By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., The Biker Lawyer

As bikers, we live for the open road. There’s nothing like the feeling of two wheels beneath you, the sound of your engine, and the freedom that comes with riding—no matter the season. But as winter approaches and temperatures start dropping, many riders underestimate the dangers of cold-weather riding or overestimate their ability to “tough it out.”

Let me be blunt: riding your motorcycle in cold weather is serious business. Over the years as both a rider and a biker attorney representing injured motorcyclists throughout California and beyond, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when cold-weather riding goes wrong. Hypothermia, frostbite, delayed reaction time, numb hands—these aren’t just discomforts; they are genuine dangers that can kill you on the road.

In this article, I’m going to break down the real risks of cold-weather riding, explain why your body responds differently on a bike in low temperatures, and show you the best gear options to keep you warm, alert, and alive when the mercury drops.

The Dangers of Riding in Cold Weather

1. Hypothermia Can Happen Faster Than You Think

Most riders think of hypothermia as something that happens in snowstorms or freezing rain. Wrong. Hypothermia occurs anytime your body loses heat faster than it can replace it—and at highway speeds, this can happen in temperatures as high as 50°F.

Wind chill is the big killer here.
For example:

• At 50°F, riding at 60 mph, the wind chill feels like 43°F.

• At 40°F, the wind chill at the same speed drops into the low 30s or below.

Once your core body temperature drops, your ability to think clearly and physically react deteriorates rapidly. As a personal injury lawyer, I’ve represented riders who didn’t even realize they were hypothermic until after the crash.

2. Numb Hands and Feet = Delayed Reaction Time

Your extremities—fingers, toes, ears—lose heat first. If your hands go numb, even slightly, you immediately lose:

• Dexterity

• Grip strength

• Precision control

• Ability to brake quickly

• Ability to clutch or throttle smoothly

This is a recipe for disaster. A fraction of a second delay can be the difference between avoiding a collision and becoming another statistic.

3. Cold Tires Mean Less Traction

Rubber gets harder in cold temperatures, which means:

• Longer warm-up time

• Less stickiness

• Reduced cornering grip

• Increased risk of slips and skids

Cold pavement + cold tires = bad combination.

4. Fogging Visors = Reduced Visibility

Your warm breath inside your helmet hits the cold visor and fogs instantly.
Low visibility is one of the top winter riding hazards I see cited in motorcycle crash reports.

5. Black Ice – The Silent Killer

If you ride in areas where temperatures drop near or below freezing, black ice becomes a very real threat. You often won’t see it until it’s too late.

What You Should Wear: Essential Cold-Weather Riding Gear

The good news is that with the right gear, you can significantly reduce the risks and stay warm enough to ride safely and comfortably.

Below are your best options.

1. Base Layers – The Foundation of Warmth

Never underestimate the power of a good base layer. Your base layers should be:

• Moisture-wicking

• Tight-fitting

• Made of Merino wool or synthetic thermal fabric

Cotton is your enemy in the cold—it traps moisture and accelerates cooling.

Recommended pieces:

• Thermal long-sleeve top

• Thermal leggings

• Moisture-wicking socks

2. Mid-Layers – Insulation Against the Cold

Mid-layers keep heat close to your core.
Great choices include:

• Fleece jackets

• Puffer vests

• Heated vests (battery-powered or wired into your bike)

A good heated vest is one of the smartest investments you can make. It warms your core, which keeps blood flowing to your hands and feet.

3. Outer Shell – Windproof and Waterproof

Your outer layer is your armor against wind chill.

Must-have features:

• Windproof

• Waterproof

• Abrasion-resistant

• Breathable

Motorcycle-specific jackets and pants designed for winter riding are always best. Gore-Tex, Cordura, and other weatherproof materials are ideal.

4. Heated Gloves or Glove Liners

Frozen hands are dangerous. Heated gloves or electric glove liners keep your fingers warm and functional. Many plug directly into your bike’s electrical system (just make sure your stator can handle the load).

If you’re not using heated gloves, at least use:

• Thick insulated gloves

• Windproof covers

• Handguards (if your bike allows them)

5. Neck Gaiters, Balaclavas, and Wind Stoppers

Your neck and chin are exposed areas where heat can escape fast.
Use:

• A thermal balaclava

• A windproof gaiter

• Helmet skirts to keep cold air from blowing up into your helmet

6. Cold-Weather Helmets

Some helmets come with features specifically for winter, such as:

• Pinlock anti-fog inserts

• Breath guards

• Better ventilation control

• Double-pane visors (like heated snowmobile visors)

Fog-free visibility is essential in cold-weather riding.

7. Insulated or Heated Riding Boots

Feet get cold faster than almost any part of your body.
Consider:

• Waterproof insulated riding boots

• Heated insoles

• Wool riding socks

8. Motorcycle Add-Ons That Help Immensely

You can upgrade your bike to make it more winter-friendly:

• Heated grips

• Heated seats

• Windscreens

• Handguards

• Lower fairings

These upgrades can dramatically extend your cold-weather riding comfort.

Final Thoughts: Ride Smart or Don’t Ride

Cold-weather riding requires preparation, awareness, and respect for the elements. Riding without proper gear isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Your reaction time decreases, your body stiffens, and hypothermia can hit before you realize anything is wrong.

As “The Biker Lawyer,” I’ve represented countless injured riders. Many of those collisions could have been avoided with the right cold-weather attire and awareness of winter hazards. Riding is a passion—but staying alive and uninjured must always come first.

Gear up properly. Know your limits. Know your environment. And above all—ride safe.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, especially during cold-weather conditions, feel free to contact me. I am always here to help fellow riders.

— Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
The Biker Lawyer
https://bikerlawblog.com

The post Riding Your Motorcycle in Cold Weather: Hidden Dangers and Smart Gear Choices for Staying Warm and Alive first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

The Major Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the USA and How to Prevent Them

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
The Biker Law Blog | www.bikerlawblog.com

As a lifelong biker and an attorney who has represented motorcycle accident victims for nearly three decades, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating these crashes can be. One moment you’re cruising down the highway with the wind at your back, and the next, your life can be forever changed.

Motorcycle accidents are tragically common across the United States, and unlike car crashes, the consequences are often far more severe. Riders don’t have the luxury of steel cages, airbags, or crumple zones. What we do have is skill, awareness, and the ability to control the decisions we make on the road.

In this article, I’ll break down the major causes of motorcycle accidents and offer practical tips to help prevent them—because knowing the risks is the first step toward avoiding them.

Motorcycle_Accident_Causes_Featured_Image

1. Left-Turning Cars at Intersections

One of the most common and deadliest scenarios involves a car turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. This typically happens at intersections when a car driver misjudges the biker’s speed or fails to see them entirely.

Why It Happens:

• Drivers are looking for other cars—not motorcycles.

• Misjudgment of a motorcycle’s speed and distance.

• Distracted or impatient drivers trying to “beat” traffic.

How to Prevent It:

• Ride defensively: Assume the driver doesn’t see you.

• Cover your brakes: Be ready to stop or swerve.

• Use your high beam during the day: It improves visibility.

• Slow down at intersections: Even if you have the right of way.

2. Cars Changing Lanes Into Motorcyclists

You’re riding along in a lane when suddenly, a car veers into your path—without a signal or warning. This is another leading cause of accidents and often results in serious injuries.

Why It Happens:

• Motorcycles are small and easily disappear in blind spots.

• Drivers fail to check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes.

• Motorcyclists linger in blind zones for too long.

How to Prevent It:

• Stay out of blind spots: If you can’t see the driver’s eyes in their mirror, they can’t see you.

• Position yourself visibly: Ride in the lane portion where you are most visible.

• Flash your lights or honk if needed: It’s better to be safe than polite.

3. Speeding—By Riders or Other Drivers

Speed kills. While many riders enjoy the thrill of acceleration, excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance.

Why It Happens:

• Riders seeking adrenaline rushes.

• Drivers and riders failing to adjust speed for conditions.

• Misjudging corners or road conditions at high speeds.

How to Prevent It:

• Ride within your limits—not the machine’s.

• Use track days to enjoy high-speed riding in a safe, controlled environment.

• Adjust speed for weather, road surfaces, and traffic.

4. Alcohol and Drug Impairment

Riding under the influence is a recipe for disaster. Reaction times slow, coordination suffers, and judgment becomes impaired.

Why It Happens:

• Riders or drivers overestimate their abilities while intoxicated.

• Impaired driving by others leading to collisions with riders.

How to Prevent It:

• Never ride impaired. Ever.

• Encourage others to ride sober.

• Avoid riding near bars at closing time, when impaired drivers may be on the road.

5. Road Hazards

Potholes, gravel, slick surfaces, and uneven lanes can all spell disaster for a motorcycle. Unlike cars, we don’t have four points of traction—we have two.

Why It Happens:

• Poor road maintenance.

• Weather-related issues like wet leaves or ice.

• Debris or animals suddenly appearing on the road.

How to Prevent It:

• Scan the road well ahead and adjust your path or speed.

• Don’t overreact—abrupt braking on gravel or slick roads can cause a slide.

• Practice low-speed handling and emergency maneuvers.

6. Inexperience and Lack of Training

Too many riders hit the streets without proper training or experience, especially when moving up to bigger bikes.

Why It Happens:

• Overconfidence.

• Failure to take a safety course.

• Lack of regular riding practice.

How to Prevent It:

• Take a certified motorcycle safety course (such as the MSF Basic Rider Course).

• Ride regularly to build skill—riding is perishable if you don’t practice.

• Know your bike’s handling characteristics inside and out.

7. Group Riding Accidents

Group rides can be a blast—but they also bring unique dangers when riders follow too closely or ride beyond their skill level.

Why It Happens:

• Peer pressure to keep up.

• Tight formations or sudden braking.

• Inadequate planning or communication.

How to Prevent It:

• Ride your own ride. Never exceed your comfort level.

• Use staggered formations to maintain space and visibility.

• Establish clear group riding rules before hitting the road.

The Role of Protective Gear

Even with prevention, accidents happen. That’s why proper gear is essential. Full-face helmets, armored jackets, gloves, and boots save lives and reduce injury severity.

• Always gear up, even for short rides.

• Hi-viz gear improves visibility, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Replace gear after a crash, even if it looks okay.

Legal Protection Matters Too

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident—especially due to another party’s negligence—you need an attorney who rides and understands the road.

At The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez, I’ve not only handled motorcycle cases for nearly 30 years, I ride myself. I understand the unique factors that go into proving fault and getting bikers the maximum compensation they deserve.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycle riding is one of the greatest freedoms there is—but it comes with risk. That doesn’t mean you should stop riding. It means you should ride smart, ride defensively, and be prepared.

Understand the causes of most motorcycle accidents, take control of your own safety, and always be aware of the road—and the people sharing it with you.

Ride safe, ride smart, and know that I’ve got your back.

Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Biker Law Blog – www.bikerlawblog.com
The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez – www.thepersonalinjury.com

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The post The Major Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the USA and How to Prevent Them first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Spring and summer are around the corner, and for motorcycle riders across the country, that means one thing: riding season is here. As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, the call of the open road becomes irresistible. But before you fire up your engine and twist the throttle, it’s essential to make sure you’re fully prepared for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable season of riding. This guide will walk you through the steps every motorcyclist should take to get ready for riding season and discuss the essential gear and attire you should wear every time you hit the road.

Pre-Ride Season Motorcycle Inspection and Maintenance

Before you think about heading out, your first priority should be your motorcycle. A bike that’s been sitting idle during the winter months needs a comprehensive inspection to ensure it’s road-ready.

1. • Check Your Tires

Tires are your only contact with the road. Look for signs of wear, dry rot, or cracking, especially along the sidewalls. Use a tread depth gauge to ensure you have at least 2/32” of tread, or more for better grip. Don’t forget to check tire pressure, and inflate according to your manufacturer’s specifications.

1. • Inspect Your Battery

Cold weather can drain your battery. If your motorcycle has been stored for months, make sure the battery is fully charged. Use a voltmeter to test the battery’s charge, and replace it if it’s not holding a charge.

1. • Fluids and Filters

Check and top off all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and clutch fluid. If it’s been a while, consider doing a complete oil and filter change. Dirty or old oil can wreak havoc on your engine.

1. • Brakes and Lights

Examine brake pads for wear, and check the brake lines for leaks or cracks. Ensure your brake lights, headlights, and turn signals are fully operational. Visibility and stopping power are crucial.

1. • Chain, Belt, and Suspension

Inspect your drive chain or belt for proper tension and signs of wear. Lubricate the chain if needed. Check suspension components for leaks or damage and make any necessary adjustments.

Mental and Physical Readiness

Even seasoned riders benefit from mentally and physically preparing for the riding season.

1. • Refresh Your Skills

If you haven’t ridden in a while, it’s a good idea to take a motorcycle safety refresher course or spend time practicing in a controlled environment. Parking lots are great places to rehearse slow-speed maneuvers, emergency braking, and cornering.

1. • Get Physically Fit

Riding a motorcycle is physically demanding. Core strength, balance, and flexibility play a huge role in your ability to handle a motorcycle, especially on long rides. Consider incorporating basic workouts or stretching routines into your daily routine.

• • Ride With a Clear Mind

Mental clarity is key. Don’t ride angry, stressed, or fatigued. A clear head can mean the difference between avoiding a hazard and becoming a victim of one.

Protective Motorcycle Gear: What to Wear

Proper riding attire is not only about looking cool; it’s about protecting your body from the road, weather, and other vehicles.

1. 1. • DOT-Approved Helmet

The most important piece of riding gear is your helmet. California law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a DOT-approved helmet. A full-face helmet offers the best protection against head injury, flying debris, and harsh weather.

• Replace your helmet every 5 years or after any significant impact.
• Make sure it fits snugly but comfortably.
• Look for helmets with proper ventilation and removable liners.

• • • Riding Jacket

A quality motorcycle jacket isn’t just a fashion statement. Choose a jacket made of abrasion-resistant materials like leather or reinforced textiles with armor at the elbows, shoulders, and back.

• Ventilated jackets work well in hot weather.
• Waterproof or insulated jackets are ideal for colder or wet rides.

•                   Gloves

Your hands are usually the first thing to hit the ground in a crash. Motorcycle-specific gloves provide crucial protection and grip. Look for gloves with:

• Full-finger coverage
• Knuckle armor
• Palm sliders or padding
• Weather-specific features (e.g., waterproofing, insulation)

Riding Pants

Regular jeans offer little to no protection. Invest in riding pants with reinforced material or Kevlar lining, and consider those with built-in knee and hip armor.

• Look for CE-rated protection
• Choose breathable fabrics for summer and insulated options for winter

1. • Boots

Your feet and ankles are extremely vulnerable in a motorcycle crash. Wear boots that:

• Cover the ankles
• Are made from sturdy leather or similar materials
• Have oil-resistant, non-slip soles
• Provide ankle and shin protection

Eye Protection

Even if your helmet has a visor, carry backup eye protection like riding glasses or goggles. Bugs, wind, and road debris can all impair your vision in seconds.

Seasonal Gear Considerations

• • Hot Weather Riding

• Mesh jackets and ventilated helmets help keep airflow steady.
• Hydration packs and lightweight gloves enhance comfort.
• Always wear gear, even in the heat—road rash doesn’t take a day off.

1. • Cold Weather Riding

• Layer up: base layers, thermal liners, and windproof outer shells.
• Heated gear or grips can make a major difference.
• Avoid cotton—it holds moisture. Use moisture-wicking and insulating materials

Rain Gear

• A waterproof over-suit can be thrown over your gear quickly.
• Anti-fog visors and pin-locks help maintain visibility.
• Waterproof gloves and boots are worth the investment.

Legal Documents and Insurance

• Before you ride, make sure you’re legally ready as well.
• Update your registration, insurance, and motorcycle license
• Carry a copy of your insurance and registration on your bike.
• Make sure your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage and med-pay options for extra protection
• Store emergency contact info on your phone and carry a medical info card.

Route Planning and Emergency Preparedness

Whether you’re commuting or taking a cross-country tour, plan your rides with safety in mind.

• Let someone know your route.
• Use motorcycle-specific GPS apps with real-time traffic and hazard alerts.
• Carry a basic tool kit, tire repair kit, and a portable air compressor.
• Pack a first aid kit and know how to use it.

Community and Ride Safety

Joining a motorcycle community can enhance your riding experience. Not only can fellow riders share valuable advice, but group rides often increase visibility to other drivers.

• Participate in local bike nights or riding groups.
• Attend charity rides or safety events.
• Always ride within your skill level—don’t try to keep up with riders more experienced than you.

Final Thoughts from The Biker Law Blog

Motorcycle riding is one of the greatest pleasures in life, but it comes with real risks. At The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez, we’ve represented countless riders injured due to the negligence of others. Too often, these cases involve preventable injuries that could have been mitigated with proper gear or better preparedness.

As a fellow rider and an attorney who fights for bikers, I urge you to respect your machine, wear your gear, and ride defensively. Your life and well-being are worth far more than the cost of a helmet or jacket. Get your bike in top shape, suit up, and make this riding season your safest and best yet.

Ride hard. Ride safe.
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
The Biker Law Blog

The post Gearing Up for the Ride: How Motorcycle Riders Should Prepare for Riding Season and What to Wear 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.

Winter brings about unique challenges for motorcycle riders, particularly when it comes to traction. Whether you ride year-round, enjoy cold-weather adventures, or find yourself in winter conditions unexpectedly, ensuring optimal traction is crucial. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of bike setup and riding techniques to preserve traction on icy surfaces. Additionally, we will discuss the impact of temperature on traction and provide tips for maximizing traction during winter rides.

Preserving Traction on Icy Surfaces:
Winter rides can quickly turn treacherous when encountering solid ice on gravel, pavement, or other surfaces. Riding on ice requires adjusting your speed to allow for better visibility, as traction is virtually non-existent. Standing up on the pegs becomes essential to navigate challenging terrains and observe potential hazards. It is important to maintain momentum rather than abruptly stopping, as this can cause the bike to slide. While losing balance and dropping your feet to the ground is acceptable, keeping momentum is key to staying safe.

Temperature and Traction:
One of the main distinctions between winter and other seasons is temperature. As the temperature drops, traction significantly decreases. Thin layers of water can quickly freeze into ice, and even dry pavement loses traction in colder climates. To optimize traction, tires need to be heated and flexed. This means that even on dry pavement during winter, traction is greatly reduced. To compensate, riders should lower their lean angles and reduce speed compared to summer riding.

Gravel Roads: A Winter Riding Advantage:
Surprisingly, riding on gravel roads in winter can offer better traction compared to other surfaces. Packed-down gravel, due to rain and other vehicles, provides a more predictable surface with less dust to worry about. Additionally, gravel roads tend to be colder, allowing riders to wear all their safety gear without overheating. However, caution should still be exercised as moisture in the gravel can freeze, creating black ice and catching riders off guard.

Maximizing Traction in Winter:
Two key factors to consider when maximizing traction in winter are tread pattern and tire pressure. The tire manufacturer is the best source to determine the optimum starting pressure for motorcycle tires. The maximum air pressure listed on the sidewall is for maximum load and may not provide the best traction. It is recommended to consult the owner’s manual for stock tires and adjust the pressure by 10% without any negative effects. Experimentation and caution are essential when finding the right tire pressure for optimal traction.

Conclusion:
Winter riding presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to traction. By adjusting riding techniques, maintaining momentum, and being aware of temperature and surface conditions, riders can enhance their safety on icy surfaces. Gravel roads can offer better traction in winter, but riders should remain cautious of black ice. Lastly, optimizing tire pressure and tread pattern can significantly improve traction during winter rides. Stay safe and enjoy the thrill of winter riding with these tips in mind.

California motorcycle accident lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez
www.thepersonalinjury.com

Read More: What kind of gear should you wear when riding a motorcycle?

The post Winter Riding Tips for Adventure Motorcyclists first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

If you ride a motorcycle, you may want to make sure that you inspect it thoroughly before you take it out on the road. There are many things to look for when doing a pre-ride inspection, including a tire, hose, and brake inspection.

Do you need a Motorcycle inspection?

Having your motorcycle inspected can save you from costly fines and penalties, and is a great way to keep your investment in good working order. It can also help ensure your safety on the road, which is always a good thing.

Depending on where you live, there are a few different options for getting a motorcycle inspection. The most popular choice is to visit your motorcycle dealer’s service department. If you prefer more personal service, you may consider taking your bike to an independent garage.

One of the most important aspects of having your motorcycle inspected is knowing exactly what the requirements are for the various components. Some states have very specific rules and regulations when it comes to equipment. For instance, the muffler must be in good shape and able to mute any excessive noise.

Pre-ride inspection

Motorcycle pre-ride inspection is an essential step before riding. It helps you spot any minor problems before they become major. It also ensures you’re safe and legal on the road. Whether you’re riding a vintage classic or a modern motorcycle, a proper pre-ride check is crucial.

Besides checking your tire pressure and tread, you should also make sure your battery is properly installed and charged. These two simple steps will prevent you from being caught off guard by a flat or blowout.

Also, take the time to ensure your motorcycle’s lights are working correctly. Headlights, taillights, and brake lights are all important components that should be checked before riding.

Pre-ride cleaning

Pre-ride cleaning is a vital step in maintaining your motorcycle. Taking the time to check and clean it before your ride will help prevent problems from arising. Besides protecting you, a thorough cleaning will also save you money in the long run.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has developed a simple pre-ride safety checklist to help protect you. It’s a checklist that aims to point out minor problems before they become major issues.

In order to perform a pre-ride inspection, you’ll need to take a few minutes to do a quick walk-around. During this walk-around, you’ll need to look at the tires, brakes, lights, and steering mechanism.

Pre-ride brake inspection

Performing a pre-ride brake inspection is a basic motorcycle safety practice. Having your motorcycle inspected before every ride can save your life and make for safe travel.

The brakes on a motorbike can be easily inspected by simply rolling your bike. If your brakes aren’t locking up properly, you will need to check and adjust them. It is also important to inspect them regularly.

Your brakes should not rub when you roll your bike. If they do, you may have to replace the pads. In addition, it is a good idea to check the caliper and disc for fluid leaks. You should also look at the cable and hoses for fraying, cracks, or bulges.

Pre-ride tire inspection

A Pre-ride tire inspection is one of the most important steps you can take in order to protect yourself from dangerous accidents. Before you ride your motorcycle, it is important to make sure it is in proper condition. By conducting a regular pre-ride tire inspection, you will be able to identify small problems before they turn into major ones.

The best way to check your tires is to use a tire pressure gauge. You should inflate your tires to the manufacturer recommended PSI. Your owner’s manual will tell you how to do this.

Pre-ride battery inspection

The importance of performing a pre-ride battery inspection on your motorcycle cannot be overstated. These are simple tests that can save you from a nasty surprise.

A pre-ride inspection includes checking all the essential parts of your bike. Checking these points will ensure your safety and the safety of other road users.

First and foremost, the motorcycle battery should be charged. This can be done by using a trickle charger during the winter months. If the battery is not in good working condition, you may have to replace it before you can ride.

Pre-ride hose inspection

When you have a motorcycle, you want to ensure that you’re getting the most out of it. Performing a pre-ride inspection is a simple way to do this. It doesn’t take long and can save you from potential disasters on the road.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has developed a simple checklist you can follow to make sure that your bike is in good condition. This guide also includes a “T-CLOCS” acronym that will remind you to check all of the vital components of your vehicle.

If you haven’t done this already, you should start checking the tire tread. This is important because it affects handling and traction. Check the tire for cracks and wear spots.

Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
California Motorcycle Accident Attorney
www.thepersonalinjury.com

The post How to Inspect Your Motorcycle For Safety first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

If you’ve ever been involved in a motorcycle accident, you’ve probably been left wondering what caused the wreck. Although the details are still unknown, one thing is for sure: these accidents can have a devastating impact on your life. If you’re injured in a crash, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention immediately and get your injuries evaluated by a doctor.

Aside from the usual suspects such as speed, impaired driving, and distracted driving, there are a few less common causes of motorcycle crashes. For example, you might not realize it, but you could be getting in trouble for drinking and driving. This can lead to a variety of problems, including ejection from your bike. Similarly, your brakes may be malfunctioning and you may be unable to control your vehicle.

Another factor is road defects. These include potholes, uneven pavement, and loose gravel. All of these are dangerous for motorcyclists. The worst case scenario is a smashed up bike, but you’re also at risk of getting hurt if your bike hits a pedestrian or another vehicle.

The rear-end collision can be one of the more frightening types of motorcycle crashes. The forces of the crash can cause serious injury, especially if the motorcycle was traveling at a high speed. If you are involved in a rear-end collision, it’s a good idea to stay calm and keep your eyes on the road, even if it means taking a moment to stop.

Other causes of motorcycle crashes are driver negligence, road hazards, and inattentive drivers. If you’re the driver in an accident, remember to keep a close eye on your surroundings and communicate with other drivers. When driving with a friend, make sure to communicate clearly and ask for his or her input. It’s also a good idea to check your mirrors before making a turn to ensure you can see the motorcycle in front of you.

The best way to protect yourself from a motorcycle crash is to never drive under the influence. Alcohol can impair your balance and coordination, and it can also inhibit your reaction time. If you’re found guilty of drunk driving, you can expect to spend some time in jail. In addition, if you are injured in an accident, you might not be able to recover much of your damages from the other party.

Other factors include blind spots, lane splitting, and speeding. The first two are legal in some areas of the country. However, lane-splitting is illegal in 10 mph traffic. Unless you’re traveling at 40 mph or less, you shouldn’t be making any sudden stops or lane changes.

The motorcycle’s low profile means that you have less protection than a car. The other vehicles on the road can be more powerful and may hit you in the event

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in California call us now for a free consultation. Norman Gregory Fernandez is the original Biker Lawyer that Rides. We are expert motorcycle accident attorneys, 800-816-1529.

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The post What Causes Motorcycle Accidents first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Whether you’re interested in a cruiser or a sport touring motorcycle, you will find modern motorcycle features that can make your ride more comfortable and safer. But don’t be fooled into thinking that these upgrades are just for show.

There are some safety features that can help you avoid collisions, but most motorcycles are still less safe than a car. Luckily, manufacturers are working to improve this situation by adding features like air bags.

Anti-lock braking systems are another major improvement that motorcycle manufacturers have made. These devices use wheel-speed sensors to prevent wheel lockup and reduce braking force multiple times per second. They can also be activated using a throttle control.

Another feature that’s becoming increasingly common on modern bikes is keyless ignition. This makes it easier for thieves to steal your motorcycle. Many manufacturers have rolled out automated shift operation, too.

New bikes are also coming with premium tires that provide better grip and lower wear and tear. They’re also more aerodynamic. They have special channels to direct wind around the bike to help cool the components.

In addition to these features, modern motorcycles come with traction control. This allows the engine to control how hard the bike is driven and helps increase fuel efficiency.

Some of these features have been around for decades, but others are brand new technology. Some are even legal requirements on today’s motorcycles.

Aside from the more standard safety features, bike manufacturers are creating more innovative designs to attract younger generations. The latest bikes often offer more power and torque than popular four-wheelers.

If you have been injured as a rider or passenger in a motorcycle accident anywhere in California, give us a call now at 800-816-1529 or click here.

The post Modern Motorcycle Features That Make Riding More Comfortable and Safer first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez in Yellowstone National Forest

As a personal injury attorney who is an expert in motorcycle accident cases, I get reports of motorcycle accident cases from all over the country on a daily basis.

This particular summer, seems like the worst summer for fatal motorcycle accidents that I’ve ever seen. Many of the motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent cars and cagers, but many are caused by drugs and alcohol, or excessive speed, on the part of the motorcycle rider.

Here are examples of some of the reports I received within the last 21 hours:

Uncasville man dies following Friday motorcycle crash

An Uncasville motorcyclist died at the hospital following a Friday afternoon crash in North Stonington, according to state police. Alexander Morales, 61 …

Police ID man killed in Fair Lawn motorcycle crash

Elgendy’s Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling northbound on River Road, he said, with the Ford F-150 pickup truck, traveling southbound, …

Man injured in South Berwick motorcycle collision

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — A collision between a motorcycle and car sent one man to the hospital Sunday morning, according to a dispatcher with …

Ramp Was Closed After Deadly Motorcycle Crash

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The ramp from State Route 104 to U.S. 33 southbound was closed after a deadly motorcycle crash late Saturday afternoon.

Two seriously injured in motorcycle crash

County police summoned to the scene at Ritchie and Cedar Hill Lane at about 9:37 p.m. found that a southbound Honda motorcycle had struck the …

Lenexa man dead in motorcycle accident, Shawnee woman hospitalized

Police on Saturday released the name of the driver of a motorcycle who died Friday evening in a crash in the 19100 block of Prairie Star Parkway in …

Police say Bigelow man killed in motorcycle crash

Associated Press, news source 8:17 p.m. CDT August 15, 2015 … Arkansas State Police say a Bigelow man has been killed in a motorcycle crash.

Sheriff: Speed, alcohol factors in fatal motorcycle crash

Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Green County Saturday night, according to a release.

2 Charleston County motorcycle deputies involved in accident

Shortly before 12:30 p.m., two of the motorcycle deputies from the Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit collided with each other while on a special event escort …

Above is just a small example of the motorcycle accidents that have taken place over the past 21 hours. It is hard to fathom how many motorcycle accidents occur on a daily basis.

California Biker Attorney and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

I have been riding motor driven two wheeled vehicles since I was a kid. I have been riding street motorcycles since I was 16. I have been in motorcycle clubs, I have been riding clubs, and ridden with thousands of people over the years. I ride on my motorcycle thousands of miles per year. I can tell you from personal experience the things that will make you most safe riding.

1. Wear proper motorcycle riding gear. This means good helmet, good jacket (armor plated jackets are readily available), denim pants, good riding boots, and gloves. I see too many idiots on the road riding in shorts, tennis shoes or flip-flops, and even with no shirts on. When you go down the only protection you have is what you are wearing.
2. Always anticipate that the cars on the road do not see you. If you ride as though the people you are on the road with do not see you, you will be much safer. It is a documented fact that most people riding in cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles, do not see motorcyclists. For some reason the way human beings are wired, they are not looking for motorcyclists. We can literally be right in front of them, and they do not see us. Another issue is the ubiquitous use of cell phones and texting drivers now, which is an epidemic. If you act as though you are invisible, you will ride safer.
3. Do not ride fast. Speed is the number 1 enemy for motorcyclists. It will kill you in an accident that is not your fault, and it will cause accidents that are your fault. If the speed limit is 80 miles an hour that does not mean you should be riding 80 miles an hour on the freeway. Unlike people in cars or trucks who have 4 more wheels to stop with, to balance with, and to turn with, motorcyclists have two wheels only. We have a lot less tire area, and friction between the pavement to work with. Riding slower will give you more time to stop, to take turns more safely, and allow you to identify potential hazards. To be frank it also makes riding more enjoyable.
4. Do not tailgate. I not only ride with people who tailgate, but I see many motorcyclists tailgating behind cars. These people are idiots. I never tailgate on a motorcycle. What do you think is going to happen if you tailgate a car and the car suddenly stops? A few years back an entire motorcycle club in Oregon was taken out by an SUV that stopped suddenly in traffic. The same thing happened in Arizona when multiple members of motorcycle club were killed when they hit a truck. I know of many instances where entire packs of bikes have gone down because one or two riders in the front deciding to tailgate behind vehicles. California law requires that vehicles keep a safe distance between them and the car in front of them. It is just common sense only for motorcyclists but for cars and trucks as well; do not tailgate.
5. Do not use drugs or alcohol when riding your motorcycle. This is not just a cliché or saying. When you are on a motorcycle you need 100% mental function, and even then sometimes you get yourself in dangerous situations. If you use drugs or alcohol you exponentially increase your chances of wrecking your bike. Do not do it.
6. Keep your motorcycle in proper working order. There was recently a Harley-Davidson recall on 2014 touring models for an improperly placed brake line, that in time could cause too much pressure to be put into the brake line and that could cause the front wheel to lock up. If the front wheel locks up on you on a motorcycle 99.9% of the time you are going to go down. One idiot from a major motorcycle magazine was making fun of the recall saying that in the old days a real biker would not have to take their motorcycle back to the dealer simply to get a tie wrap placed around the improperly placed brake line. He went on to say there was an unwritten contract between the biker and the motorcycle manufacturer, that the motorcycle manufactured can put out crap, and it was the biker’s responsibility to fix it. This guy is a moron. He is one of those types of guys who does not think that an injured person should go to court to get compensated for their injuries. This guy is so out of touch, he should not be writing for a major motorcycle magazine. The bottom line is you as a rider, have a duty to inspect your motorcycle to make sure the tires are properly inflated, have proper tread, and that basic maintenance is done on the bike, so that when you are riding at 40 mph plus, your engine, transmission, or wheels don’t suddenly lock up, or blowout. Unlike in a car, the situation what a mechanical malfunction occurs is much more dangerous. It is up to you to make the probability of this happening less likely by proper preventive maintenance. However, it is also the responsibility to take your motorcycle in what any recalls occur.
7. Do not ride your motorcycle when you’re in a bad mood. You definitely do not want to be a road rager on a motorcycle. If you’re in a bad mood or pissed off, it’s better to calm down before you get on your motorcycle.
8. Do not ride in bad weather unless you have to. Yes I know there are a lot of Midwesterners and East coasters who have very bad weather to contend with compared to me here in Southern California. These people always badmouth us Californians for being sissies when it comes to riding in bad weather. I don’t care how much of a badass you are, when the pavement’s wet, your tires have less traction. Hydroplaning on 2 wheels is much worse than hydroplaning in a car or truck that has 4 or more wheels. Taking a turn on wet pavement on a motorcycle is much more perilous than on dry pavement, especially at high speed. Unlike in a car, truck, or other motor vehicle, we and motorcycles do not have windshield wipers. If you have a car, you should ride your car on rainy and wet days. If you absolutely have to ride in bad weather, make sure you have a good motorcycle rain suit, a full-face helmet, keep your speed down, and anticipate that you will lose traction.

There are many more safety tips I could give you about riding motorcycles. I’ve learned many of these from personal experience, and from observing. I welcome you to make comments with your own safety suggestions.

I am a real deal expert in motorcycle accident cases. If God forbid you a bit of an accident anywhere in the state of California give me a call at 800-816-1529 extension 1. I will personally talk to you about your situation and we can discuss together what to do.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2015

The post This summer is turning out to be a real meat grinder first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Biker Attorney and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez at the Beach Ride

As a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer, I regularly deal with all sorts of different motorcycle accident cases that are caused by all sorts of different scenarios. As an actual rider of motorcycles, something that sets me apart from other lawyers who handle motorcycle accident cases, I know firsthand the risks and dangers of riding motorcycles.

I am always asked what do you have to watch out for the most while riding your motorcycle. I could write an entire book on this subject, however, I will do my best to answer the question in this short essay.

There really is no simple answer to this question. Motorcycle accidents are caused by other negligent motorists, lack of riding experience or knowledge, road conditions, loose debris, mechanical failure, excessive speed, tire failure, weather, animals, drugs and alcohol, even medical conditions of a rider.

All of these topics warrant a lengthy discussion.

However, in my practice and in my opinion, the single largest cause of motorcycle accidents is other motorists in 4 wheel or greater vehicles, we bikers and motorcyclist call these persons “cagers.”

The largest threats to a biker and motorcyclist from a 4 wheel motorist on his or her motorcycle are; (1) A motorist turning left in front of you, (2) A motorist cutting you off or hitting you while exiting a driveway or an ally, (3) A motorist cutting you off or hitting you while coming from a side street, (4) a motorist merging into you from the side while driving next to you or near you, (5) a motorist pulling out from the curb, and (6) getting rear ended.

Among all of the motorcycle accident cases that I handle, the threats articulated above are the main causes of motorcycle accident and motorcycle accident death cases that I handle.

There are some basic preventative measures you can take to minimize the chances of you becoming the next victim of a negligent motorist while out on your motorcycle.

Beyond taking a certified motorcycle safety course, and advanced course on your own motorcycle, not driving while intoxicated, wearing proper riding attire including a DOT certified full face or modular helmet, and making sure you have a proper motorcycle endorsement, there are a few tricks I have learned throughout the years that I will share with you.

(1) Don’t ride too fast for the conditions you are in.

Most motorcycle accident happen on city streets, and within a 5 mile radius from your home. If you are on let’s say a 4 lane street (2 in each direction), there are risks everywhere. Make sure you keep your speed down so that if you have to stop or slow down quickly, you can. Remember, the faster you ride, the longer distance it takes for you to slow down or stop.

(2) Cover your brakes at intersections or when you see a risk.

Covering your brake means to put your hand over the front brake lever to prepare to use your brake. You should cover your brake anytime you enter an intersection where you see a car stopped on either side of you, or a car waiting to make a left turn in the opposite direction. Why, because already having your hand on the brake lever will give you an extra second or two to hit the brakes and to potentially avoid and accident if one of the cars drives or turns in front of you.

I know it sounds like a hassle, but if you do it everytime, it will become engrained into your muscle memory and you won’t even have to think about it in time.

Under certain circumstances, you may even want to hit your brakes while covering, to heat the them up so that you can stop faster, and to signal the car behind you that you are slowing down. The car behind you cannot see you if you let off of the throttle and use your engine to slow you down.

(3) Look at the tops of the wheels of a threatening car.

When you see a car stopped as you approach a driveway, a side street, or in the oncoming left turn lane, look at its wheels, especially the tops of its wheels if you can see them. If you cannot see the tops, look at the tire rims or hubcaps. The tops of the wheels actually move much faster than the actual car does, and it will give you an indication of whether the car is moving towards you or not. Your eyes will be able to perceive the wheels moving way before your eyes will be able to perceive the entire car moving forward. Don’t ask me why, it is just the way we perceive things.

Obviously if you are riding along and you see a car stopped at a driveway or a side street, and you see its tires moving, you better assume that they do not see you, and take evasive action. The best evasive action is to brake or stop and to not swerve because when you swerve you have less motorcycle tire contact than if your tires are straight up and down. The less tire contact you have, the more likely that you will not be able to stop in time, and/or lose control of your motorcycle and lay it down.

If you see an oncoming car in the left hand turn lane, and its tires start to turn in your direction, assume that they are going to turn in front of you, and take evasive action.

(4) Assume that other motorist cannot see you when you ride.

No matter how bright your clothing, how many lights you have on your motorcycle, how visible you think you are, no matter what you do, for some inexplicable reason, we motorcycle riders seem to be invisible to motorist in cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles. I am not telling you to try do anything you can to be more visible to other motorist, on the contrary, you should do everything you can to try to be more conspicuous to other motorist.

There have actually been studies done to understand how we human beings perceive things, and it has been found that we humans actually and not consciously selectively filter out certain things that we see for various reasons.

It seems that many people riding in cars, trucks, and other vehicles for some reason, filter us motorcycle riders out. After an accident these people swear that they did not see us, when they should have. Whether it is unintentional or not, some motorist flat out do not see us.

When you ride you have to assume that other motorist do not see you and you need to ride accordingly. If you ride as though you are invisible to other motorist, you will actually be a much more cautious and better rider.

Assume that the car in the oncoming left hand turn lane is going to turn left in front of you Assume that if you are on a two lane road with cars parked on the side that a car will pop out from the parked position. Assume that the car you see waiting to turn out of a gas station or waiting to make a right turn at the intersection will turn in front of you.

I know it’s not fair, but as a motorcycle rider, we have to be much more diligent about our own safety when we ride our motorcycles. Yes you may have the right of way, but that is not going to stop the negligent cager from hitting you and doing some major damage to you.

Exercising caution and some restraint, will make your motorcycle riding experience much more pleasurable, and above all, will allow you to make it home after your ride instead of in the hospital.

Keep both wheels on the road!

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © August 28, 2011

The post What do you have to watch out for the Most when Riding a Motorcycle? first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

SEAL BEACH – California

A man and woman died Sunday when they lost control of their Harley-Davidson motorcycle, cut across the 405 freeway, hit a car and were launched head first into a cement wall, California Highway Patrol officials said.

The man, 60, and woman, 57, were wearing full helmets, but the blunt-force trauma was too strong, said Officer Stacey Willits, who was at the scene.

The accident occurred at 11:18 a.m. on the northbound 405 near the Seal Beach Blvd. exit. The two were taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital with massive head wounds. They were pronounced dead at 12:07 p.m. and 12:25 p.m. Their identities have not been released.

The man was driving, and the woman was his passenger, Willits said.

Witnesses said the pair was driving in the first or second lane of the northbound 405 freeway at about 65 mph when the motorcycle started fish-tailing, Willits said. The bike then made an almost 90-degree turn and cut across the freeway to the sixth (slow) lane. It hit the left-rear corner of a Honda Accord and ejected the riders into a concrete road-construction divider.

The investigation is still open and officers do not yet know what caused the couple to lose control of the motorcycle. Willits asked that anyone who saw the bike lose control call the California Highway Patrol office in Westminster at 714-892-4262.

Law enforcement officers shut down the third through sixth lanes of the freeway for about an hour while CHP investigated the accident.

This accident is a horrible tragedy. I send my prayers and condolences out to the friends and family of the victims of this accident.

Based on the witness reports from this accident regarding the motorcycle’s rear end beginning to fishtail, it is possible that the victims suffered from a rear tire blow out, or a loose and unstable swing arm, or something to that effect. They could have even locked up the rear end braking too heavy. However there is no evidence based on the witness reports that the motorcycle was braking at the time of the accident.

Both victims were wearing full face helmets.

This accident should remind all bikers to check their tire tread and tire pressure before they ride their motorcycles. I am not saying that this is what caused the motorcycle accident, because I do not know, but it may have played a factor.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer

The post A Rider and Passenger Die in Motorcycle Accident on the 405 Freeway in Seal Beach, California first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez at the Laughlin River Run 2010

See Videos Below

Well the title says it all, my wife and I owe our lives to god after this years Laughlin River Run. I will explain below.

If you did not know it, it is said that the Laughlin River Run is the largest motorcycle rally in the western United States, and some people say that it is the second largest motorcycle rally in the nation next to Sturgis. It is a great time.

You can read an article I wrote about a previous Laughlin River Run that I did by clicking here.

This year’s run began when we packed up my Harley Davidson Electra Glide to go to the Laughlin River Run 2010 on Friday, April 23, 2010.

Since I had to be in Court early Friday morning in Victorville, CA, we could not leave for the Laughlin River Run until Friday afternoon. Many of my friends left on the Thursday, the day before, but I could not go with them because I had to be in Court.

Therefore my wife and I planned on riding alone to Laughlin. By the time I did my pre-ride routine, and we got the motorcycle all packed up, it was very late. We did not get out of dodge until around 7pm; it was already dusk. I had to make a couple of stops along the way before we got on the road. Read the rest of the article below the videos.

By the time we hit the Pearblossom Highway, it was almost dark. We made good time to Victorville and onto the I-15 east. We stopped at Denny’s in Barstow and had dinner because we knew we would not get into Laughlin until around 1am or so according to the GPS.

Once back on the road we made good time from the I-15 to the I-40 split. If any of you have ridden on the I-40 between Barstow and Needles, you know that this is amongst the most isolated and desolate places in the United States. This is the Mohave Desert and there is nothing there except Rattlesnakes, Scorpions, and a couple of gas stations along the way.

While on this road we hit some pretty good speeds to say the least, I love riding through the desert at night, there is something spiritual and empty about it. We eventually passed a sign that said “next services 55 miles.” My odometer was already at around 60 miles since my last gas stop. I knew my Harley would easily make the next gas stop in 55 miles so that is where I decided to make my last gas stop before Needles.

Saying that I was riding at a pretty good speed is an understatement. I will just say this, I opened her up on the open road, we were hauling ass. As usual, I rode one handed a lot to relieve stress and give each hand a break from holding on. I was riding like normal, everything seemed normal.

We then approached the last desolate gas station in a shit hole called Essex; this is the place that I planned on stopping to get fuel before we got to our motel in Needles. It was around midnight by this time.

As I got off of the I-40 into the darkness, at a very, shall we say, decent rate of speed, I was still holding on one handed and banking normally. I then downshifted and slowed her up until we got to the stop sign at the end of the ramp.

When I accelerated out of 1st gear the motorcycle started to wobble uncontrollably. You must understand, I have been riding for many years. I immediately knew that something was seriously wrong. I stopped the motorcycle, and tried again; same thing. My wife was on the back.

The gas station on the exit where we stopped was at least a mile down a curved road from where you exit. You could not see it from where I stopped. We were basically just under the bridge in the middle of the friggen desert at night, it was pitch dark, and there was nothing out there with us except snakes, scorpion, coyotes, and god knows what else.

I got my mini led flash light out of the tour pak to see if I could see anything wrong with the motorcycle, everything looked fine. I pushed down on the motorcycle to see if there was something wrong with the shocks, they seemed fine. Everything looked fine. I thought it might be the road which was very rough and irregular. I got on the bike and tried again; same thing, an uncontrollable wobble.

I knew we could not sit out in the desert. Literally at this time in the morning on the I-40 there is very little if no traffic at all. On this particular off ramp there was no one and no light. It was pitch dark. So I proceeded to 1st gear ride the wobblier all the way to the gas station which seemed like a very long distance from the ramp, with my wife on the back.

I very much wanted to accelerate faster to see if the wobble would go away, but frankly the wobble was so bad, even at a couple of miles per hour I could barely control her to get to the gas station. I did not want to take any further chances on dropping the motorcycle, or getting my wife and I injured.

I am telling you, it took all of my concentration, and nerve to get the damm thing down the road. It was wobbling violently all the way.

Upon arrival at the gas station, I recognized it from previous trips I have taken on the 40. It is a unique place in the middle of no where. They have no pay phone, no air for tires, and the guy that works there at night looks like one of the guys from the movie Deliverance. They also have a bunch of fish tanks in the place. This place is literally isolated in the middle of no where.

Once we got there, I inspected the motorcycle and could not see anything visibly wrong with the motorcycle. I have AAA roadside service with premier RV and Motorcycle coverage, so I decided that I had better call AAA and get the motorcycle towed back to my home.

To make a long story short, there was no cell phone coverage at the gas station, they had no pay phone, and they guy behind the counter said I could not use his phone. After purchasing a couple of drinks for my wife and me, I finally convinced the guy to let me call AAA which is an 800 number. While I was on the phone with them, the guy at the counter kept on telling me that I had to get off because it was a business line; you get the picture we were screwed and at the mercy of this guy at the gas station for now. AAA told me that they would have someone there in two hours. Two hours! I told them I wanted to get the motorcycle towed back to my house.

It was cold as hell outside by this time in the desert after midnight. Luckily, there were some seats inside. Unfortunately, the guy that worked in the gas station seemed to have a few nuts loose. He must have had a hearing problem, because he screamed when he talked to you, and the guy would not stop talking. My wife and I wanted to just sit there and wait for AAA; instead this guy came to where we were sitting and non stop talked the entire time. I should say he non stop yelled the entire time.

While we were waiting, a couple of motorcycles stopped in at the place. A couple of guys from a famous motorcycle club also stopped in. 4 total motorcycles. We all came to a consensus that I had a flat rear tire.

Although my rear Metzler 880 tire was basically new with all of the tread on it, and it appeared to be fine, upon a closer inspection of the tire, as the guys watched me ride it slowly in the gas station lighted area, they said it looked flat. One guy said that motorcycle tires are heavy duty, and appear to be ok even when they are flat. None of us had a tire gauge, and the gas station did not have one.

This was a new one on me. I always change out my tires when the tread appears to be worn. I have never experienced a flat motorcycle tire before.

I purchased some fix a flat from the gas station to see if I could get the tire up and working. AAA called at this time, I told the guy who was actually coming out from AAA that I wanted to be towed home. He then dropped the news that the premier towing plan that I paid for only covered 100 miles for RV and Motorcycle, it is 200 miles for a car. I told him that I was going to try fix a flat and for him to call me back. The fix a flat did not work, and luckily it did not work. I knew it would be a bad move to try to ride in the middle of the desert in the middle of the night on fix a flat, plus the bottle said it was not for motorcycle use. When the AAA guy called back, I told him that we were just going to have it towed to our motel in Needles, CA.

So there we sat in the middle of no where, in the middle of the night, with a guy from the movie deliverance that would not stop talking to us, waiting for AAA, with no cell phone service, basically stranded. It was very cold outside. This was the beginning of our Laughlin River Run 2010 experience.

At around 2am we got a break from the action when some drunks pulled in and started fighting with each other about one of them putting out some gas money. Other than that we were stuck, and there was no customers coming in.

Finally the AAA guy showed up with an SUV and a trailer two and half hours later at 2:30am. We got the bike on the trailer and as he was strapping it in he broke off one of the reflectors on my front frame. I was not going to say shit because I just wanted to get the motorcycle towed to anywhere but where we were at.

After a 40 mile trip at 55 miles per hour (speed limit of vehicles with a trailer in this part of the country) we finally got to the motel at around 3:30am. We got the motorcycle off of the trailer and I was bummed. The guy gave me the card of some bike shop in Fort Mohave across the river. I would call them in the morning after a few hours sleep.

At this point while we were in the Motel, I realized that my wife and I were lucky to be alive. I cannot stress this point enough. Over and over in my head I tried to remember a point in the trip where I felt that something was wrong with the motorcycle. Had the motorcycle gone into a wobble of the type that we had when we got off of the I-40, at lets say 90 miles per hour, we would have been history, we would most likely be dead.

Think about it; I was riding one handed at speeds of 70mph plus and my rear tire had gone flat somewhere along the line. We could have crashed and no one would have seen us until they were running over us, or we could have gone off of the side of the road, and not be seen until daylight or even days later. This is how dark and desolate this stretch of the desert is. The only explanation I have for us not crashing that night was that GOD was watching over us. We are now still alive because of the grace of god.

This experience has changed both my wife and I. I am going to write a separate article on this subject, but suffice is to say; I am now much more cognizant of each and every bump and cranny while riding the motorcycle. After years of meticulous detail in checking my tires and tread, I finally had a catastrophic failure that could have been fatal. Thank GOD we made it out of this one alive and ok.

We did not get to sleep until around 5:30am Saturday morning. I set the clock to wake up at 9am so that I could call the shop on the card that the tow truck driver gave me. The tow truck driver told me that there was no Harley Davidson dealership within a hundred miles.

When we woke up in the morning, we discovered that our cell phones did not work in Needles either. Needles, California is a small desert town on the Arizona, Nevada border. I used the motel phone to call the shop on the card that the tow truck driver gave us. A girl answered the phone; XXX (I will not write their real name) and tattoo shop. I immediately knew I was screwed. Tattoo shop? I told her that I needed a tire for my Electra Glide. When she asked me for the size of the tire, I knew I was in trouble at that point; any reputable Harley shop knows the size of a stock Harley Davidson tire. I gave her the tire size. When she told me, “oh yes, we have some good used tires in that size available,” I knew that I needed to find a better solution.

There was no way in hell that I was going to ride with my wife on a used tire in the middle of the Mohave Desert.

I found the yellow pages in the room; it was the thinnest yellow pages I have ever seen. I looked under motorcycles. There was a small square ad for Harley Davidson’s, Honda, etc. They were located in Kingman, Arizona about 70 miles from where we were at. I called them up. Turns out that they were a Harley Davidson dealership. The gal on the phone said that they had 19 tires in stock. I did not tell her I had a Metzler on the bike, I knew she was referring to the stock Dunlop that comes with the motorcycle. I did not care, I was desperate. I told her that I was towing the motorcycle in.

I then called AAA, and used up another one of my 4 tows for the year, and told them I wanted to get my motorcycle towed to the dealership in Kingman. They told me that they would be at the motel within an hour.

My wife and I at this point were hungry, in need of coffee, and not having a very good time at all to say the least. My wife contemplated staying in the room and sleeping while I got the motorcycle repaired. Lucky for her she decided to come with me as you will read below. There was no food or restaurant anywhere close or within walking distance to the motel where we were staying.

Finally the tow truck driver arrived with a big flat bed tow truck. The guy had fresh oil spilled all over the flat bed from a car he towed previously; he had not cleaned it. I just wanted to get my motorcycle to the Harley Davidson dealership in Kingman.

The guy seemed like he knew what he was doing. I expressed my concern as I rode the bike onto the flatbed that if the tires hit the oil or my foot hit the oil I could drop the bike. He said “don’t worry; I know what I am doing.”

He strapped the bike on the flatbed, and we proceeded to drive the one hour to Kingman in the tow truck.

While on the I-40, in Kingman, we could see what appeared to be a big motorcycle event to the left. There were thousands of motorcycles, tents, a band, trailers, you name it; it was the friggen Harley dealership we were going to. They were literally having a rally and poker run to go along with the Laughlin River run. No one on the phone told me that this event was going on! It would not have mattered either way, we were stuck and this was the only game in town.

As we got off of the freeway and made a turn, the tow trunk driver pulled off the road and said he “had to check my bike, it looks like the straps have come loose.” As I got out of the truck, I saw my beautiful and treasured Electra Glide sitting squarely on its side on the flat bed truck. The bike had fallen over. I could not fucking believe it. There was my motorcycle that I polish and take care of like nothing else in my life sitting on its side on the flatbed truck. I was too tired, and too desperate to get out of this BS situation to scream at or punch the guy. I told him the straps are not holding my bike, the bike had fallen all the way over. He knew it. I could see that he was embarrassed. He told me that he would take care of any damage.

We then lifted my motorcycle back up. I did not see any visible damage. He strapped the bike back up and we went the ½ mile to the Harley Dealership. Picture this, there were police, there was security, there was thousands of motorcycles and people, they had the entrances to the dealership all blocked off to traffic, it was a damm festival/rally. The guy in the tow truck asked me if I could get the motorcycle in from the street, through all of the people and motorcycles. I said hell no, I had a flat tire and could barely hold the thing up with the wobble with no people around.

I jumped out of the truck and told one of the security guys that we were going to service. Almost instantly, the guy removed the blockade from the entrance, and ran in front of the tow truck, parting the way for us, all of the way to the gated service entrance. I was amazed and so was the two truck driver.

The guys from service all jumped on the back of the flatbed. They all bitched about the fresh spilled oil on the flatbed, but we got the bike off. I told them that the bike had fallen on the flatbed, and they all gave me empathy. At this point I felt like everything was going be ok, I was home, at a real Harley Davidson dealership.

The tow truck driver gave me his card and told me not to worry, that he would take care of any damage. I did not give him a tip because he dropped my bike.

So there we were, at the Kingman, Arizona Harley Davison Dealership, during Laughlin River Run weekend, with thousands of other people. Yippee. As it turns out, there were a lot of other people that broke down, and who were in service just like us.

The service gal told me that they had the Metzler 880 in stock, which made happy that I would not have to ride with a mismatched Dunlop stocker on the back. I told her “hell since I am here, why don’t you also do an inspection of the motorcycle, check the timing, and change out the fluids.”

I run with fossil oil in all of my motorcycles. This dealership told me they only used synthetic, so I went with what they had. I was happy. Hell at this point I really did not care about cost, I just wanted to get back out on the road; well I should have been concerned; they ripped me off! I will talk about that below.

I was told it would take two hours to replace the tire, and to do what I had asked. Great!

By the way, we still had no cell phone service in Kingman, Arizona, which made it impossible for us to check messages or get a hold of our friends in Laughlin.

So there we were. We got to the dealership at around noon. We were hungry. Everything we needed was at the dealer event; we got some good food, some lemonade. They had beer and such, but neither I nor my wife drink alcohol. We checked out the vendors, we basically had a good time.

However, when 3pm rolled I became concerned. I went up to the desk. I was told that there were motorcycles still ahead of me. At 4:00pm I noticed that my motorcycle was still sitting out back and had not been touched. I was told that I was next.

The dealership was scheduled to close at 6pm, and the crowd was starting to significantly thin out. At 5pm, my bike was inside being worked on, but no word. The gal at the desk told me that she would find me when the bike was done.

At 5:45, I told my wife to go ask about the bike; I knew the gal at the counter was sick of telling me to wait. At this time I saw the mechanic test riding my motorcycle back into the service gate; thank god, my baby was ready to rock and roll. Before my wife came to tell me, I knew my motorcycle was ready; with 15 minutes to spare before they closed.

It was 9 hours since we woke up, and 6 hours since we got to the dealership.

When I got the counter I had a sinking feeling that they were going to overcharge me, boy was I right. When I asked how much do I owe, she said $500.00. Five fucken hundred dollars, to replace a rear tire, change the fluids, inspect the bike, clean the air filter, and add brake fluid. I was shocked but I did not say anything because I was grateful that my wife and I were alive, and that my bike was fixed.

It could have been much worse. Hell the tow alone from the motel to the dealership would have cost $400.00 had I not had AAA premier membership.

I bit my lip and gave her my Visa checkcard. Earlier at the dealership parts desk, I purchased a reflector to replace the one that the original tow truck guy broke off, and a paint repair kit to fix a couple of dings I have in the paint. The dealership nailed me for $500.00. Hell in the San Fernando Valley, I got both tires replaced for less money.

The gal told me that they inspected the motorcycle from the fall on the tow truck and that there was no damage. Hell I did not even see a scratch; another miracle. She told me that I would soon need to get new brake pads, but other than that, I was good to go.

I asked her what was wrong with the original rear tire. She brought it out and told me to look inside. She said you could see an imperfection inside. To me it still looked like a brand new tire. There was no holes, nothing to explain why it went flat, other than a supposid defect inside.

Another troublesome thing is that she told me that the reason my bike took so long to get done was because the mechanic could not balance the first Metzler they put on, they had to use a second tire. This concerned me, and still does. Is there a problem with the rim?

Suffice is to say I was more relieved than pissed off at this point. I cannot explain how happy I was to get my motorcycle back working. If you are going to take a long road trip, make sure you have money or a credit card just in case something goes wrong!

When we finally got into Laughlin on Saturday night, the rally nightlife was in full swing; it seemed like we missed everything. Because it was night, most of the vendors were closed, but there was still a lot happening.

We went to the Edgewater Casino, where I proceeded to loose about $200 bucks within a half hour on the slot machines. I could not win anything, not even a teaser! It became apparent to me that my luck on this trick was just not there, and we would just be lucky to make it home alive and safe.

We decided to go into the nightclub at the Edgewater and dance a bit. We had fun. We rode back to our motel in Needles and crashed out at around 4 or 5 am.

When we got back to Laughlin at around 2 on Sunday afternoon, the rally was closing down and everyone was heading out. The vendors were all closing up, but there were many still open. We missed most of the goings on because of the bike issues.

What did I do? I bought a rally shirt, and then proceeded to loose another $150 bucks and the slots and blackjack. My wife did not do any better. We waked along the river a bit, socialized with some of the people, and then decided to hit the road.

We had a good run back home, arriving at around 2am.

Will I be back at the Laughlin River Run next year? Hell Yes, I cannot wait.

Maybe next year I will tell you more about the actual rally itself.

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

The post Lucky to be alive after the Laughlin River Run 2010; however, we still had a good time! first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Gravel and Motorcycles do not mix.

If you are a biker or a motorcyclist, and you actually ride your motorcycle, you have probably had a run in with loose gravel on the road or a parking lot at some point or another. It can be a real bitch to say the least.

Talking to a new client this evening brought up some bad memories I have had riding though gravel in the past myself, not to mention the many cases I have handled of motorcycle accidents caused by loose gravel.

My new client, who we will call Lucy for this article, was a passenger on a motorcycle that was being driven by her ex-boyfriend that went down when they hit a patch of gravel.

He was pinned underneath the motorcycle, she was thrown off and suffered severe injuries.

I am representing Lucy the passenger.

As she described it, they were not riding fast, and they turned into onto a familiar street, and then the bike (a Harley Davidson) just kind of slid out from underneath them for no apparent reason. Once they were down they realized that they hit a patch of gravel. Both were injured.

As we all know or should know, a motorcycle only has 2 wheels that we balance on when riding. Unlike a car or other cage vehicle, generally a motorcycle’s 2 wheels have a very small tread area that actually contacts with the ground when we are riding. Yea I know that some of you have 200’s on the rear, or fat racing slicks on your sport motorcycle, but that is not the norm.

Most of us have a very small amount of tread that contact with the ground when we are riding. If we ride over loose gravel, sand, or rocks on the road, it can very well cause your motorcycle to slide out from under you and ruin your whole day.

My worst experience with gravel happened on a very lonely unnamed off ramp on Highway 40 in Arizona between Flagstaff and Kingman in the middle of the night. My then fiancé and I got off to get some gas. It was pitch dark. No lights at all except for my headlight. The gas station was on the other side of the interstate under a bridge. There was no light from it at all when I got off.

As I turned left my motorcycle slid out from under me. I am no expert rider, but I managed to keep the motorcycle up. I was scared shitless. Had we gone down, we could have been run over by someone speeding down the off ramp due to no light, or we could have been laying there for quite some time. We were literally in the middle of no where, in the middle of the night. (Just the way Bikers like it.)

When we got to the gas station I told my fiancé what happened. She was so tired that she had no clue that we almost ate it.

Who is at fault if an Accident is caused by loose gravel, or on the Road?

Generally the person operating the motorcycle has a duty of due care to ride the motorcycle safely on all surfaces, therefore the rider is responsible.

However, it can also be argued that it is reasonably foreseeable to private persons, private property owners, or governmental entitles, that loose gravel or sand on hard pavement can create a dangerous condition to persons riding motorcycles because these vehicles balance on two wheels only, and loose gravel or sand can cause them to go out of control.

In other words, an experienced Biker Attorney and Motorcycle Accident Attorney such as me can and will go after a person or entity that knowingly puts loose gravel or sand on a road that is used by motorcycle riders, because it creates a dangerous condition that they either know about, or should know about.

This is a very good reason why you do not want to go to a garden variety personal injury attorney who advertises that they do motorcycle accident cases, but has no clue what it is to actually ride a motorcycle. Only a real biker and rider of motorcycles understands the gravel or sand problem as it relates to motorcycle riders. I understand the problem because I have experienced it.

So there it is; if you go down due to loose gravel or sand on a public or private road, or even a parking lot anywhere in California, you should give me a call for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1. I will tell you over the phone if you have a good case.

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

The post Loose Gravel on the Road can be a Biker and Motorcyclist worst Nightmare; Beware. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

I was reading a story whereby a 14-year-old girl from Woodacre, California was airlifted to an Oakland hospital Sunday afternoon after a collision between two off-road motorcycles in Novato.

The girl suffered head and internal injuries in an undeveloped lot near the junction of highways 101 and 37 and was flown to Oakland Children’s Hospital by helicopter, said Novato police Lt. Dave Jeffries. Her name has not been released because she is a minor.

The dirt bikes collided on a relatively flat trail at about 1 p.m., and Novato fire personnel arrived a few minutes later.

A 15-year-old male was on the other motorcycle and suffered a minor hand injury, He was not transported to a hospital, Jeffries said.

Fire Capt. Jeff Whittet said the girl was wearing a helmet but suffered moderate to severe injuries. She was conscious when rescuers treated her at the site.

“I would say they didn’t hit head-on but they crossed up their handlebars,” Whittet said.

The undeveloped Hanna Ranch site, about 4 1/2 acres just south of the Vintage Oaks shopping center, is popular with off-road motorcyclists. A 62,000-square-foot office complex has been approved there but construction has not begun.

The story got me thinking about some cases I have had involving off road motorcycles and other off road sports vehicles. It also got me thinking about a story my friend Scott told me about his son having multiple bad accidents on dirt bikes.

Most people do not realize that you can purchase insurance to protect yourself and your loved ones while they are riding off road vehicles such as dirt bikes, dune buggies, golf carts, snowmobiles, and all terrain vehicles. (ATV’s) as a matter of fact it would be dumb to engage in off road motor vehicle activities without insurance because to be frank, there are many off road motor vehicle accidents, but you never hear about them because they go unreported.

Most off road motor vehicle insurance policies cover: Collision, Liability, Medical, Safety Apparel Coverage for damage to any clothing designed to minimize damage from an accident, including helmets and goggles, Optional Equipment Coverage including towable trailers or sleds made for use with an ATV or snowmobile, and more. You pay to cover yourself in your street car, truck, or motorcycle; it only makes sense to protect yourself and your loved ones with off road vehicle insurance. You can find insurance companies providing this type of insurance all over the Internet. Do a search on Google, MSN Live, or Yahoo to find them.

Here are some basic off road safety tips. When You Ride the Trail, Put Safety First!

Think ahead.
Ask your local dealer about the laws and regulations in your area. Do your best to preserve the areas where you ride, and be sure that you only ride where off-road vehicles are permitted. Read your owner’s manual. Then make sure you take your manual, a small tool kit and essential spare parts with you whenever you ride.

Gear up.
For optimum protection in case of an accident, always wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet, eye protection, a sturdy jacket, long pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.

Practice.
Find a safe place to practice braking, turning and improving your reaction time to help improve your skills and make you a better – and safer – rider.

Learn more.
Improve your riding skills by taking a training course. Make sure your vehicle is properly licensed or registered. Choose a vehicle that is appropriate for your age and ability.

Stay off paved roads.
Remember that off-road vehicles are meant for operation off pavement and public roads. These surfaces may not only be illegal, but dangerous. Your off-road vehicle may be difficult to control on pavement, which could result in an accident.

Maintain control and stay sharp.
Keep your speed right for the conditions and your experience. Be aware of current terrain, visibility and weather conditions, potential hazards or obstacles. Ride only when your senses are sharp. Never do drugs or drink and then ride.

Check it out.
Be sure to check that your off-road vehicle is running properly before hitting the trail. Always check controls, lights, fuel and oil levels, switches, chain, driveshaft, tires and chassis before you head out. Follow the recommended service schedule for your off-road vehicle and be sure an authorized service provider makes all repairs.

Go it alone.
Never carry a passenger on your off-road vehicle unless the vehicle is designed with an appropriate passenger seat. Additional weight can greatly affect the handling of your off-road vehicle and potentially cause loss of control. It’s a good idea to take a buddy along, only on their own vehicle.

Know you’re protected>
Be sure you have proper insurance coverage to protect your vehicle and provide liability coverage in case someone gets injured or property is damaged during the use of your vehicle.

Off road motor sports can be very fun and exciting for the whole family. Exercising proper safety and insuring yourself against loss will make it that much better!

By California Personal Injury Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2009
www.thepersonalinjury.com

The post Off Road Motorcycle, Dirt Bikes, Dune Buggies, Golf Cart, Snowmobiles, and ATV (standard, sport and utility) Insurance and Safety; Some Important Tips. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

It is winter time in the good old USA. In many parts of the country, many bikers and motorcyclist have their motorcycles in winter storage until the weather gets better. In other parts of the country, motorcycles have been sitting for weeks or months just waiting for the weather to get better so their owners can ride again.

When it comes time to ride again, some bikers and motorcyclist may have been off of their motorcycles for weeks or months. This is when you need to be most careful!

Riding a motorcycle is not like riding a bicycle as the old saying goes. In order to ride a motorcycle safely, you must ride consistently. Even being out of the saddle a couple of weeks can make you rusty.

How many of you have done a thousand mile plus, multi-day motorcycle run? Is it not true that after a few hundred miles you are sharp as steel on your motorcycle? The reason you are as sharp as steel is because you are on your motorcycle riding.

The more you ride, the better you get. The less you ride, the rustier you get. It is as simple as that.

The worst possible thing you can do if you have been out of the saddle for some amount of time, is to jump back on and ride like a bat out of hell. It takes a bit of time to re-acclimate yourself to your motorcycle and riding in traffic.

I know a guy who builds motorcycles for a living. Due to health issues, he did not ride his motorcycle for a few months. What did he do, as soon as he got back into the saddle on his motorcycle? He rode like he never took any time off. He promptly almost lost his ass due to his accelerating too fast through a water puddle in an intersection. Not only was he embarrassed, but he pulled his back out trying to keep the motorcycle up. This experience actually caused him to quit riding.

I have seen lots of bone head moves on motorcycles. Most if not all of them can be avoided by exercising simple safety measures and discretion.

So if you have been out of the saddle for a bit of time. Take it damm easy and get re-acquainted with your motorcycle.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, © 2009

The post When You Have Not Ridden Your Motorcycle For a Few Months; Take It Easy! first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.