Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer Foley & Small

Foley & Small has handled many motorcycle accidents. In handling these cases we often hear the other driver testify that he or she looked but did not see our client, the motorcyclist, before the impact. Tragically, these accidents often result in serious injury or even death to the motorcyclist.

Foley & Small works with experts in the operation, maintenance handling of motorcycles; including those who provide training courses for motorcyclist and would be motorcyclist here in the State of Indiana. Beyond that, Foley & Small works with forensic engineers, civil engineers and human factors experts along with others to prepare these cases to their utmost.

Safety Points for Car & Truck Drivers Regarding Motorcycles

• Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway.

• Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.

• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.

• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.

• Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.

• Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.

• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

Motorcyclist Deaths are Rising.

In 2008, motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the eleventh straight year.

During 2008, more than 5,200 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal highway crashes.

Fifty percent of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle in transport. In two-vehicle crashes, 78 percent of the motorcycles involved were struck in the front. Only 5 percent were struck in the rear.

Over 90 percent of all two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle in which the motorcycle rider died occurred on non-interstate roadways.

Fifty percent or more of all two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle in which the motorcycle rider died were intersection crashes.

In 2007, there were 2,332 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 40 percent of these crashes, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle.

Foley & Small Can Help

If you or a family member have been involved in a motorcycle accident, be sure to contact us at Foley & Small. Email us from our Contact page or call us at 800-276-2525.

We have years of experience and have handled many motorcycle accident claims. We work with experts knowledgeable in accident reconstruction and motorcycle safety. We are staffed and equipped to effectively and efficiently handle such claims.