. Motorcycles, by their very nature, present unique risks and users have special obligations.

While the open-air freedom and resonating note of the exhaust are enticing features of motorcycles (not to mention favorable fuel mileage), drivers cannot simply trade in their sedan and expect the same experience on two wheels. Because motorcycles are so unlike their more common, enclosed counterparts, the State of Michigan offers a special manual for motorcycle operators. Riding in Michigan requires a special license endorsement and insurance (motorcycles are treated separately under Michigan's No Fault law).

Motorcyclists are more prone to injury than other drivers. Whether by their own carelessness or by the conduct of other motorists, motorcyclists can suffer disasterous injuries even at low speeds. Broken bones (particularly in the lower extremities), soft tissue injuries, and traumatic brain injuries commonly result from motorcycle accidents.

When used carefully, motorcycles can be safe, fun, and exhilarating. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and cannot be predicted. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact us. We can answer your questions and help you sort through the confusing paperwork that accompanies these unfortunate events.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman