Helmets and other equipment play an important role in motorcycle safety. From 2002 to 2017, more than 25,000 lives were saved by wearing motorcycle helmets, as reported by the National Safety Council. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective for preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41% effective for passengers. Other safety equipment can also help prevent severe injuries in a motorcycle crash. And use or failure to use a helmet and protective gear can impact an injury claim. What Protective Apparel Should Motorcycle Riders Wear? Protective apparel is the only defense against ..read more

A motorcycle collision can be a physical – and emotional – disaster. Motorcycle riders who survive a collision with another vehicle may be dealing with a set of severe neurological injuries, as well as psychological trauma, such as PTSD. The types of neurological injuries riders may sustain include: Traumatic brain injury (TBI): When the motorcyclist is thrown onto the roadway, a serious head injury can occur. The brain can be injured in the force of the impact, bringing a range of symptoms, some of which can last a lifetime, including paralysis, loss of abilities, difficulties learning, and ..read more

When you’re riding a motorcycle, you are exposed to a lot more hazards than people in cars. Your bike doesn’t offer the same type of protection as a motor vehicle because you aren’t secured by seatbelts and a metal frame. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), only three percent of registered vehicles are motorcycles, but motorcycle riders make up 14 percent of motor vehicle accident fatalities. Watching out for hazards on the road can help make you safer on your motorcycle. Staying Safe on Your Bike In addition to providing less physical protection than a car, motor ..read more

Riding a motorcycle is a great way to get around. It’s fun, economical, and it gives you an unbeatable sense of freedom. But riding a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in accidents than people in passenger cars based on the number of miles they travel. The NHTSA also tells us that more than 80 percent of all reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death to the motorcycle rider Why Motorcycles Accidents Are So Dangerous One of the main reasons ..read more

Motorcyclists are one of the most exposed groups on the road, often suffering traumatic injuries after a collision with a larger vehicle. But anyone riding tandem on a motorcycle is also at risk, as passengers have little to no control over the nature of the collision. If a biker or car driver acts negligently, it can drastically change the life of a motorcycle passenger. Who Is Liable in for a Passenger’s Injuries? Following a car-motorcycle crash, much of the focus is placed upon the motorcycle operator and the driver, while passengers are typically left by the wayside. However, passengers ..read more

Motorcycle helmet laws have always been a highly debated and controversial issue, and both sides have very strong opinions. On one hand, helmets provide a common-sense shield that helps prevent serious head trauma and death. On the other hand, many (even a high percentage of those who do wear helmets) feel it is a freedom-of-choice issue, and that the law should not require anyone to wear a helmet. These bikers are quite adamant about this freedom, and will probably forever be fighting for their right to breeze down the freeway at 80 miles per hour with nothing but the wind in their hair. Hel ..read more

Motorcycle riders are completely unprotected in a crash and much more likely to suffer serious injuries than passenger vehicle occupants. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you will want to get the most out of your accident claim. An experienced Omaha personal injury attorney can help you do just that. Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents Any part of the body can be injured in a motorcycle crash. The worst injuries occur when the front of the motorcycle is the point of impact. Common injuries include: Lower-extremity injuries: These injuries ..read more

Since May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. want to share safety tips and information with our Omaha community. Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions Motorcycle collisions can happen in many different ways, but some of the most common include: Being rear-ended is a major threat for motorcyclists. It is important for bikers to be aware of their environment, including vehicles behind the motorcycle, and to watch what they are doing. Conversely, it is also important for drivers not to follow a motorcycle too closely. Having a car turn in front of the motorcycle ..read more

Lane splitting may seem like an easy way to get through a traffic jam, but it is incredibly dangerous. Weaving through traffic by going between vehicles can get you ticketed. You could also end up seriously injured if someone doesn’t see you and changes lanes. You could also be held at least partially liable for any injuries or damages caused by your lane splitting, so think twice! What Is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting refers to the act of moving a small vehicle between other cars or trucks stopped on a road. This is most commonly done using a bicycle or motorcycle and is considered a specif ..read more