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Category Archives: News
God be with the People of the Great State of Alabama
As I type this I am getting ready to go to Las Vegas on a business trip, but I could not leave without sending out my prayers and condolences to the people of the great State of Alabama, and 4 other states who have suffered severe and extreme weather over the past couple of days.
Over 150 tornado’s have struck over the last couple of days.
As of the writing of this article, approximately 290 people are confirmed dead across 5 states, with more sure to follow, and about 350,000 people are without electricity.
These are fellow Americans, and they are suffering.
I am calling on everyone who reads this to donate funds to the Tornado Relief Effort that is being put on by the American Red Cross.
You can donate funds online by clicking here, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or send a text to REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
We in the West are with all Southerners today!
By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez
California Cell Phone Hands Free Law means Hands Free!
A Biker and Motorcyclist worst nightmare!
As many of you know, or should know, on July 1, 2008, a California law took effect which bans the use of cell phones without a hands free device while driving. I wrote an article about it which you can read by clicking here.
Many people think that the law allows you to hold your phone and use the speaker phone function of the cell phone while driving, so long as you do not hold it to your head. Well guess what, you cannot.
Technically under the hands free law, you cannot hold your phone to even dial it while driving.
Now here is the kicker, the fine for the first offense is only around $25.00. However, by the time all of the extra add-on assessments and costs are added onto the ticket, you will be looking at a $160.00 ticket for the first offense.
A second offense will kick it up to over $300.00, and so forth.
I have been informed that the CHP alone is writing almost 10,000 cell phone tickets a month right now, this does not include all of the other law enforcement agencies.
Obviously cell phone violations have become a big cash cow for our broke State, but I think that it is ridicules to be assessing such major fines simply for holding a cell phone and talking on the speaker.
Now as a motorcycle rider, nothing pisses me off more than seeing a cager with a cell phone to his ear, which in my opinion is blatantly illegal. I will usually blare my horn to get their attention.
Bottom line, in California, you cannot hold your cell phone while driving or you will get dinged. You must only use hands free.
Most cell phones these days allow you to voice dial through a Bluetooth device. That is probably the way to go.
By California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © April 5, 2011
California Highway Patrol to crack down on bikers and motorcyclist along Ortega Highway in Riverside County
Overhead Image of the Ortega Highway in Riverside County
Riverside County – California
Motorcyclists committing traffic violations on the Ortega Highway in Riverside County will be the target of a six-month enforcement campaign by the California Highway Patrol, it was announced Monday.
From April through the end of September, the CHP’s Temecula office will ramp up patrols on a 33-mile stretch of state Route 74 to catch unsafe motorcyclists, according to Officer Ron Thatcher.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Motorcycle Safety Coalitions” grant will provide the funds necessary for overtime and special operations geared to motorcycle riders, Thatcher said.
CHP data from January 2007 to December 2008 indicate there were 75 motorcycle collisions from where the Ortega Highway begins in San Juan Capistrano to Green Avenue in southwest Riverside County. Twenty-five of the accidents resulted in injuries, and all were connected to speeding.
“Taking a turn too fast, a motorcyclist is likely to find himself in over his head,” said Capt. Ernie Sanchez, commander of the agency’s Temecula office.
“This stretch of highway demands concentration and caution on the part of the rider,” he said. “With this grant, we’re hoping to not only raise awareness and educate motorcyclists, but ultimately save lives and reduce the number of riders injured every year.”
The Temecula CHP will coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to conduct enforcement operations and advance public awareness efforts, according to Thatcher.
I am very concerned when I hear that law enforcement is going to single out bikers and motorcyclist for selective enforcement, especially in California.
I would like to hear from anyone who is the subject of harassment as a result of this announced policy by the CHP.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident anywhere in the State of California, call the real California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1.
Ortega Highway Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez to speak at the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law, at Arizona State University on April 6, 2011.
California Attorney at Law Norman Gregory Fernandez
I, along with Mark Britton the founder of Avvo, and Attorney Janelle Orsi, will speak at the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University on April 6, 2011.
You can see a flyer of the event by clicking here.
I am honored to join with the Legal Rebels project which is a part of the American Bar Association, and the American Bar Association Journal, in this event.
The Legal Rebels project’s goal is to profile attorneys who are remaking the legal profession. I am honored to be associated with this program.
The Biker Law Blog was picked at one of the top 100 law blogs by the American Bar Association Journal in 2007.
It is my opinion that there can be immense improvement in the practice of law, while maintaining strict old fashioned ethical boundaries.
It is my intent as an Attorney at Law and Officer of the Court, to make legal services accessible to all.
I enjoy speaking to fellow attorneys, and to law students who will soon be the next generation of attorneys themselves.
I believe that it is important to give back to the profession that I love as much as possible.
I will see you all at the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University on April 6, 2011.
By California Attorney at Law Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
Warm Weather Brings out California Motorcyclists Resulting in Multiple Major Motorcycle Accidents
Scene of Crash near Palm Desert
Palm Desert – California
A motorcyclist hit three vehicles Thursday morning in a major crash on Highway 74 south of Palm Desert, stated officers from the California Highway Patrol.
The motorcyclist sideswiped a BMW sport utility vehicle that was headed in the opposite direction, while riding around a curve, said the CHP at the scene.
The motorcycle then collided with a GMC pickup and a Mini Cooper.
The motorcycle and Mini Cooper both caught fire.
The 78-year-old man who was riding the motorcycle, was thrown from his motorcycle and suffered major injuries, He was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.
No other injuries were reported, officials said. There was no immediate word on any arrests or citations at the scene.
The crash, reported to the highway patrol just before 10 a.m., blocked both sides of the highway, and officials stopped southbound traffic near the southern edge of Palm Desert.
San Mateo – California
A motorcyclist was killed in a crash on northbound U.S. Highway 101 in San Mateo early this morning, a California Highway Patrol officer said.
The motorcyclist was involved in the second of two collisions that occurred within minutes of each other just south of Dore Avenue, CHP Officer Curtis Glace said.
In the first crash, reported at 5:12 a.m., the driver of a silver Toyota Corolla apparently fell asleep at the wheel and veered left, crashing into the center divider, Glace said.
A short time later, a second collision occurred that involved the motorcyclist, a Honda CR-V and possibly a big-rig, Glace said.
The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and died at the scene, Glace said.
The driver of the Toyota was taken to a hospital as a precaution, he said. No one else was injured.
It is not yet clear how the second accident happened, but Glace said the motorists involved might have lost control while trying to avoid the first crash.
Witnesses told the CHP that a big-rig was involved in the second crash, but that driver did not stop at the scene, Glace said.
“We’re not sure if the big-rig knows they’re involved,” he said.
Fairfield – California
A 24-year-old man died Monday night of injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident in Fairfield on Saturday, a Sacramento County coroner’s office spokeswoman said this morning.
Cameron Arana, who lived at Travis Air Force Base, died at 11:16 p.m. at the University of California Davis Medical Center, according to Mary Her, a senior office assistant at the coroner’s office.
Arana was speeding north on Peabody Road on his motorcycle when he crashed near Waterworks Lane around 1:10 a.m., Fairfield police Sgt. Kevin Carella said.
He might have been racing a silver Acura before he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a signpost, Carella said. The other vehicle did not stop.
Arana was taken to Vaca Valley Medical Center in Vacaville and then transferred by helicopter to the UC Davis Medical Center, Carella said.
Chula Vista – California
A 63-year-old Chula Vista man died Thursday after he sustained critical injuries in a motorcycle crash in the 8900 block of Campo Road.
The man, who has yet to be identified pending next-of-kin notification, was traveling westbound on Campo Road into Casa de Oro when he struck a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was attempting to turn left into a driveway at 8944 Campo Rd., according to CHP officer Brian Pennings.
Pennings said that the rider applied his breaks and laid down the 2009 Kawasaki Concourse motorcycle on its side before sliding into the right rear tire of the Jeep, which was being driven by Wendy Antisdel, 48, of Spring Valley.
Campo Road was closed in both directions while emergency medical personnel attended to the rider, and law enforcement officers investigated the scene. He was transferred to a local hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries and died.
Antisdel was not injured. There is no evidence at this time that alcohol was a factor in the crash, according to Pennings.
Bakersfield – California
A motorist died Wednesday evening after his motorcycle collided with an SUV.
The person’s name and age had not been released as of Thursday morning.
The SUV was traveling southbound on Sequoia Drive approaching Belle Avenue at 5:18 p.m., according to a California Highway Patrol news release. The motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Sequoia Drive and was behind the SUV.
The driver of the motorcycle tried to pass the SUV on its left as the SUV began a left turn onto Belle Avenue, the news release said. The motorcycle struck the left side of the SUV and the driver was thrown from the motorcycle.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at Kern Medical Center about a half hour after the crash.
I send my heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family and friends of all of the victims in all of the motorcycle accidents that have occurred this week throughout the State of California.
With the warm weather expected this weekend here in California, I know that all of the bikers and motorcyclist will be out riding their motorcycles.
Take it easy everyone, and be careful.
California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer
Suzuki Recalls 73,426 Motorcycles over Electrical Problem
2008 Suzuki Hayabusa
American Suzuki is recalling 73,426 motorcycles built between July 2007 and September 2009 for an electrical problem.
Some regulator/rectifier assemblies were produced with insufficient adhesion between the power module (circuit board) and the rectifier case that contains a heat sink to dissipate heat. Due to insufficient adhesion, heat generated on the power module circuit board can cause the circuit board to deform and lift off the case. This condition causes excessive heat on the circuit board and uncontrolled electric current output, which can result in insufficient charging current being provided to the motorcycle battery. This can cause discharge of the battery and can lead to engine stalling and/or a no-start condition.
The models were manufactured from July 2007 through September 2009 that are equipped with regulator/rectifier assembles with the following part numbers: 32800-41F11, 32800-15H10, 32800-05H11, 32800-41G10, 32800-15H00, 32800-18H00, 32800-05G10, 32800-10G10, 32800-05H20 or 32800-06G01.
Suzuki is replacing the part free of charge on affected models.
Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the regulator/rectifier with an improved part for free. The recall is expected to begin on or about March 2.
In the paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Suzuki said it first recognized the issue in 2008, and tried to solve the problem with its parts supplier before issuing a recall. It reopened its investigation last September after receiving more than 180 reports of failure from its American dealers.
The recall affects the following models: 2008-2009 Burgman 400, 2008-2009 V-Storm 1000, 2008-2009 Bandit 1250, 2008-2009 GSX-R600, 2008-2009 GSX-R750, 2008 B-King, 2008-2010 Hayabusa, 2008-2010 GSX650F, 2009 SFV650, 2008-2010 VL800, 2008-2010 VLR1800, 2008-2010 VZ1500.
California Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Biker Law Blog and I are Featured in the American Bar Association Journal Magazine.
California Motorcycle Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Photo courtesy of the American Bar Association Journal, and photographer David Newhardt
Who says bikers are not represented in the legal community?
I was interviewed months ago by Rachel M. Zahorsky, a reporter with the American Bar Association Journal.
The article that she wrote about me is in the February 2011 issue of the American Bar Association Journal. You can read the article by clicking here now.
For those of you who do not know, the American Bar Association is the premier attorney organization in the United States. The American Bar Association Journal is a monthly magazine that is published by the American Bar Association for its attorney members.
When Ms. Zahorsky requested an interview from me I was honored to oblige her and the American Bar Association Journal.
In the grand scheme of things very few attorneys ever make the pages of the American Bar Association Journal, so when the magazine published an article about me, and a picture of me with my Harley Davidson Electra Glide, it was a thrill to see and read.
You see bikers and motorcyclists are often times underdogs both on the road and in the legal system.
Those of us who actually ride motorcycles understand more than anybody the dangers we face when riding our motorcycles on the road. We have to be very vigilant to ensure our safety on the road.
Often times, in car v. motorcycle accidents, potential jurors are prejudiced against motorcycle riders because they feel that we are engaged in a dangerous activity, or potential jury members may not like the way we dress.
In my experience, bikers and motorcyclists are in general, the most charitable and big hearted people I have ever met. We literally put on 100’s of events all over the United States every year for charity and to help others.
Unlike standard motorists, bikers and motorcyclists will go out of their way to help each other when in need. If any of you have ever broken down on your motorcycle on the side of the road, you know exactly what I am talking about.
One time on the way to the now defunct Hollister Rally, I ran out of gas. No less than 10 motorcycles stopped to help my then fiancé and me. I gave one guy some money and he went and bought a gas can and came back to us with gas. He could have just taken the money and went down the road. I have had many similar experiences in my time.
So I say good for the American Bar Association Journal to recognize my efforts, and to bring attention to bikers and motorcyclists.
On a side note the picture of me on the upper left and in the magazine, was taken by photographer David Newhardt who was tasked by the A.B.A. Journal with photographing me. I met him off of Pearblossum Highway on my Harley, and he followed me to the San Andreas Fault where the picture was taken.
This photograph marked the first time in my many years of riding, that I have ever ridden a motorcycle in a full suit. I must have looked very funny while riding. My suit pants where blown by the wind up to my knees so my very white legs were exposed.
As usual the ride was awesome.
By Biker Lawyer and California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2011
New State Law Targets Motorcycle Thieves
On January 1, 2011, a new State law will enable police to arrest anyone carrying a type of makeshift device used for stealing motorcycles.
The legislation targets so-called “pigtails” which are homemade ignitions that can allow a crook to start a motorcycle in as little as 20 seconds.
As of Jan. 1, 2011 possessing such a device will be a misdemeanor. Anyone caught with a pigtail could face up to six months in jail and be fined $1,000.
Thousands of motorcycles were stolen throughout the State in 2009, with insurance claims for the losses averaging $9,000, according to the Regional Auto Theft Task Force.
California has the nation’s highest motorcycle theft rate. In the first 10 months of 2010, more than 5,000 motorcycles were stolen statewide, resulting in roughly $45 million worth of insurance claims.
Although not everyone in the state rides motorcycles, the cost associated with the theft of sports bikes impacts all of us, since those costs are often passed on to auto policyholders as well, said Assemblyman Martin Garrick, author of the legislation.
Current State law bans the possession of burglar tools such as “slim jims,” shaved keys and bolt cutters, if law enforcement can establish the intent to use them to break into or steal a car, truck or SUV — but not a motorcycle.
Garrick, who describes himself as an avid biker, said the statute will close that “loophole.”
“The freedom of riding a motorcycle on California’s roads is one of life’s greatest joys that only enthusiasts can truly appreciate,” he said.
“With this new law, we are taking an important step to defend that freedom from those who seek to take it away by stealing someone’s motorcycle.”
One of the key proponents of the legislation was Chula Vista police Officer Anthony Molina, who raised concern about pigtails after getting a phone call from a fellow patrolman who had pulled over a known motorcycle thief.
Though the suspect was carrying hardware typically used to steal motorcycles, Molina reluctantly told his colleague he had to let him go, due to current law regarding such illicit tools.
The incident inspired Molina to work with the District Attorney’s Office on the recently approved prohibition on motorcycle-theft pigtails.
Also taking part in this morning’s briefing at a South Bay motorcycle shop were National City police Chief Adolfo Gonzales; his Chula Vista counterpart, Chief David Bejarano; and California Highway Patrol Capt. Scott Parker, commander of the regional vehicle-theft task force.
California Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Changes to California Traffic Laws in 2011
As usual, California has tinkered with the laws again for the year 2011, as though we do not have enough laws as it is.
First, persons who want to obtain a learners permit for a motorcycle who are under the age of 21, must now complete a C.H.P. certified motorcycle safety course. They need to have a permit for at least 6 months, before a class M motorcycle license will be issued.
Second, drivers with traffic violations will be able to take Court approved courses online and at home in addition to going to traditional classrooms. This law will take three years to implement.
Third, Local authorities will not be able to enact or enforce a local ordinance on a matter covered by the California Vehicle Code. The new law is an effort to ensure that traffic convictions are properly recorded by the DMV.
Forth, January 1, 2012, drivers convicted of a third or subsequent DUI violation could lose their licenses for 10 years. Reinstatement will be possible after five years if specific conditions are met.
Fifth, The application for a driver’s license will include a “no” option when asking whether an applicant wants to register as a possible organ donor, and applicants will have to answer with either a yes or a no in the organ donation registration field.
And sixth Instead of expiring on January 1, 2011, the “sunset” date for hybrid vehicles with yellow stickers will expire on July 1, 2011. Those with white stickers (on electric and compressed natural gas vehicles) will expire on January 1, 2015. A third sticker will be created for plug-in hybrids. It will be valid from January 1, 2012 until January 1, 2015.
By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2010
A Horrible Crash in Ocotillo Wells, California, Kills 5, including 4 Members of the Saddle Tramps Motorcycle Club
Scene of accident that killed 4 members of the Saddle tramps MC
*** November 16, 2010, Update – The driver of the Dodge Avenger is not going to be charged with drunk driving because no alcohol was found in his system. It was originally reported by the C.H.P. that they smelled alcohol on his breath.
A group of riders from the Saddle Tramps Motorcycle Club, a San Diego County club, were riding on Saturday, November 13, 2010, on Route 98, which is a rural freeway, about 80 miles east of San Diego, to celebrate their 10th anniversary, when there was a horrific accident that killed 4 of them including a husband and wife on one motorcycle.
The riders were in a group, when an idiot in a Gold Honda revved up behind them and repeatedly tried to pass the group of motorcycles by crossing over into the lane of oncoming traffic to the left of the motorcycles.
The Gold Honda then caused a Dodge Avenger that was in the opposing lane, to crash into the group of motorcycles as he attempted to swerve out the way of the idiot in the Gold Honda who was trying to pass the pack of motorcycles.
The Avenger then plowed into the group of motorcycles, killing 4 of them. A passenger in the Dodge Avenger was also killed.
The idiot in the Gold Honda who caused the crash by speeding in the wrong lane of traffic, then kept on going and got away for now.
The California Highway Patrol is looking for the guy in the Honda, which did not suffer any damage in the accident.
Witnesses said that the driver of the Honda was wearing a baseball cap. If anyone has any information, they are requested to call the California Highway Patrol.
The C.H.P., arrested the driver of the Dodge Avenger on suspicion of drunk driving because he had alcohol on his breath, however officials do not consider him to be at fault in the accident, because he was forced off of the road by the idiot in the Honda.
Several other bikers who were injured in the accident were airlifted to hospitals.
What lessons can be learned by this day of carnage? There are two; (1) Live each day as though it is going to be your last, because you never know when your number will come up; and (2) if a car comes up behind you very fast, and tries to pass you, yield if you can do so safely. Put your turn signal on, and move to the right, or even get off if you can.
I am not saying this accident could have been prevented, I am saying that when it is car against motorcycle, the car will always win no matter how tough you are, or how in the right you are.
My prayers and condolences go out to the members and the families of the Saddle Tramps Motorcycle Club.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident anywhere in the State of California, call the real California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1.
November 15, 2010 Update: Click here to read a detailed story about the accident on Yahoo News.
By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © October 14, 2010
VIETNAM VETS KICKED OUT OF PECHANGA HOTEL AND CASINO ON VETERANS DAY!!
Vietnam Veterans Discriminated against on Veterans Day 2010
I received a call on November 12, 2010, from a Vietnam Veteran, who is a member of the Vietnam Vets MC.
He and some other Vietnam Veterans who are members of his club were illegally denied entry to a complimentary buffet at the Pechanga Hotel and Casino, in Temecula, CA, on Veterans Day.
We had a conversation about the incident. He sent me the below letter, and gave me permission to publish it here.
I am utterly appalled that an establishment such as Pechanga, an Indian Casino, would discriminate against Veterans on Veterans Day simply because they were wearing a Vietnam Vets MC patch.
Unless Pechanga makes amends to these Veterans, offers them a full apology, promises never to do something like this again, and makes things right with the guy’s and their families who were discriminated against, I am calling for a full boycott of Pechanga Casino.
Below is the actual letter that was sent to me by Mr. Ingersoll after our conversation.
On Thursday, November 11, Veterans Day, eight Veterans, seven Vietnam Vets and one active duty Marine, as well as two of their wives, were threatened with arrest and told to leave the Casino.
After leaving the Menifee Veterans Memorial Dedication ceremony in Menifee we headed to Pechanga for the complementary buffet offered to honor Veterans.
While in line for about 20 minutes we were approached by Pechanga Security and told we would have to leave because we were wearing our vests with a mc on the back. MC stands for Motorcycle Club. Also on the back of the vest was a patch that said VIETNAM VET, and USA, THE COUNTRY WE FOUGHT AND MANY DIED FOR.
Lt Jim, of their Security, said he would have us arrested for trespassing if we did not leave. As Vietnam Vets, this was the same treatment we received in 60’s and 70’s.
This is the year 2010, you would think that Veterans deserve more, not this.
It was embarrassing and humiliating to be treated with such disrespect in front at least 40 patrons, who could not believe what was happening.
I, Robert Ingersoll, a former Marine and retired school teacher of 35 years, had called the Casino a week earlier to make sure that wearing our vests would not be a problem. I was assured that it would not be a problem by SGT Moreno (spelling may not be right).
He said he would tell everyone in the days briefing that Veteran Motorcycle Clubs may be attending. We have been in many other Casinos in the area, without a problem. In fact the Vietnam/Legacy Vets, along with the Rez Riders, an Indian Motorcycle Club, have sponsored Toy runs for Years at other Casinos.
There are many Veteran Motorcycle Clubs in the area, Vietnam Vets, Legacy Vets, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion Riders, Brotherhood of Marine Corps Riders, Leathernecks, Rough Riders, and many more.
There have been court cases that state: DESCRIMINATION AGAINST BIKERS ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR MOTORCYCLE CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA. Unruh Civil Rights, Act CC 51, et seq. and Cohen V California, a Supreme Court ruling, that stated that individuals have the right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays writing or designs.
The last time I looked, Pechanga Hotel and Casino is in California and part of the United States.
PECHANGA’S CONDUCT TOWARD THESE VETERANS WAS UNACCEPTABLE AND DISGRACEFUL.
After leaving Pechanga we headed to Applebee’s on highway 79 in Temecula. There we ate, were treated with respect and dignity, and the manager ask to take a picture of us for their wall. Pechanga should send its staff to Applebee’s for training on how to truly honor and respect Veterans.
Robert Ingersoll
Murrieta, California
Norm’s Tidbits, October 21, 2010
Gal's from the Riverside Press Enterprise, Photograper Jen Fraley on left, Reporter Allison McKinnon on right
Norman Gregory Fernandez rated a Perfect 10 by Avvo: I have been rated a perfect 10 out of 10 by Avvo, a premier attorney rating service. It feels good to get this kind of recognition.
Riverside Press Enterprise Story: I gave an interview to the Riverside Press Enterprise back in August. They sent a reporter and a photographer to do the story. The article was about novelty helmets. You can read the story by clicking here. You can see a picture that I took of the photographer Jen Fraley, and reporter Allison McKinnon above. Jen is on he left, Allison is on the right. They also took pictures of me, one of which was in the original newspaper article.
© October 2010
Media Coverage; I was on NBC Last Night
In the Parking lot at NBC Studios for Interview and Ride Video
I gave an interview on motorcycle safety at the NBC studios last month. You can read an article about it by clicking here. The video is embedded below.
The actual story was aired on TV yesterday on multiple timeslots. You can read their story by clicking here. The video is embedded below.
The gist of the story was about motorcycle safety inflatable air vest’s and jacket’s. I gave an interview about the legal aspects about the devices.
I was questioned as to why these types of devices were not mandatory in the State of California, and whether I thought they should be.
In the interview I told NBC that I did not think that these devices should be mandatory because among other things they require attachment to the motorcycle, and the attachment point could fail causing a rider to remain attached to the motorcycle in a crash.
I also told NBC that they jury was still out on whether these things actually provide protection when you go down since they take .5 seconds or more to inflate.
Hell you can see in the crash video at the beginning of their story, that the poor guy who hit the car turning left in front of him would not have been saved with this device on the initial impact. It might have helped once he flew off of the bike, who knows.
I told NBC that I would not want to be the crash dummy for such a device.
I gave at least a 20 minute interview and was asked many questions.
They ended up cutting out the legal aspects of this device out of the entire story and relegated me to 2 quotes and an honorable mention. They also did a write up for their website.
They also got some action shots of my riding my Harley Davidson Electra Glide at the beginning. During one shot, the photographer was riding on the back shooting over my shoulder.
I did not think this story was every going to air. I found out that it was on the air, when my father called me and told me he saw it on TV.
With respect to the airbag device, I might just get a vest for my gal and I. When it comes to safety it is better to be safe than sorry.
By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2010
No More After Market Pipes in California in 2013; We Did it To Ourselves.
No More Non EPA Approved Pipes in 2013
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed SB 435 into law which will require all motorcycles built after January 2013 to have EPA approved exhaust systems on their motorcycles.
Riders found without an EPA label certifying sound emission compliance will be issued fix it tickets, with additional infractions having fines up to $250.00.
Therefore, any motorcycle aftermarket exhausts or pipes that are not EPA certified will be illegal in California.
Many aftermarket motorcycle exhaust manufacturers will probably not have the money or inclination to get such a certification, so for all intents and purposes, after market pipes will no longer be legal in California.
If other States follow California with similar statutes then it may force manufacturers to comply with EPA regulations.
California will now basically enforce a 25 year Federal regulation which requires that all motorcycle exhausts be EPA certified.
I have been riding motorcycles for many years. I try to have exhaust systems that have some bark, but that are not too loud.
However, there are guys out there running open exhausts that are so loud that you cannot actually hear yourself talk as they drive by.
The State has now taken action to quiet our motorcycles down since we were unable to police ourselves.
What can be done to avoid SB 435? Keep your old motorcycles and do not buy anything new after 2013. Replace the engines, transmissions, and frames as needed.
Whatever you do, keep your stock exhaust systems just in case you do get a fix it ticket. Even if your motorcycle is not a 2013 or newer biker, we are still subject to noise laws here in California.
This bill will probably have an ominous effect on motorcycle sales in California. So again, we have do gooders enacting laws here that screw our economy.
What can we expect next, a motorcycle smog bill. I recommend that every motorcycle rider in the State of California join ABATE, so that we will have a voice in Sacramento.
By California Motorcycle Accident and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © September 2010
If you have been in a Motorcycle Accident ANYWHERE in The State of California, call me now 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, for a free consultation at 800-816-1Law (800-816-1529), Extension 1
Welcome, my name is Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. I am a real biker, and a real California Biker and Motorcycle Lawyer. Click on the About Me Tab on Top to find out more about me
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