Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyer - Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Crash in Chesapeake Claims a Life, Shatters Another

Emily Mapp Brannon — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:47:08 GMT

Take two motorcycles, add excessive speed and a narrow residential road lined with parked cars, and you all too often wind up with a tragedy like the one that occurred Tuesday evening in Chesapeake. Two motorcyclists speeding down Holly Cove Drive off of Airline Boulevard in the northwestern part of the city crashed into each other, slammed into a parked vehicle and flew into a concrete utility pole that snapped from the impact.

Police had not released the motorcyclists' names as of Wednesday morning, but one of the bike riders died on the scene. The other, who was not wearing a helmet, went to Sentara Norfolk Hospital with head and brain injuries.

Hampton Roads has seen more than its share of fatal motorcycle accidents this year. A large number of these accidents have resulted from unsafe riding. Riders have died after losing control of their bikes while speeding. Others have died as result of not following basic traffic rules such as always passing on the left. Too many have died after climbing onto their motorcycles while drunk. It's too early to calculate the death toll among motorcyclists in Virginia for 2009, but in 2008, nearly 90 people died in speed-related motorcycle crashes alone throughout the Commonwealth.

Motorcyclists already face risks of serious and fatal collisions with much larger vehicles on the road. Bike riders do not need to increase their risks for injury and death by operating their motorcycles in unsafe ways.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law, and our attorneys have handled thousands of car and truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. In addition, check out our FREE special reports on distracted driving and The Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in Virginia. Our primary office is in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA), but our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now, and we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations. Call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Further, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as pro bono public information services.

EJL

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

Deaths from Motorcycle Crashes on the Rise in South Hampton Roads Area of Virginia

Emily Mapp Brannon — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:10:00 GMT

In 2009, more than twice as many people have died in motorcycle crashes in South Hampton Roads than in all of 2008, according to The Virginian-Pilot. There have been 13 fatal motorcycle crashes this year as opposed to six in 2008, and we still have four months remaining in 2009.

This isn’t the first time motorcycle crashes have fluctuated in Virginia (VA). In 2006, there were a total of seven fatal motorcycle accidents while in 2007, that number increased to 10 fatalities.

Two motorcyclists were recently killed in separate crashes in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). My colleague Jim Lewis wrote about these two tragic accidents and I am greatly concerned with the increase in fatal motorcycle accidents in Virginia (VA). Our firm has represented people hurt in motorcycle accidents, so I understand the ramifications these accidents can have on the victims and their families.

We need to take a step back and examine the situation to see what can be done to reduce these accident statistics.

Here’s a video discussing important motorcycle safety tips…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prR20YZtPGU

“Riding the bike isn’t the hard part,” said Adam Bernstein, a spokesman for the Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) police department and a motorcyclist. “The hard part is watching what everybody else is doing. Your reaction time slows down, and reaction time is paramount on a motorcycle.”

Bernstein attributes the increase in motorcycle accidents to the warm weather. When it’s nice outside, more people take their bikes out to enjoy a ride.

If you’re one of the individuals who doesn’t ride every day but wants to enjoy the beautiful summer weather with a motorcycle ride, remember of always wear your helmet, wear bright clothing, brake early, and always be cognizant of the other motorcyclists and cars on the road.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

2009 already deadliest year for motorcycle accidents

Jim Lewis — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Two unrelated fatal motorcycle crashes over the weekend – killing Scott Allen Neill and George Michael Watts – has brought the total in Hampton Roads in 2009 to 13, The Virginian-Pilot reported Tuesday.

The 2009 total is more than double the 2008 total of six. The newspaper said 10 people died in 2007 motorcycle crashes, while seven people died in 2006 motorcycle crashes.

Warm weather draws more people to their motorcycles, Adam Bernstein, a Virginia Beach police spokesman and motorcycle rider, told the newspaper.

“You’ve got your hard-core riders that ride year-round, then you have most of us who are the fair-weather riders,” Bernstein was quoted as saying. “When it starts to warm up, you see a lot more bikes out.”

“Riding the bike isn’t the hard part. The hard part is watching what everybody else is doing,” Bernstein said. “Your reaction time slows down, and reaction time is paramount on a motorcycle.”

Alcohol was a factor in both crashes, the Daily Press reported. Neill, 40, lost control of his Harley Davidson on Daimler Drive in Virginia Beach and struck a mailbox and then a power pole, a Virginia Beach police spokeswoman told the Daily press. Watts, 39, of Mercedes Court, was eastbound on Witchduck Road when he struck a BMW at the intersection of Alfriends Trail. Alcohol was also a factor in this crash, the spokeswoman said.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper,Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

(MM)

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

Two Virginia Beach Motorcyclists Killed in Separate Crashes on the Same Day

Jim Lewis — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:40:00 GMT

Two tragic motorcycle accidents occurred in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) on the same day with two people dead and two injured.

The first crash included a man and a female passenger riding in the 700 block of Daimler Drive in Virginia Beach when the motorcyclist went straight on a curve hitting a mailbox and a power pole, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

The second motorcycle crash also included a man and a female passenger who were riding on Witchduck Road at Alfriends Trail, close to Sentara Bayside Hospital. The motorcycle collided with a vehicle coming from Alfriends Trail onto Witchduck Road.

As an injury lawyer who’s represented clients hurt in motorcycle accidents, I’m always concerned about the safety of our motorists and motorcyclists. These two tragic accidents are terrible and my deepest condolences go out to the friends and families who lost loved ones in these accidents.

We can learn from these accidents and hopefully motorcyclists will be cognizant of proper safety measures while enjoying a ride on the road.

Here’s a video discussing motorcycle safety…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81MAPkXEIFo

Some essential safety tips, courtesy of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, include:

Be visible by wearing bright clothing
Flash your brake lights when you’re slowing down or stopping
Wear a helmet and proper eye protection
Avoid weaving between lanes
Signal your next move in advance and give time to motorists to respond

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

Street Racing, DUI Combined in Virginia Beach Fatality That Led to Jail Term

Randy Appleton — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:45:15 GMT

A street race on Lynnhaven Parkway this past April left one man dead and another man facing felony charges of illegal automobile racing and contributing to the death of a motorcyclist. The survivor, Christopher Allen Ballard of Virginia (VA) Beach, pled guilty to a lesser charge of misdemeanor racing on Thursday and has already begun serving a jail sentence of eight months.

Ballard avoided a harsher penalty, in part, because the man who died had been drinking before the street race began. As reported in the Virginian-Pilot, Joshua A. Schools, had a blood-alcohol concentration of more than 0.08 at the time of his death.

Speed and alcohol are always a deadly combination. Add in the illegal practice of street racing, which encourages the disregard of all traffic rules, and tragedy is ensured in many instances. In early 2008, CNN.com reported on four street racing fatalities since 2007. That CNN.com article missed a deadly 2007 street racing accident in Stauton, Virginia (VA).

The Virginia State Police have recognized the dangers of street racing for many years, even conducting a targeted crackdown on the illegal activity in 2006. More usually, local and state police rely on reckless driving laws to prosecute street racers. Whichever approach is employed, I know from my decades of representing accident victims how important it is to enforce safe driving laws.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border. The firm handles car, truck, railroad, medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton’s lawyers are licensed in VA, NC, SC, WV, DC and KY.

EJL

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Randy Appleton

Virginia Beach (VA) officer struck by car

Emily Mapp Brannon — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:43:00 GMT

A Virginia Beach (VA) motorcycle police officer was struck by a car Tuesday morning, authorities told the Virginian-Pilot.

The police officer, who was not identified, was struck in the 2600 block of North Landing Road. Though the officer was apparently unhurt, the Pilot reported, he was nevertheless examined at an area hospital. WAVY-TV reported that the officer suffered minor leg injuries.

The driver, who was also not identified, was ticketed for failure to yield the right of way, the Pilot reported.

The primary responsibility of the Virginia Beach Police Department's Motorcycle Unit is speed enforcement, according to the unit's Web site. Officers selected for motorcycle duty must complete an 80-hour motorcycle course and other requirements.

Officers also attend interagency training to learn how to best escort VIPs. Members of the Motorcycle Unit have escorted the vice president and the first lady, according to the unit's Web site. Officers also take weekend shifts where they represent the department at community events.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper,Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

Man dies from injuries in Virginia Beach (VA) motorcycle crash

Jim Lewis — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:19:00 GMT

A Culpeper man died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident on an Interstate 264 off-ramp Thursday morning in Virginia Beach (VA), The Virginian-Pilot reported.

Michael Allen Harris Jr., 26, took off-ramp from I-264 to Birdneck Road but lost control at the bottom of the ramp, a Virginia State Police spokeswoman told the newspaper.

The crash was reported at 3:39 a.m., authorities said. Harris was declared dead at the scene, and police did not reopen the interchange until 7 a.m. so the accident could be thoroughly investigated.

A Norfolk man also died in a motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach earlier this week, WVEC-TV reported. Marcus Raheem Williams, 26, crashed his motorcycle on I-264 while headed west near Witchduck Road. Williams, of the 600 block of Chesapeake Boulevard in Norfolk, died at the scene.

Two other men have died in motorcycle accidents in Virginia Beach in 2009, according to a Virginian-Pilot analysis of accident statistics.

/MM

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

Motorcycle and Bicycle Injuries Connected to Drivers Inability to See Cyclist on Road

John Cooper — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:31:00 GMT

In an accident involving cars and a motorcyclist or bicyclist, car drivers commonly state they never saw the cyclist. Many times, motorists are usually on the lookout for other cars, not motorcycles or bicycles. In addition, from ahead or from behind, a motorcycle's outline is much smaller than a car's, according to the Virginia DMV.

As an injury lawyer with 20 years of experience representing clients who’ve been severely injured in motorcycle and bicycle accidents, I understand the importance of proper safety and the vulnerability cyclists have on the road with cars.

For example, on June 22nd a 38-year-old man was killed in Virginia Beach, Viriginia (VA) in a motorcycle accident, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

So what can be done to help alleviate the risk of accidents between cyclists and cars? One simple step would be for motorcyclists to have their lights on at all times. Studies show that, during the day, a motorcycle with lights off is twice as likely to go unnoticed by other road users, according to the DMV. In addition, using your high beam during the day increases the possibility you will be seen by drivers.

Other suggestions for cyclists (both motorcyclists and bicyclists) would be to wear bright, visible clothing to help you stand out more when on the road.

For drivers, you must be extremely cautious and vigilant when making a turn or changing lanes. Don’t look just for other cars or trucks. Whenever you switch on your turn light, be on the lookout for a cyclist.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Motorcyclists Who Fail to Wear a Helmet Increase Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury

Jim Lewis — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:14:00 GMT

When you’re driving along I-64 or I-264 in Virginia (VA) you may see a motorcyclist ride by you like a speeding bullet. As an injury lawyer who’s represented clients who've been severely injured in motorcycle and automobile accidents for over 20 years, I’m concerned about the safety of our mobile citizenry.

What’s even more troubling is seeing someone on a motorcycle without a helmet. I understand the allure of hopping on a motorbike and enjoying a ride on a nice day, but take proper safety measures – namely, wear a helmet.

In 2006, over 4800 motorcyclists were killed in the United States and 65 percent were not wearing helmets, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To put that number into perspective, it’s a 127 percent increase from the number of motorcyclists killed in 1997.

When people fail to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, not only are they increasing their chances of incurring a traumatic brain injury or other severe injury, they’re also breaking the law.

"Every person operating a motorcycle shall wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or have his motorcycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield at all times while operating the vehicle, and operators and any passengers thereon shall wear protective helmets. . .” according to Section 46.2-910. Motorcyclist to wear helmets, etc.; certain sales prohibited; penalty states:

Here’s a video describing what happens in a motorcycle accident and how it can lead to a traumatic brain injury…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGosMlmsT3A

They may not be the most stylish safety device, but a helmet reduces the risk of death by 29 percent. In addition, helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries to motorcyclists, according to NHTSA.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

Will Motorcycle Airbags Be the Future of Cycling Safety?

Rick Shapiro — Mon, 05 May 2008 08:38:08 GMT

Note: see also automobile accident category

Honda Motor Company recently announced that it is going to offer an airbag on one of its expensive Honda Gold Wing motorcycles for the next model year. Likewise, Yamaha Motor Corporation is developing an airbag system and is using a scooter with the airbags to research and develop the potential product, according to Yamaha's website. Can motoycycle airbags really prevent significant crash injuries? Read on....

A spokesman for the American Motorcyclist Association said that some would call it safety, some would call it risk management. Whatever you want to call it, I applaud the motorcycle manufacturer's efforts. More and more Americans are buying motorcycles. Increasingly high gasoline prices are also driving increased motorcycle sales but with increased motorcycles on the highways comes increased personal injuries, and with those injuries comes more product liability suits against the manufacturers, and the companies may be feeling the "heat" of faulty product lawsuits.

Let's be realistic, whether you have a helmet or not, if you're riding a motorcycle you are fairly unprotected in case of a serious crash with a car or truck. Although motorcycles were only 2% of all registered vehicles in calendar year 2004, they made up 9.4% of all highway deaths, nearly double the 5% in calendar year 1997, according to government statistics.

The Honda airbag system has crash sensors attached to the front fork of the motorcycle. These sensors detect rapid deceleration and send information to a computer which determines whether a crash is likely occurring. The whole process only takes a fraction of a second. The airbag system is designed to stop a driver's body from striking the whatever the motorcycle has struck and to reduce the chances of the operator being thrown over the handlebars of the motorcycle. It is not presently designed to protect side or rear impact crashes or to protect passengers on the motorcycle. Honda knows from its own studies that more than half of the motorcycle crashes that caused deaths occur when the front portion of the motorcycle strikes another vehicle or object. Honda has already tested to see if the airbag will deploy accidentally, and if it so-what will happen. Honda claims that the airbag did not the driver backward, injure the driver, affect the driver's vision, or impact his travel on the highway. Apparently the bag deploys fairly low on the driver's torso, and is designed not to block vision but I have real questions about those supposed findings in the Honda tests.

Will an available airbag cause riders to abandon a helmet, which is a vital safety piece of equipment? Probably not because most helmets are required under state laws anyway.

Motorcycle operators face special challenges involving safety. All motorcycles obviously are smaller than a regular sized car or truck and often can seem invisible in the rearview or side view mirror of cars and trucks on the highway. Most motorcyclists are safe drivers and are often struck by negligent or careless car operators, and obviously in some circumstances the opposite is true. There are also some special state laws and regulations applying to motorcycles involved in accidents which can be relevant in any e personal injury case arising out a motorcycle crash. Our firm is involved in a number of these cases and can supply general or specific information to you or a family member who has had an injury or question regarding such an accident.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Shapiro