Motorcycle Safety

Baltimore Motorcycle Safety News: Increasing Incidents of Dirt Bike Riding in Town Raises Safety Concern

December 31, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It would not be a stretch to say that anyone driving a motor vehicle on public roads should be required to follow the law as it applies to traffic safety. As licensed drivers and citizens we all have a responsibility to operate our vehicles in a civilized and safety conscious manner, yet there is a small group of motorcycle and ATV riders that have made a name for themselves as they flout the law in cities such as Baltimore.

As a Maryland personal injury attorney and motorcycle accident lawyer, I have the skills and training to represent riders who have been injured in motor vehicle and other traffic-related car and commercial truck crashes.

While I support citizens’ rights to exercise their freedom when choosing a mode of transportation, I also know that riding even a licensed motorcycle or ATV on public streets can be a risky pastime. Being maimed or fatally injured on a motorcycle could not be considered the objective of most clear-thinking individuals.

Collisions involving motorcycles and trucks or passenger cars can have dire consequences for the relatively unprotected bike rider. Although helmets and other types of protective outer wear can improve a rider’s chances of surviving a crash, the laws of physics don’t always allow for a good outcome for motorcyclists hit by a commercial truck, SUV or even a smaller economy car.

Head trauma, neck injuries and spinal damage can easily occur to even the most well-padded and helmeted rider. The change for traumatic brain injury jumps appreciably for those who don’t wear a helmet or ride in a fashion that increases the odds of a serious or fatal traffic accident.

The recent news articles surrounding the growing trend of dirt bike riding on city streets has raised a number of questions about the safety of not only the riders, but the rest of the motoring public and pedestrians as well. According to reports, packs of dirt-bike riders have been taking to Baltimore’s residential streets and apparently ignoring stoplights, traffic control signs and legal speed limits.

Baltimore Motorcycle Accident News: Bikers Must Stay Focused to Avoid Serious or Deadly Crashes

November 14, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

As the motorcycle season winds down here in Maryland, now is not the time to take your mind off the road and all those cars, minivans and large commercial trucks out there. As any rider who wants to avoid a traffic accident knows, bikes are nearly invisible to many motorists mainly because of their small profile and their even fewer numbers when compared to the thousands of four-wheeled motor vehicles on the roadways.

As a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer and Washington, D.C., injury attorney, I understand how easily a carefree ride can turn bad, usually with a collision between a bike and a much larger and more imposing passenger vehicle. Make no mistake, many bike riders involved in an automobile or commercial truck accident suffer life altering injuries, if they are even lucky enough to survive in the first place.

And it is a sad fact that a certain percentage of motorcycle riders are killed in traffic accidents. It is with this reminder that we say, please ride defensively and live to see another day. On that note, there was a story of a seasoned biker who was killed earlier in the year as a result of not being easily seen.

Baltimore Motorcycle Accident News: A Safety Reminder to Maryland Bicycle Riders and Motorcyclists

October 14, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

I’ve spoken here before of the danger that is posed to bike riders every day in our city streets and rural country roads. Maryland provides cycling enthusiasts with a wonderful venue for sport and recreation, but when it comes to cycling on public roads, riders everywhere must be vigilant. As a Baltimore personal injury attorney, I have read the stories of bicyclists who have been hurt, permanently injured or who have died senselessly at the hands of thoughtless or inattentive motorists.

But another danger exists, one which many riders may already know, but which nobody ever expects until it happens to them. I’m speaking of the real threat posed by those who steal manhole covers in Baltimore, such as Annapolis, Frederick and the District. Though it may be portrayed comically in old movies, there is nothing funny about having your bike’s front wheel fall into a two-foot wide hole at 20mph or more.

According to the news, scrap metal thieves have targeted these heavy cast-iron discs even though the value on a per piece basis only about 10 dollars. Although manhole covers weigh in excess of 100 pounds, people strapped for cash are still willing to try and lift them. But the void left behind could be extremely dangerous for bicycle riders and motorcyclists alike.

Maryland Motorcycle Injury News: Biker “Airbag” May Provide Added Crash Protection for Cycle Riders

August 16, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

If there is but one constant it’s that motorcycle riding can be a risky pastime. Whether you ride a Honda or Harley, Ducati or Yamaha, if you get into a crash situation with a four-wheeler or semi tractor-trailer you’ll need a lot of luck to avoid an injury. And, the faster you are going at the time will also determine your odds of receiving serious injuries such as broken bones, road rash or a skull fracture.

As a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer, I represent riders who have been injured as a result of another person’s negligence. I know from experience that bikers involved in bad highway collisions can have a long road to recovery — not just physically, but financially. Unfortunately, many riders are killed outright when hit by a larger passenger car or sport utility vehicle.

Well, there may be hope for better protection for riders in the future. According to a recent article, there is a new product that might reduce motorcycle crash injuries and even fatalities. The makers call it the Armored Air Jacket and it is supposed to improve bikers’ chances of surviving a bad crash.

Baltimore Motorcycle Rider Safety News: Maryland Bill may Result in Fewer Helmets Being Worn

May 23, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Summer is fast upon us. Motorcycle riders have already been flooding the city streets and roadways across Maryland. But as any good rider knows, motorcycle-automobile accidents can be unforgiving on bikers and their passengers. Many motorcycle and car accidents become very tragic because a motorcyclist has little protection against the mass of a car, SUV or pickup truck.

Where a driver of a car or truck is relatively protected in the case of a crash, a motorcyclist and his or her passenger can receive the direct impact from another vehicle. Motorcycle occupants can also be thrown far from the scene of a bike wreck. As a result, motorcycle accidents have rather high injury rates that include broken bones and lacerations, neck and spine injuries, traumatic head injuries, and other permanent and non-permanent injuries.

Wearing a helmet is one of the best choices a motorcyclist can make to improve his chances of surviving a bad motorcycle crash. The proper helmets can reduce the incidence of fatal head injuries by a large percentage. The use of various protective outerwear and good footwear can also mean the difference between minor and serious injury, or even death.

Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Update: Common Causes of Maryland Biker Crashes

March 16, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

As a Baltimore Injury Accident attorney, my office handles numerous motorcycle accident cases around Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. Motorcycle injury accidents can be much more severe than automobile accidents given the same circumstances. This is due to the relatively little protection that bikes offer the operator, as opposed to occupants of cars or trucks.

Considering the increased chances of serious injury or even death, motorcycle riders should always use extreme caution when traveling in high traffic areas or when taking up riding following a long break, such as this past winter season. Because most riders tend to park their cycles during the cold winter months, automobile and truck drivers are likely less aware of bikers when the spring weather entices riders to dust off their bikes and hit the roads.

With this in mind, here are a few points to remember before you start out on your first ride of the year. Keep in mind that motorcycle accidents can occur almost anytime of the day or night. Whether you live or work in Baltimore, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown or the District, there are many different kinds of motorcycle accidents, though some types happen more often than others:

Motorcycle-automobile Crashes

While the public may think otherwise, it’s not necessarily true that motorcycle accidents are caused mainly by aggressive driving on the part of the motorcycle rider. The truth is that the major cause of motorcycle accidents can be traced back to the fact that motorists and truck drivers simply do not see bikers and their machines. Many of these wrecks happen because the smaller profile that a motorcycle presents in traffic makes it difficult to spot.

Whether hidden behind another vehicle or out of sight in a driver’s blind spot, it’s a dangerous situation when car and truck operators cannot detect the presence of a biker. Poor weather or nighttime conditions can also cause problems for motorists who may not be expecting a motorcycle when turning or passing another vehicle. Many injury accidents can be prevented if drivers of four-wheelers and trucks took that extra effort to double-check their blind spots or scan the roadway fully before turning or merging.

Baltimore Motorcycle Accident and Injury Update: Maryland’s Motorcycle Law Specifics Aim at Rider Safety

February 28, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

If you know anyone who has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, you can understand how serious a rider’s injuries can be especially when compared to a similar car or truck accident. The laws of physics apply equally to bikes and passenger cars, however when it comes to bodily injury size does matter — in the motorcycle versus car arena, the motorcycle usually loses out, and so does the rider.

As Baltimore personal injury lawyers and motorcycle accident attorneys, our office is well-equipped to represent victims of traffic collisions involving motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and other two-wheeled vehicles. Motorcycle injury accidents can take a devastating toll on riders and their passengers. Hospital bills can cause problems for families just getting by, and any lost wages due to extended rehabilitation, temporary or permanent disability can make it particularly hard.

The state of Maryland has laws on the books that are designed to help protect riders and in doing so provide safer and less dangerous traffic conditions for riders and drivers alike.

Motorcycle-specific traffic laws, such as helmet regulations and lane-sharing laws, vary from state to state. Still, it is crucial that all drivers on public roads understand and abide by these rules. Knowing and following helmet and riding laws will help prevent motorcycle accidents across Maryland. The flowing is a listing of some of the key laws in place that can help save your life, or the life of someone you know.

1) Every rider is required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle on Maryland’s city streets, county roads, highways, and interstates — all public roads. Operators of off-road vehicles such as dirt bikes and trials bikes are not required to wear helmets – although helmet use has distinct safety benefits in this area as well.

2) Eye protection is required on all on-road bikes, unless that vehicle is equipped with a windscreen. Similarly, dirt bike riders and operators of other off-road vehicles are not required to wear eye protection.

3) Headlamp use is also an important safety point. And while Maryland law does not require motorcycle riders to operate their headlamp(s) during the daytime, it is highly advisable to always run with your headlamps on. In fact, it is more or less universally agreed that using your headlight during the day reduces your chances of being hit by another vehicle, such as a truck or passenger car.

Motorcycle Accident Update: Safety should be Priority One as Bike Riders Prepare for the Spring Thaw

February 12, 2010 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

This time of year any motorcycle rider worth his salt is experiencing more than a little cabin fever, waiting for the snow and ice to clear and the days to warm up. We’re still weeks away from any decent riding weather, but it never hurts to brush up on rider safety prior to that first warm, dry day. Whether you ride a cruiser, chopper, crotch-rocket or scooter, accidents can happen to anyone, any time.

As a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney and personal injury lawyer, I’ve met my share of riders in both good and bad circumstances. Unfortunately, injuries caused by motorcycle crashes can be much more severe than those of car accidents. Safety is always in the mind of a good rider, and should be foremost in the minds of all motorcycle riders as spring approaches.

Among things to remember as the weather warms up are riding in rain and at night. Spring brings warmer days, but it also brings rain showers and wet roadways. Although it’s more enjoyable to ride in the dry, every rider will get caught in rain at some time or another.

Riding in the rain has its own safety concerns and it takes more than throwing on a rain suit to prepare for wet pavement. Your gear is important, of course. Make sure your rain gloves and boots fit correctly — badly fitting equipment can interfere with your ability to brake and shift properly. Poorly fitting gear has probably led to more than one fatal motorcycle wreck.

Every driver should know to use extra caution at the first sign of rain. This is when the water tends to sit on oily patches, especially at intersections. As that water finds the low spots in the roadway, it mixes with the oil residue making things extremely slippery. As a motorcycle rider, this should be your main concern when those first rain drops hit your windscreen.

Many a prudent rider will take the opportunity to stop for a cup of coffee when it starts to rain. This allows some of that oil-water mix to be washed away and also gives the rider time to put on some rain gear. If you’re lucky, it’s just a quick shower, but even so, keep in mind that even damp pavement offers less traction than dry.

In spring, the days are getting longer, but night riding is still a reality. Remember that dusk is actually the worst time for all drivers. This is when people’s eyes are getting adjusted to driving or riding by headlights, not daylight. It’s especially important to be extra cautious just after sunset.

It never hurts to slow down somewhat when riding at night, especially on any winding road. Take advantage of the headlights of vehicles in front of you to see farther. Be especially careful to keep an eye on the road surface, since at night it is much more difficult to see sandy patches or other debris on the roadway.

Maryland Motorcycle Accident News: Do Fewer Bikes on the Road Really Mean Less Fatalities?

December 24, 2009 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

It may be hard for most riders to swallow, but summer is over. The recent blizzard that hit the East Coast made that abundantly clear. Still, when the snow melts and roads dry out for a day or so, there is always at least one diehard motorcycle enthusiast who cannot let a a single sunny day pass without firing up his Harley, Honda or Ducati — even with temperatures hovering just above freezing.

As a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer, I have met some dyed-in-the-wool bikers and for them I suggest extreme caution when riding during what many consider the “off season” for motorcycles. But it isn’t just the weather that should concern motorcycle riders. I’ll pose the question here: Could fewer bikes on the road result in car, SUV and pickup truck drivers becoming less conscious of a motorcycle in their blind spot?

It is understood that automobile-motorcycle collisions can be one of the more deadly traffic accidents. Because of this, every rider should be watchful no matter what the season, but especially on those unusually pleasant winter days, not to mention when springtime comes to our state.

Motorcycle Accidents in Maryland: Avoiding Fatalities and Reducing Injuries from Car-Bike Crashes

October 5, 2009 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Although the summer is officially over, there will still be some great weather here in Baltimore and the surrounding area as we head toward the winter months. Getting that last ride in prior to parking you bike for the season may cause some riders to ignore the potential dangers inherent to motorcycle operation. As Maryland personal injury and motorcycle accident attorneys, Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers understands what drives motorcyclists, and also what can hurt them.

Motorcycle-automobile accidents are frequent in the summer months, but they also occur in the cooler months as well. In fact, as the bulk of bikes get stored after the summer, four-wheeled motorists become less aware of bikes later in the season. A car-motorcycle accident is especially tragic because a motorcyclist has little protection against the mass of a car, SUV or pickup truck.

Whereas the driver of an automobile is usually protected from an impact, a motorcyclist usually receives a direct blow from another vehicle; and a rider may also be thrown a fair distance from the crash site. As a result, many motorcycle accidents have an especially high rate of injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other permanent injuries. Sadly, fatalities are very common when it comes to motorcycle accidents.