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What to Do in the First 48 Hours After a Motorcycle Accident — A Guide for Riders and Their Loved Ones

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
The Biker Law Blog | https://bikerlawblog.com

Motorcycle_Accident_48_Hours_Guide

As a motorcycle accident attorney and rider myself, I’ve seen firsthand how critical the first 48 hours after a motorcycle crash can be. Whether you’re the injured rider, a passenger, or a family member trying to help, what you do—or fail to do—during this crucial window can have a lasting impact on your health, your legal rights, and your ability to receive compensation.

This article will walk you through the essential steps that should be taken within the first 48 hours after a motorcycle accident, and why it’s vital to retain a motorcycle accident expert like myself, Norman Gregory Fernandez, as soon as possible.

Step 1: Get Immediate Medical Attention

The first and most important step after any motorcycle accident is to seek immediate medical care. Even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor, get evaluated by emergency medical personnel or go to the nearest emergency room. Adrenaline and shock can mask serious internal injuries, including concussions, organ damage, and spinal injuries.

If you’re unable to make decisions for yourself due to your injuries, a family member or representative should step in to ensure you receive the necessary treatment and that all injuries are documented properly.

Why It Matters:

• Medical records create a critical link between the accident and your injuries.

• Delays in treatment can give insurance companies a reason to deny your claim.

• Proper care can prevent complications and long-term disabilities.

Step 2: Document the Scene (If You Can)

If you’re physically able—and it is safe to do so—take pictures or videos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. If you’re not able, ask a witness or a loved one to do this for you.

Be sure to gather:

• Names and contact information of witnesses

• Driver’s license and insurance details from the other party

• Police officer’s name, badge number, and report number

Why It Matters:

• This evidence may disappear quickly—vehicles are towed, road debris is cleared, and physical injuries begin to heal.

• Visual evidence is often more persuasive than testimony in court or negotiations.

Step 3: File a Police Report

In California, you must report a motorcycle accident involving injury or death to the police and the DMV. Make sure an official police report is filed and obtain a copy as soon as it’s available. The report will often include the officer’s initial findings regarding fault, witness statements, and more.

If you were transported to a hospital and unable to speak to the officer at the scene, make arrangements to provide a statement as soon as possible. Again, if you’re incapacitated, a family member or legal representative can assist in obtaining this report and ensuring your version of events is recorded.

Step 4: Preserve Evidence

Don’t repair or dispose of your damaged motorcycle, helmet, clothing, or any other gear. These items could be vital evidence in proving the severity of the crash, the nature of your injuries, or product liability issues.

Store them in a secure location and take photos of everything. If there was a GoPro or similar camera on your bike or helmet, back up the footage immediately.

Step 5: Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies

You may be contacted quickly by the other driver’s insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement, accept any settlement offer, or admit fault without speaking to a motorcycle accident lawyer first. What you say can and will be used against you.

Tell any insurance adjuster that you are seeking legal representation and refer all communications to your attorney.

Step 6: Contact a Motorcycle Accident Expert Immediately

This is where I come in.

The sooner you hire a qualified motorcycle accident attorney—like myself, Norman Gregory Fernandez—the better your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. As both an attorney and an experienced biker, I understand the unique challenges riders face both on the road and in the courtroom.

Here’s Why Timing is Everything:

• Preservation of Evidence: We can act quickly to secure surveillance video, black box data from other vehicles, and accident reconstruction experts if needed.

• Witness Statements: Memories fade fast. Early statements are often more detailed and credible.

• Insurance Navigation: We handle all communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

• Medical Treatment Coordination: We can help you find qualified doctors and ensure your treatment is documented properly.

• Litigation Preparation: If your case needs to go to trial, early involvement means we’re building your case from day one.

Hiring me early can also prevent costly mistakes that could hurt your case, such as posting on social media, delaying treatment, or failing to document expenses.

Step 7: Notify Your Own Insurance Company

Even if you were not at fault, notify your motorcycle insurance carrier about the accident. Be factual but concise. Do not speculate about fault or the extent of your injuries. Let your lawyer handle the details.

Failure to notify your own carrier in a timely manner could jeopardize coverage under your policy, including MedPay or uninsured motorist benefits.

Step 8: Keep a Recovery Journal

Start a journal documenting your injuries, pain levels, treatments, emotional distress, and how the accident has impacted your daily life. Include:

• Missed work

• Activities you can no longer do

• Sleep disturbances

• Mood changes

This journal can serve as powerful evidence for your pain and suffering claim.

Step 9: Don’t Wait to Act

California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims—but waiting can weaken your case long before that deadline. Delayed treatment, lost evidence, and unrecorded witness statements can all significantly reduce your settlement or verdict.

Final Thoughts from Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez

Motorcycle accidents are traumatic and often life-changing events. As a rider myself, I know what it’s like to hit the road and trust that others will share it responsibly. When that trust is broken by a negligent driver, you deserve justice—and someone who will fight like hell to get it for you.

The first 48 hours after a crash are critical. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait. Contact me immediately at https://thepersonalinjury.com or through the Biker Law Blog at https://bikerlawblog.com. I’ve helped countless riders and their families get the compensation they deserve—and I’ll do the same for you.

Ride safe. Ride smart. And if the worst happens, call someone who rides—call me.

About the Author
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
Founder, The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez
Motorcycle Accident Attorney | Rider | Advocate

Norman Gregory Fernandez is a seasoned California personal injury attorney with over 28 years of experience. As a passionate biker himself, he has dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of injured motorcycle riders and their families. He is the founder of the Biker Law Blog and the nationwide resource InjuredBikers.com.

Contact:
📞 (800) 816-1529
🌐 www.thepersonalinjury.com
✉️ Click here to contact Norman

The post What to Do in the First 48 Hours After a Motorcycle Accident — A Guide for Riders and Their Loved Ones first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Motorcycle riding offers unparalleled freedom and excitement, but it also comes with significant risks. Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the lack of physical protection compared to cars. Therefore, it is crucial for riders to adopt strategies and practices that minimize the risk of accidents. This article will explore essential tips that motorcycle riders can follow to enhance their safety and prevent accidents.

1. Wear Proper Protective Gear

One of the most fundamental steps in preventing motorcycle accidents is wearing appropriate protective gear. This includes:

• Helmet: A high-quality helmet is the most critical piece of safety equipment. It protects the rider’s head in case of a crash, significantly reducing the risk of fatal injuries. Choose a helmet that meets safety standards, such as DOT, ECE, or Snell certification.
• Jacket and Pants: Wear motorcycle-specific jackets and pants made of abrasion-resistant materials like leather or textiles with armor inserts at critical points (elbows, shoulders, knees).
• Gloves: Gloves protect your hands from injuries and improve grip on the handlebars. Opt for gloves with reinforced knuckles and palm sliders.
• Boots: Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots provide protection for your feet and ankles. Look for boots with non-slip soles and ankle protection.
• Eye Protection: If your helmet does not have a built-in visor, wear shatterproof goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from debris and wind.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

Regular motorcycle maintenance is essential for safe riding. A well-maintained motorcycle is less likely to experience mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. Key maintenance tasks include:

• Tires: Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly. Replace tires that are worn out or damaged.
• Brakes: Inspect brake pads, discs, and fluid levels frequently. Ensure your brakes are in optimal working condition.
• Lights: Verify that all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) are functioning correctly. Visibility is crucial, especially in low-light conditions.
• Chain and Sprockets: Lubricate the chain regularly and check for wear and tension. Replace sprockets as needed.
• Fluids: Regularly check engine oil, coolant, and other fluids. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fluid changes.

3. Enhance Visibility

Motorcycle riders are often less visible to other motorists, increasing the risk of accidents. Enhancing visibility can significantly reduce this risk. Here’s how:

• Bright Clothing: Wear bright or reflective clothing and gear to increase visibility to other road users.
• Headlights: Always ride with your headlights on, even during the day, to make your motorcycle more noticeable.
• Positioning: Ride in a position where you are visible to other drivers. Avoid riding in blind spots, and make sure to use your signals when changing lanes or turning.

4. Ride Defensively

Defensive riding involves anticipating potential hazards and being prepared to react to them. Key defensive riding strategies include:

• Anticipate and Scan: Constantly scan the road ahead and anticipate potential hazards, such as sudden stops, debris, or animals.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow adequate time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
• Watch for Intersections: Intersections are common sites for accidents. Slow down, cover your brakes, and be prepared for vehicles making unexpected turns.
• Avoid Aggressive Riding: Stay calm and avoid aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, speeding, or weaving through traffic.

5. Improve Your Riding Skills

Continuous improvement of your riding skills is crucial for accident prevention. Consider these steps:

• Take a Safety Course: Enroll in a motorcycle safety course to learn advanced riding techniques and safety strategies. Courses are available for riders of all skill levels.
• Practice Braking: Practice emergency braking in a controlled environment to improve your ability to stop quickly and safely.
• Cornering Techniques: Learn proper cornering techniques to maintain control and stability when navigating curves.
• Stay Updated: Keep up with new safety information and riding techniques by reading motorcycle safety literature and participating in rider forums.

6. Adapt to Road Conditions

Different road conditions require different riding approaches. Adapt your riding style to match the conditions:

• Wet Roads: Reduce speed and increase following distance on wet roads. Avoid sudden maneuvers and use both brakes gently to prevent skidding.
• Gravel or Sand: Slow down and avoid sudden acceleration or braking on loose surfaces to maintain traction and control.
• Night Riding: Increase visibility by using high beams when appropriate, and reduce speed to account for decreased visibility.

7. Stay Sober and Focused

Riding a motorcycle requires complete focus and alertness. Avoid riding if you are:

• Under the Influence: Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired judgment and delayed reactions significantly increase the risk of accidents.
• Fatigued: Fatigue can impair your concentration and reaction times. Ensure you are well-rested before embarking on a ride.
• Distracted: Avoid distractions such as using your phone, adjusting your GPS, or eating while riding. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.

Conclusion

Preventing motorcycle accidents requires a combination of proper gear, regular maintenance, visibility enhancement, defensive riding, skill improvement, adaptation to road conditions, and a commitment to staying sober and focused. By adopting these practices, motorcycle riders can significantly reduce their risk of accidents and enjoy a safer riding experience. The thrill of riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks, but with the right precautions, you can ensure that your rides are as safe as they are exhilarating. Stay safe on the road and enjoy the journey responsibly.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, July 2024
https://thepersonalinjury.com

The post How Motorcycle Riders Can Prevent Accidents: Essential Tips for Safety first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Frankly, nine months after this coronavirus pandemic started, and being in the midst of a massive second wave of infections here in Southern California, it’s kind of hard for me to say happy new year.

At the present time over 350,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus pandemic, and here in Southern California lockdown orders are in effect. There is in two counties, Los Angeles and Orange county with populations of over 12 million people (more than 40 individual states) combined, less than 20 ICU beds available, and ambulance drivers have been instructed not to transport people to the hospital that cannot be revived in the field, or that they do not think will survive.

This is a disaster for our country. At no time during a war, or other natural disaster except for the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, has our nation faced such a catastrophe of dead and sick.

There are idiots running around in Los Angeles protesting basic mask wearing requirements, and acting like nothing is wrong.

It is hard for me to talk from a personal level about the fact that I have not had a vacation in over a year for the first time since I can remember. I have not stepped into a gym in approximately a year. I missed Sturgis last year, and my wife and I have not gone out to eat or had prepared food delivered since March 2020.

I have ridden less miles on my motorcycle in the last nine months then when I went on active duty in the United States Air Force.

My wife is in medical school so the pandemic has been both problematic and helpful to her in that she did not have to go to school since March of last year, they had class remotely, but she did have to suit up and provide medical care during clinicals at nursing homes where there was coronavirus. Right now they have stopped clinicals because of the second wave of the pandemic.

Luckily for me, my wife Little Teri is a good cook and a gracious wife. She has cooked meals for me since March, she makes coffee, and she is a great companion and a great wife. I would not want any other woman with me during this time, nor can I imagine being with anyone else.

Even though I am high risk for major complications if I do get coronavirus, my wife and I even though the present situation sucks, have it better than many people who have either gotten sick, have lost their jobs, have died or had family members who died, have no money, or have or will lose their homes or places of residence.

It really is hard to talk about motorcycle riding during the nightmare pandemic that we are going through. I did take a motorcycle ride about a month ago to get service done on my Indian Roadmaster, and it was a great ride believe me. I did wear and N 95 mask underneath my modular helmet and did not smoke cigars like I ordinarily would do while riding, but it was without a doubt most excellent.

As I write this so-called happy new year 2021 article, two vaccines have been approved for general use on emergency basis, and my wife and I are waiting as are millions of other Americans, to get vaccinated so that we can go on with life.

There are guys in my motorcycle club that are younger than me, and that run around with no masks on an act like everything is normal. I guess if I was young still and was not a high risk person, I would probably do the same thing, but that is not an option for me right now. I kind of envy the guys that don’t have to worry about what could happen if they get the coronavirus. I do tell some of my brothers that there are young people dying from the coronavirus as well, you never know how bad it could be. But then again, the vast majority the people that do get the coronavirus recover quite well. Then again, I have heard reports about young people who get the virus that have said it was the worst illness that they have ever had.

The way I see it, I can wait it out until we get the vaccination.

It is urgent for all of you to get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as you can. The only way that we will get to herd immunity and back to normal is to shut the coronavirus down. I am not sure if the coronavirus vaccine prevents the coronavirus from being transmitted, but it is supposed to prevent you from becoming seriously ill from the coronavirus.

My dream for my family and I as well as the world is returning back to a world of normal living.

I am planning on going to Sturgis in August, but since my wife is in school she will probably have to fly out there to meet me. The Sturgis trip is dependent upon both my wife and I getting the vaccination before the rally. We would probably still wear masks at the rally, but that is okay.

All in all it is not really a happy new year right now, probably the worst New Year’s I have experienced in my entire life. I’m quite positive that many of you if not all of you are going through a similar thing. My wife says that when she goes out it is downright dreary and weird seeing everybody wearing masks, but for now it is the new normal. I am sure that eventually we will return to normal.

May God be with all of you and my family and I and hopefully we will all survive this coronavirus pandemic and other calamities, and hopefully sometime this year we will return to somewhat normal.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.

The post Happy New Year 2021 from the Biker Law Blog first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

The worst possible scenario has happened. You are out with your friends having a great day riding your motorcycles, you are in a pack, next thing you know, some idiot in a car cuts into your lane and takes you out.

Next thing you know you’re lying on the pavement, in a state of shock with people standing over you, asking if you’re okay, telling you not to move. You ask, “how is my motorcycle,” something almost every down motorcycle rider asks after an accident.

Next thing you know you are in an ambulance on the way to a trauma center, you are in pain, you are scared, you ask how bad you are hurt, but the paramedic simply tells you to stay calm and everything will be okay.

Thousands of motorcycle riders each year face this same scenario. Most motorcycle accidents result in severe to catastrophic injuries. Many motorcycle accidents result in relatively minor injuries compared to those who have suffered catastrophic injuries. However most relatively minor injuries for motorcycle riders are not the same as for victims of car accidents.

A relatively minor motorcycle accident might involve having road rash and a jacked-up knee, arm, shoulder or something like that. I have handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases, and it is very rare that there will be minor injuries like what you can expect in a rear end or small impact car accident.

Before 2010, there were just a few of us real motorcycle accident lawyers advertising for motorcycle cases in California, who specialize in motorcycle accident cases.

Now let me get one thing straight, the California State Bar has certain specialties where attorneys with a minimum amount of practice time, can take a special test, and become a certified specialist pursuant to the California State Bar. The California State Bar does not certify personal injury, or motorcycle accident cases as a State Bar certified specialty. So, when I talk about specialize in motorcycle cases, I am not talking about State Bar certified specialty. What I am talking about is someone who has an expertise in a certain area of personal injury.

Someone like me who specializes in motorcycle cases, not only handles a ton of motorcycle cases, but they are also experts in all aspects of motorcycle accident cases. I have been riding motorcycles since I was a kid. I started riding Street motorcycles legally on the street at 17 years old and have ridden all types of motorcycles on the street.

No matter what you are told, there is no way a generic personal injury attorney advertising for motorcycle accident cases, will be able to argue a motorcycle accident case, unless they are experts at riding motorcycles. It’s just not possible because without the first-hand expertise of starting a motorcycle, dressing for the ride, starting from a dead stop, shifting gears, riding in city traffic, freeway traffic, mountain roads, etc., you have no idea from a first-person perspective what a motorcycle rider faces. Therefore, there is no way you can be as good as an attorney who rides motorcycles, it’s as simple as that.

Imagine hiring an attorney for a car accident case, who does not drive cars. How is the car accident attorney supposed to understand what happened in the car accident, without having a perspective of being an expert car operator.

You may be able to fake it in court, and try to imagine what it’s like to be able to drive cars if you cannot drive a car, but the jury is pretty smart and they will know you are faking it.

It’s the same thing with motorcycles, but even more complicated because with motorcycles there are no extra layers between the motorcycle rider other than what they are wearing, and the road. The only way to know how that feels is to actually be a motorcycle rider.

I’ve discussed this many times before, there is also a certain prejudice against motorcycle riders by not only law enforcement, but by the general public, and jurors. Many of them think that riding motorcycles is a dangerous activity, and motorcycle riders taking the risk, should bear the responsibility of what happens to them.

It takes an expert to be able to cut through the prejudice and get the motorcycle rider what they are entitled to in court.

I am an expert in motorcycle accident cases. I have been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. I have handled countless motorcycle accident cases. I am not a poser pretending to be a motorcycle rider.

I will tell you flat out that there are fake poser attorneys all over the place in California, having their picture taken next to motorcycles, claiming to be motorcycle attorneys, who have never ridden a motorcycle, or maybe have ridden a motorcycle once or twice in their life. I am among one of the original few motorcycle attorneys in the state of California that existed before 2010.

The American Bar Association asked me to give a speech at their 2010 convention about my motorcycle accident practice. The actual speech I gave is actually on the Internet and it is kind of an embarrassment to me. After that speech where I told the attorneys in the audience to pick something they like and apply it to their law practice. Instead, the American Bar Association put the speech on the Internet, and every Tom Dick and Harry rather than take their own hobby and apply their practice to it, instead claimed to now handle motorcycle accident cases because they saw my speech as a marketing niche for them. They totally missed the point of my speech. I actually created a bunch of competition for myself by giving that speech. I wish I could take it back, because unfortunately many motorcycle riders out there have been suckered into signing up with these guys. It’s most probable that they did not get the settlement or judgment they should have gotten because they were with an attorney that wasn’t an expert motorcycle attorney.

As I have stated in previous articles you will see a couple of big firms advertising all over motorcycle rallies, motorcycle publications, and at motorcycle venues. They have hot young paid models at their booths. They give out trinkets, promise roadside assistance, etc. They are all just big marketing outfits. A couple that I know of simply either farm cases out to regular attorneys in return for a referral fee, or they charge regular attorneys for a geographic region for advertising purposes. Do you really want to put your life in the hands of one of these marketing outfits? Would not it be better for you to have an expert motorcycle attorney on your side that you can count on?

Giving out trinkets that cost a couple of bucks does not make you an expert motorcycle accident lawyer. Stating you provide roadside assistance should be left to the experts like AAA Roadside Assistance who you know for sure will take care of you when you need help. Why would a motorcycle accident attorney be trying to lure clients by purporting to give out roadside assistance. Why don’t they make french fries and juggle as well. A real expert motorcycle accident attorney does not need to hire models and put on a carnival show at events and venues.

I have never put up a booth at a rally or venue, nor do I need to advertise in Biker and Motorcycle Publications. I am known all over California for my Motorcycle accident expertise, and the riders come to me through word of mouth through the biker community. I think it is bad Karma to advertise like the other outfits do, it kind of makes me sick.

My name is California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, and I am an expert in handling motorcycle accident cases. I am the founder of injuredbikers.com, and my firm if we believe we can help you, will give you the best possible representation on your case by an actual motorcycle rider who is an expert in motorcycle accident cases, and personal injury.

We will help get you medical attention if you don’t have medical insurance, even if you do have medical insurance, we will help get your motorcycle fixed or replaced, we will get you compensation for your loss of wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium for your spouses if you’re married.

Many of you may not know what the damages I mentioned above mean. Call me at 800-816-1529 and you will get to talk to me personally, and I will explain everything to you.

You’re not going to talk to a paralegal, you’re not going to talk to a non-attorney case manager, you’re not going to talk to a legal assistant, the consultation will be done by me, and I will direct all aspects of your case. If we go to trial, I will be the one that does the trial.

Check out some of the pictures on this site, my Motorcycle and Biker experience is all over the place and is not like some poser who does not ride posing next to a motorcycle to con you in to thinking he or she rides.

For motorcycle accident riders whose life is on the line unlike minor car accident victims, it is critical you pick the right attorney. We do not play games in my office, we are real bikers who specialize in motorcycle accidents, and we are experts at what we do. I am a top rated nationally recognized lawyer.

God forbid if you’re in an accident either as a rider of a motorcycle, or a passenger on a motorcycle, give us a call at 800-816-1529, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we will give you a free consultation. Most of our clients are jacked up. We can sign you up electronically anywhere in the state seven days a week 24 hours a day. You will get an account on our client portal system so that you can send and receive secure messages to us, upload and download case documents, and more. We are one of the few law firms that offer this service to our clients in the nation. We are a modern law firm, and we are mean and lean. We know that you are hurt so everything is done to make life easier for you.

When you pick biker lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez to handle your motorcycle accident case, the only thing you will have to worry about is getting better, telling us where the bike is so that we can have an adjuster come out and take a look at it, letting us know when you’re better, and cooperating with us when we are fighting for you. We make it easier for you to go on with your life as we prosecute your case. At the end of the case, we try to get you as much money as possible.

Hopefully we will not hear from you which means that you are safe and not in a motorcycle accident. But if you are in a motorcycle accident call us now at 800-816-1529.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., December 22, 2019.

The post You have had a motorcycle accident; which attorney are you going to pick? By California motorcycle accident lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

I have been a motorcycle accident attorney for over 21 years. I have been riding motorcycles since I was a teenager, for over 40 years. I am an expert in all aspects of motorcycle riding, and motorcycle accident cases.

Recently, it seems like every generic personal injury attorney in California advertises that they are motorcycle accident experts. They are misrepresenting themselves.

Most of these guys don’t even know how to get a motorcycle into first gear, let alone the dynamics related to riding a motorcycle on the street, as it relates to who’s at fault in a motorcycle accident case.

First of all, forget the fancy advertisements. If you’re in a motorcycle accident you will want to go with an expert motorcycle accident attorney. If you Google motorcycle accident lawyer everybody and their mother will pop up. I would venture to guess that 99% of the people that pop up have never ridden a motorcycle, nor do not know the first thing about the dynamics of riding a motorcycle in traffic as it relates to accident causation in a motorcycle accident case.

There are 3 main law firms that advertise in all the motorcycle magazines, and at all the motorcycle rallies. I know most of these firms personally. Without naming names, one firm is basically an advertising mechanism, and they sell franchises to regular law firms on a territorial basis. Another other major player takes calls in, and then refers cases out for a fee to regular law firms all over the country. When a case settles, or there is a judgment, the attorney then pays a referral fee to this major firm that advertises. The other main player founded a group for clubs, etc., but none of their main attorneys who I personally know, ride motorcycles. In other words, all of these major players that you see advertising, are for the most part marketing scams, and do not have real motorcycle attorneys handling the cases.

I have been told that I am the top motorcycle and biker lawyer in the country by many people. I will tell you what, I will let my work speak for itself. If you retain me you will see for yourself.

There is a saying, let the buyer beware. I have many clients who come to me from these so-called major players. They all tell me the same thing, they never got to really speak to an attorney, and they never really got personal attention. The people that they spoke to had no idea how to ride a motorcycle. They felt like you were not getting good service.

I will tell you without a doubt, in my opinion if you are in a motorcycle accident the last attorney you want to hire is from one of these major advertising motorcycle law firms. I am sure they have some competent attorneys working with them, but they are no motorcycle riding experts.

If you’re in a motorcycle accident in California, give me a call, I will take care of you. With over forty years of riding experience, and over twenty-one years of experience as an attorney at law, I will get you the best possible outcome in your motorcycle case. No attorney can make any guarantees as to the outcome of any legal matter, but I can assure you that I will utilize my expertise for you to get you the best result.

I will work to get your motorcycle fixed, or to get you compensated for a totaled motorcycle. I will work to get all your out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed such as loss of use your motorcycle, lost wages, travel to and from the doctor, medical bills, plus I will work to get you compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, etc.

I will get you medical treatment even if you do not have medical insurance. I can also help you get a cash advance on your case if you have no money.

Most motorcycle riders who are injured in a motorcycle accident case simply want to heal, get their motorcycle fixed, and not worry about anything else. If you retain me to handle your motorcycle case, I will take care of the case, all you need to do is just get better.

Give me a call now at one 800-816-1529, ext. 1.

Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., California motorcycle accident attorney

The post When you’re in a motorcycle accident what do you do? first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Motorcycle accidents can be tragic as well as upsetting events.

The stats speak for themselves. Serious bodily harm as well as death is often the result of a motorcycle accident. Of the actual motorcycle accidents that do occur, roughly one out of every five motorcycle riders is actually fortunate enough to come away from the experience with just minimal bumps, bruises and abrasions. The lack of a protective buffer around the biker and the road inevitably leaves bikers in a very vulnerable situation. Generally there tend to be many common causes of motorcycle accidents, of which the most frequent, and clearly the predominant cause, is definitely a consequence of other motor vehicle drivers to some extent not seeing and recognizing motorcycles within dense traffic.

A number of reports offer support to this particular claim because they advise that virtually 66 % of almost all accidents involving a motorcycle and another car or truck are a direct end result of the motorist in a vehicle turning into the lane of the motorcycle and violating the motorcyclist’s right of way. It has likewise been advised that motorcyclists are 27 times more prone to die in a collision than are people in the other car or truck and they are also five times more prone to sustain an injury. Anyone can see then, the disastrous effects of car-motorcycle accidents.

Additional causative factors

Generally there tend to be a wealth of additional factors behind motorcycle accidents that occur quite frequently. One in particular can be motorcyclists who are inexperienced and simply do not know the constraints of their machine These brand-new riders push their motorcycles to the limit, which, in many cases, far exceeds the speed limit. This brings about another major reason for motorcycle accidents. Needless to say, speeding is not only restricted to new and young motorcycle riders, as often older and more experienced motorcycle riders have been also guilty of operating their motorcycles past the speed limit. Many motorcyclists really like the feel of the wind blowing through their hair, the freedom associated with the open road and the thrill associated with riding fast just inches from the road however,, traveling over the speed limit can result in dire consequences. A quick slip of the handlebars or an unforeseen obstacle ahead of the motorcycle can easily send the motorcycle reeling out of control. Therefore, speeding can be extremely dangerous and it’s also frequently the reason for many motorcycle accidents.

An additional common cause of motorcycle accidents can be a consequence of the motorcyclist’s carelessness. In cases where the motorcycle accident does not include another car, truck, or vehicle, the failure of the motorcycle rider to reduce speed when making a turn or simply under-turning as well as over braking in the turn are causes of motorcycle accidentrs in some instances. There can to be many various other things that may cause physical harm to the motorcycle rider after the initial motorcycle accident. Fuel leakage and spills in the post-crash phase can introduce a fire hazard and are common within approximately 60 % of all accidents sites.

Be careful out there when riding your motorcycle.

Riding within 5 miles per hour of the speed limit and wearing proper protection as well as a good helmet can make your ride more enjoyable, and increase your odds of survival in the event you are in an accident.

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.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez

The post Common Factors Behind Motorcycle Accidents first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez riding around a curve on Mulholland Highway

Many motorcycle riders are seriously injured and die each year when they fail to negotiate turns or curves, and either end of in the opposing lane of traffic, or they lose control and crash.

It is unbelievable to me just how many experienced riders sometimes fail to properly negotiate turns or curves on the road, especially when riding canyon roads, or twisties.

What is the main reason for motorcycle riders failing to negotiate curves or turns? Excessive speed is the main reason.

If you ride too fast through a curve or turn, chances are you are going to either end up in the opposing lane, or you are going to crash.

What is the main way to avoid crashing on a curve or turn? Slow the hell down!

Many motorcycle safety courses teach that you should slow down before you enter a turn or curve, and never to brake or downshift while in a curve or turn. I say bullshit.

Look I have been legally riding motorcycles on the road for 32 years, since the age of 16. In my own personal experience, sometimes it is hard to judge if you are entering a curve or turn too fast.

If you have entered into a turn or curve too fast on your motorcycle, you need to do anything you can not to panic, not to cross over the yellow line into opposing traffic, and not to crash.

My rule is that if you are in a curve or turn too fast, do what you have to do to safely get through the turn or curve. If that means hitting the brake, do it. If that means downshifting, do it.

I have ridden with guys who absolutely refuse do brake or downshift in a turn or curve. I have also seen these guys both in front of me, and in my rear view mirror cross the yellow line into oncoming traffic. Thank goodness none of them have ever crossed the yellow line when a car was right there or they would have been a windshield bug splat.

They teach you in motorcycle safety courses that before you enter a curve you should direct your motorcycle to the farthest part of the lane away from the turn so that you can theoretically see around the turn more.

For instance if you are going into a left curve they say you should direct your motorcade more to the right so that you can see around the left curve, and if you are going into a right curve you should direct your motorcycle more to the left so you can see around the right curve.

They teach that you should not look at the road, but that you should look around the curve to where you are going and that your motorcycle will tend to go where you are looking.

Some say that you should put your knees close into the tank to help you get around the curve, and some say that you should concentrate on counter-steering to properly get around a curve.

I say they are all right to a certain extent.

However, when you are actually riding your motorcycle, you will find that you will at times have to look at the road and not just where you want to go when going around a curve, you will find that sometimes it is not safe to go to the farthest part of the lane away from a curve because of oncoming cars or debris on the shoulder, and you will find that concentrating just on counter-steering is sometime dangerous.

In the end the safest thing to remember when going around curves is to keep a safe speed period.

The one thing that will make you panic or feel uncomfortable more than anything when going around a curve whether it be on a mountain pass or on a highway curve is excessive speed.

If you first let off of the throttle, you motorcycle will naturally start to slow down because of the action of friction and the engine.

If you are still going to fast don’t be afraid to apply a little front brake, but not too much because you may lose control. I like to apply both front and rear brakes.

If the turn is wet applying too much rear brake may make you slide out.

If you are still going too fast, downshift into a lower gear if you can safely.

If there are cars or other motorcycles behind me, and I am downshifting into a lower gear to slow down, I also try to tap my brake a bit just so the persons behind me can see my break light so they don’t rear end me.

Even with plenty of practice and riding experience, riding through turns and curves requires current practice and experience.

The worst riders are sometimes the people with the most experience because they think they are the great riders so they sometimes do not exercise the caution that they should.

Riding a motorcycle is not like riding a bike. Each time you are out, you need to exercise caution and ride at a safe speed.

Keep both wheels on the road.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © October 19, 2011

The post Riding your Motorcycle around Curves and Turns without Killing Yourself first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Motorcycle Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Photo courtesy of the American Bar Association Journal, and photographer David Newhardt

Well with Palm Springs American Heat I have finally had enough with what I think is a disgusting advertising practice by what in my opinion are bottom feeder personal injury lawyers.

In Palm Springs a certain so-called Biker Lawyer group had some scantily clad young girls aggressively coming up to people who were walking by saying that they worked for a lawyer who actually rides, as they tried to force feed passerby’s their business cards, and cheap novelties and trinkets.

I told the girls who came up to me, “Sorry, I am a Biker Lawyer who actually rides.” They kind of had a shocked look on their faces.

You see, I actually ride to many motorcycle events all over the nation. This year was no different.

All of a sudden there are a certain group of the same personal injury lawyers showing up at events calling themselves “Biker Lawyer” and  “Lawyers that ride” at motorcycle events.

To me a Biker Lawyer and a Lawyer that rides, is someone like me who is a lawyer and who also is a biker that rides motorcyles. It is a real simple concept, not some bullshit marketing slogan!

I think that I may have been the first Biker Lawyer to coin that term back in 1997 or so, because I am a lawyer who really rides. Once I started putting it out there on my website and on my blog, all of a sudden I saw other lawyers claiming the same thing.

Well now all of a sudden there are groups of lawyers showing up at motorcycle events all claiming to be “lawyers that really ride.”

It is not that I do not mind competition, hell I think it would be great to find a group of lawyers that actually ride motorcycles, hell I would like to go ride with them and make some new friends.

But what I really think is going on is a marketing gimmick aimed at bikers, and the way I see it, showing up at a motorcycle rally with a booth telling people if they crash their motorcycles, to call them, is disgusting and despicable to me.

In two words it is “Bad Karma.”

At the Las Vegas biker rally a few weeks ago, as we were walking by one of these booths, some guy sitting on his ass in the booth looked at my wife’s hat and said in a smart ass way, “who is the biker lawyer?” (The hat said Biker Lawyer, www.bikerlawyer.net on it) I told him I was. I also told him that I don’t sit at booths at motorcycle rallies; I actually ride to the rallies.

He had a stunned look on his face because I was actually in my biker garb because; yes I was riding, unlike him.

Curious about what it actually takes to be a Biker Lawyer with one of these organizations that has started up in the last couple of years I believe; I contacted one who I think was based in Arizona if I am not mistaken. They sent me a bunch of literature. At the time I contacted them, they had some firm based in San Diego as their only California firm.

In researching them, I saw no indication whatsoever that anyone from the firm listed for California at the time rode motorcycles. Matter of fact, I never even heard of them! Now it could be that someone from that firm actually rode motorcycles, it all seemed fishy to me.

Basically, I was told that if you pay at the time I contacted them, approximately 10k or so yearly fee to the organization I am referring to, you can be a Biker Lawyer with their group.

They would advertise for cases for you, and send you the cases in your territory. Very interesting!

Now the casual person looking at this group would think that it is all the same organization. Well it is not. It is a marketing vehicle that attorneys pay to be a part of.

Nowhere on the application did it ask if you actually ride motorcycles. Further, they hold themselves out to be Lawyers that really ride.

I think this practice is very misleading. I think consumers and bikers should be notified that lawyers pay a fee to be a part of this organization, and I think each of their lawyers should actually ride if they are going to advertise that they are lawyers who ride!

My next question is that most States require you to be licensed in that particular State to practice law in that State. You can apply to represent an individual in Court on a one or two time basis if you are an out of state lawyer, however, you cannot do it all the time.

So I wondered, how do the now 3-5 groups of lawyers that show up at all of the biker rallies, and that advertise in all of the biker rags, actually practice law in all 50 states legally.

The answer is that they cannot. It appears to me that these groups of lawyers that are advertising nationwide either have some kind of fee splitting deal going on with lawyers in the different States so the main lawyer will advertise and get cases for them, and then they will share the attorneys fee with the guy in the State actually doing the case, or they have some kind of marketing scam going on, where the attorney pays a fee like the organization I contacted, and the main attorney will advertise, and then send cases to the lawyers who are paying their franchise fee.

I think this entire practice is misleading, and despicable.

I saw American Chopper last night where even another group that I have never heard of before has popped up. It appears to me to be another marketing setup where they have created a website to target nationwide the “niche” market of motorcycle riders.

After digging deep into their website, it looks like the main law firm sponsoring their “Biker law” marketing campaign is based in Pennsylvania, and they too are claiming that they are lawyers that ride. I have no clue how this site or law firm work, but again, unless they have attorneys licensed in each state, they too must have some kind of fee splitting or franchise type of deal going on.

They do not limit themselves to just one State on their website.

On the TV show, they had a guy who they represented to be an attorney come in and order a custom bike to honor the firefighters or something to that affect. Somewhere it stated that he was the “lead counsel” or “managing counsel” of the biker law end of the firm. What the hell does that mean?

Anyway, at the end of the show there were a bunch of people in t-shirts with the biker law website address on it.

I almost threw up. You got to admit these people are marketing geniuses. They get an hour of TV advertising for what looks to be new operation, and all they had to do is pay (probably overpay) for a custom chopper from Orange County Choppers.

In the end there sits us real bikers. What are we supposed to believe is true?

First, I think that no lawyer should be going to motorcycle events and advertising for motorcycle accident cases. People are at the events to have fun, not to have the fact that they could crash shoved down their throats by a bunch of marketing hacks.

Second, I think that all of these firms should be forced to disclose the truth about their organizations, i.e., whether they are a fee splitting shop, whether lawyers pay them to have cases sent to them, and who in fact is the real biker lawyer in their organization.

I personally know at least two major attorneys in the so-called biker lawyer nationwide marketing scam, and neither of them rides motorcycles. One of them even stated in the Los Angeles Times in an article that he does not ride; because he wants to see his grandkids grow up. The article featured one of their new associates who had just got a Sportser, who had ridden for less than 6 months. (This guy has since left and opened his own bike lawyer shop)

So here I sit a humble real California Biker Lawyer who actually rides motorcycles. I am the friggen real deal. I am not playing some marketing scam on my clients. They know what they are getting when they retain me.

If you are in California and want the real deal call me; 800-816-1529 x.1.

For the rest of you there is a saying; Caveat Emptor, which is Latin for let the buyer beware.

Finally, you can have a say so if you also don’t like these bottom feeders showing up at our motorcycle rallies, simply don’t call them if you have an accident.

With a little research you can find someone like me who actually ride’s and is not part of some marketing operation geared towards bikers!

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2011

The post What is up with all these So-Called “Biker Lawyers” all of a Sudden showing up with Booths at All of the Motorcycle Events? first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez

I am a Motorcycle Accident Attorney who handles motorcycle accident cases all over the State of California. Unlike all of the other lawyers out there advertising for motorcycle accident cases, I actually ride motorcycles.

I have a unique incite above all other lawyers who do not ride motorcycles because I am actually a biker like you.

I cannot tell you how sick and tired I am of getting a new motorcycle accident case, where my client has suffered catastrophic injuries, and the person at fault has minimum $15,000 coverage, no coverage, or coverage nowhere close to covering the damages in the accident.

Look let’s face it, we motorcycle riders are far more likely to be seriously injured or even killed in a motorcycle accident, then those who ride 4 wheel cars or trucks. Unlike the person in a car who has a metal cage around them, all we have is the helmet and clothes on our body to protect us. When we hit the ground at speed we tend to suffer more serious injuries.

It is smart and prudent for those of us who ride motorcycles to protect ourselves financially in case we are in an accident.

So you may ask how we protect ourselves financially in case we are in a motorcycle accident.

It is simple; we buy enough insurance to cover the risk of catastrophic injury in case we are in a motorcycle accident.

How do we buy the right insurance? It is simple, in California, most uninsured motorist coverage policies also cover under insured motorist as well. In other states or even California, you want to make sure you have uninsured motorist and under insured motorist coverage in an amount of no less than 0,000 dollars. I suggest that you have at least one million dollar uninsured motorist and under insured motorist coverage for motorcycle accidents.

Uninsured motorist coverage will cover you in case a person who is at fault in an accident has no insurance.

Under insured coverage, covers the difference between what the at fault driver insurance policy limits are and your coverage. It gives you the option of deciding how much coverage you will need.

I also suggest that you maintain high liability coverage limits as well (In case you are at fault) for your passenger in case you are in an accident where you are at fault.

Finally how do you cover yourself for an accident that you are at fault in? You can get comprehensive and collision coverage to cover your motorcycle, rental car coverage to cover your loss of use of your motorcycle, and medical payment coverage to cover your medical bills.

Most policies that I have seen only cover medical payments up to $10,000; however I am sure you can get more coverage depending upon how much you are willing to pay.

So there it is there are no more excuses for not enough insurance coverage to cover you in case you are in a motorcycle accident. Call your insurance agent and get yourself covered.

I do not want to find myself one day trying to explain to you why after you have suffered a million dollar injury, you will only get ,000 in your motorcycle accident, because the person who is at fault only has minimal coverage, and no assets to pay you a million dollar judgment.

Besides, if you do get a million dollar judgment against an at fault driver, all they have do to is go bankrupt to get rid of the debt to you. The right insurance is almost always the only way to protect yourself financially in a motorcycle accident case.

If you or your family have been the victim of a motorcycle crash, truck crash, car crash, or other motor vehicle accident anywhere in California call us for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1, or go to http://www.thepersonalinjury.com.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © September 18, 2011

The post How can you protect yourself financially if you have a Motorcycle Accident? first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Scene of Glendale CHP Motorcycle Accident

A California Highway Patrol officer was hospitalized with major injuries Tuesday afternoon after he was knocked off his motorcycle by another driver during an attempted traffic stop on the 134 Freeway, according to a CHP traffic report.

Officer J.D Fields, 59, an Altadena resident, suffered a broken femur and wrist after the accident, which occurred around 1:40 p.m. near the intersection of the 134 and 2 freeways in Glendale.

Fields had seen a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road and moved into the right lane, put on his lights, and slowed down to approach the car.

A woman driving a 2010 Nissan vehicle was behind him and failed to see him slow down, according to the report. She veered quickly out of the lane and then “for unknown reasons,” moved back into the right lane and hit Fields’ motorcycle, the report states.

Fields was thrown from the motorcycle and onto the road. He was transported to the Huntington Hospital shortly after the accident.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation, according to the report.

This crash brings to mind a safety feature for motorcycles that I think should be implemented; a brake light that triggers with sudden deceleration of a motorcycle.

Let me explain. We, who ride motorcycles, tend to downshift to decrease our speed on most if not all occasions, before we hit the brakes.

If a car traveling fast behind us, does not see brake lights when we downshift to slow down, they do not know we are slowing down, and they rear end us.

I think that is exactly what happened in this rear ender of Officer Fields.

I have been on rides and seen motorcycle on motorcycle rear end collisions due to the same reason.

If there was a sudden decoration device on our motorcycles that triggered the brake light, I think we could save many a biker and motorcyclist lives.

For you inventers out there, maybe you can come up with something. Maybe a device like this should be mandatory for motorcycles.

It would appear that Officer Fields in the accident mentioned above, not only has a Workers Compensation case against the California Highway Patrol, and a separate Personal Injury case against the woman who hit him from behind.

The law in California is that a person driving behind another person, has a duty to maintain a safe distance from the car or motorcycle in front of them, so they can stop in case the vehicle in front of them stops. It appears that the woman is at fault in this case.

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.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer

The post California Highway Patrol Officer Injured in Motorcycle Collision at the 134 and 2 Freeway Junction in Glendale; Maybe the Accident could have been avoided with a Safety Device. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

It seems like every good Rock & Roll song I hear these days brings back certain memories. This song reminds me of one hell of a time I had with a biker gal named Brandy on a couple of thousand motorcycle trip to Colorado some years ago.

Where has all of the good rock & roll gone? The new so called music that is out really sucks!

California Biker Lawyer and Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The post Because I can! first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

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

The post California Highway Patrol to crack down on bikers and motorcyclist along Ortega Highway in Riverside County first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez at Yosemite National Park in California (picture edited to cover back-patch)

I was recently thinking about all of the motorcycle rides I have done on my motorcycle over the years, and what rides I would like to do in the future.

Sure it is fun riding to events like the Laughlin River Run each year, but in the end, it is always the same each year.

I was thinking, what would be the ultimate motorcycle run.

 I have read a couple of books by guys that have ridden around the world, however, why ride around the world just for the sake of riding around the world. Besides with the current political climate, and the fact that we are now in 3 wars, (Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya) it would probably not be possible to do a round the world motorcycle run, especially with the whack jobs around the world not liking American’s right now.

So what would be a great motorcycle run? Then a thought came to my mind; one of the best rides I have ever done in my life was through Yosemite, then down the Tioga Pass south to north, then up to Carson City, NV, and up to Lake Tahoe in one marathon 19 hour day.

I have also ridden through some other National Parks as well, not really as a goal, but to get to another destination. Every one of those motorcycle runs was a great ride.

I wonder what it would be like to ride to and through if possible, each National Park in the United States? That would be some great riding right?

Why not ride to each National Park in the United States of America?

Due to my being a personal injury attorney and biker lawyer, there is no way I could do it in one run, let alone during one riding season, because I have to work.

However, if I made it a goal to ride to and through every National Park in the United States of America if possible, I could probably do it over a matter of years.

So there it is; one of the items on my bucket list of life is to ride to and through every National Park in the United States of America.

You have to understand, I came up with this idea this weekend, (March, 19-20, 2011) while looking out of my window at the rain coming down.

I have just decided that instead of always doing the same repetitive motorcycle runs every year, that riding to and through every National Park in the United States would be a great life experience; something that you could write a book about.

I have not even begun to plan or map out how to achieve my goal. I found a website that is simply called National Parks, located at http://www.us-national-parks.net/ that lists all of the national parks, and has website links to each. This is a private site, but it looks pretty good.

Here is the listing of National Parks on that site with their respective website link:

Acadia
American Samoa
Arches
Badlands
Bandelier
Black Canyon
Big Bend
Biscayne
Bryce Canyon
Cabrillo
Canyonlands
Capitol Reef
Carlsbad Caverns
Channel Islands
Crater Lake
Cuyahoga Valley
Death Valley
Denali
Dry Tortugas
Everglades
Gates of the Arctic
Gettysburg
Glacier
Glacier Bay
Grand Canyon
Grand Teton
Great Basin
Great Sand Dunes
Great Smoky Mountains
Guadalupe Mountains
Haleakala
Harpers Ferry
Hawaii Volcanoes
Hot Springs
Isle Royale
Joshua Tree
Katmai
Kenai Fjords
Kobuk Valley
Lake Clark
Lassen Volcanic
Mammoth Cave
Mesa Verde
Mount Rainier
Mount St. Helens
North Cascades
Olympic
Organ Pipe Cactus
Petrified Forest
Point Reyes
Redwood
Rocky Mountain
Saguaro
Sequoia / Kings Canyon
Shenandoah
Theodore Roosevelt
Valley Forge
Virgin Islands
Voyageurs
Wind Cave
Wrangell Saint Elias
Yellowstone
Yosemite
Zion

I figure that this summer I can knock out all of the California National Parks, and maybe even get in the Nevada and Arizona National Parks. I may even be able to do more!

I will be in Hawaii in September so I can knock out the Haleakala, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks. Obviously, I will need to rent a Harley while on the Islands.

The national parks in Alaska will probably be the biggest challenge; we will see.

So there it is; I think that I may have found a way around the dull drum of riding to the same events every year.

I will let you all know more about my plan to ride to and through each United States National Park as it comes up. I will report in detail on each ride. I will also take pictures and shoot video as much as possible.

See you on the road.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, © March, 20, 2011

The post The Ultimate Motorcycle Ride first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

San Andreas Fault California

I am sure all of you bikers and motorcycle riders know what it is like to get a bug up your ass to take a ride after work at the end of the week.

Well on Friday, June 18, 2010, 2 days before my 47th birthday, I decided to take my Harley Davidson Electra Glide out for a little ride after work, to the world famous and infamous San Andreas Fault.

If you do not know what the San Andreas Fault is, it is basically an earthquake fault that runs the length of California. They say that in a few million years, Los Angeles will pass San Francisco on this fault. The experts also predict “the big one;” a catastrophic earthquake that is overdue on this fault, that could destroy Los Angeles. Anyway…

Being a native Southern California boy, I know places to ride where I can literally be alone in or near a geographic area where millions of people live.

That is what I decided to do after work on June 18, 2010.

I am sure that many of you in all over the United States can also find great places to secret yourself for a little solo motorcycling without any other traffic interfering with your ride, however, if you are in Los Angeles County, you better know where you are going, otherwise you are not going to find solitude, that is for sure.

San Andreas Fault California

Now I do not mean to brag, but I will anyway. I literally have some of the best motorcycle riding roads in the world right in my back yard. I can go from desert, to sea, to alpine mountains with a flick of my throttle wrist.

My motorcycle ride on Friday took me from the foothills, to the desert floor, to the base of the north side of the Angeles Forest. It was one hell of a nice Friday after work little ride.

No women, no friends, just me, myself, and I, and my Harley Davidson Electra Glide.

As you can see by the videos here, I wore my Gopro helmet cam for the ride.

Since I did not even get to Pearblossum Highway until 7:30pm or so, it was already just after sunset when I started filming. However, I still got some good video.

Since Youtube.com only allows up to ten minute videos, I had to drastically edit the videos down to 3 clips, but you can still get the effect of the ride I am sure.

Video 1 and 2 are shot with my helmet camera, except for a surprise just past the middle of video 2, and video 3 was shot by me with a standard HD camcorder at the actual San Andreas Fault.

You will notice on this ride going from the Mohave desert floor to the foothills of the Angeles Forest, Joshua Trees and cactus, turning into chaparral and scrub brush.

It was dark by the time I finished the ride.

You will notice when I am leaving the San Andreas Fault in video 2 of 3, that I got on my motorcycle quite quickly. Well up in the area where I was riding there are animals such as Rattlesnakes, Brown Bears, Mountain Lions, Coyotes, etc. As it was getting dark, and I was parked next to the San Andreas Fault sign, I heard a big animal stirring up the brush behind me. Hell I have camped in these parts and had nothing with me on this ride except for a 3.5 inch folding pocket knife.

I could sense that I needed to get the hell out of there. I am not stupid enough to wait around until a mountain lion pounces on my ass. It is amazing how sometimes you can sense danger. Only a stupid man waits around to see what is going to happen when he senses danger, has no weapons so to say, and you just know a big animal is in the brush behind you as it is getting dark. Get the picture?

I got my ass out of there, and pulled over about a couple of hundred yards down the road so I could put my gloves on and zip up my hoodie.

All in all it was a great after work Friday ride. I only wish I got there earlier so the video would have had more sunlight.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer and Biker Attorney, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2010

The post A Simple Friday after work Motorcycle Ride to the San Andreas Fault, California first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.