Injuryboard Commentary - Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

David Mittleman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:54:31 GMT

Motorcycle accidents can be fatal. But just as likely, motorcycle accidents lead to serious, permanent, and debilitating injuries. The leading type of injury sustained in a motorcycle accident is a head injury.

Some important information that could help limit your exposure to serious injury while riding a motorcycle includes: wearing a helmet, reducing your speed around curves, avoiding alcohol consumption before riding the motorcycle, riding during the daytime, and avoiding speeding.

Statistics fluctuate with motorcycle accidents over periods of years. Ultimately, what doesn't change is the fact that an injury sustained while riding a motorcycle can be devastating. In 1998 alone, a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that 500 lives were saved by the use of a helmet, and another 307 could have been saved by riders killed in motorcylce accidents had they worn a helmet.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, feel free to contact our office, ChurchWyble, P.C. at (888) 227-4770 to discuss your situation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

TBI Can Cause Personality Changes, Criminal Behavior

Steve Lombardi — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:09:00 GMT

On September 23, 2009, Bruce Mundy, riding a motorcycle was allegedly struck by Santos Vidal Rodriguez, age 26 who is reported to have been driving an SUV, according to the Des Moines Register. Santos Rodriguez and his brother Orlando David Rodriguez, age 23 left the Casey’s on Park Ave. allegedly without paying for $27 worth of gas. Both brothers are charged with second-degree robbery as well as vehicular homicide. Their Class C felony could result in up to 10 years in prison. If drugs or alcohol are found in the drug tests, which are still being run they could have up to 25 years in prison. It is being speculated whether Santos Rodriguez will be charged with an alleged role in the 1999 shootout in Des Moines (mentioned in the previous blog). Stay tuned for updates.

If this is true how does anyone make sense out of $27 worth of gas being worth the risk and all the damage it can cause? All I can say to those stealing gas, get a job. And don't tell me you can't find one. Make one by creating a business, mowing lawns, plowing snow, cleaning houses or offices; just work. The driver of the motorcycle has a HUGE civil lawsuit against the driver and probably the passenger who is alleged to be an accomplice in a criminal act that led to an accident and death of another person. I wonder if the driver was married and had dependent children.

Now all of that said there is a component to this case that will surely be explored in the criminal case: The driver's previous traumatic brain injury and whether it's caused a change in personality involving a lack of inhibition. That lack of inhibition is what can cause seemingly law abiding people to behave in ways contrary to the criminal laws. After a brain injury a person can have two types of changes: personality changes and a lower cognitive functioning. If someone you know suffers a head injury and then exhibits irrational behavior they may need evaluation and treatment.

Did this driver suffer a brain injury and a change in behavior? That's the question the defense team will have to explore.

How many people have TBI?

TBIs contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability annually.

Of the 1.4 million who sustain a TBI each year in the United States:

50,000 die;
235,000 are hospitalized; and
1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department.¹

Among children ages 0 to 14 years, TBI results in an estimated:

2,685 deaths;
37,000 hospitalizations; and
435,000 emergency department visits annually.¹

The number of people with TBI who are not seen in an emergency department or who receive no care is unknown.

For more information about TBI in the United States, including the groups at highest risk, CDC’s surveillance activities, and the numbers of TBI cases in each state, see Overview.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Motorcycle Accidents and Helmet Laws

Beth Janicek — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:21:24 GMT

Just this morning while looking through the news, I found three articles relating to motorcycle accident deaths in central Texas. The first was a U.S. Army soldier, Luke D. Yustin, 25, from Killeen, Texas who died on Friday in a motorcycle crash in Gillespie County. In the second accident, Errin Johnson, 34, was killed, and her husband, Gerald Johnson, 36, a Bandera County deputy, was seriously injured when their motorcycle was struck from behind by a truck over the weekend. The third motorcycle accident resulting in a fatality this weekend occurred in San Antonio, when Jeffrey McCarty, 47, crashed his motorcycle into an ambulance.

These accidents were extremely unfortunate events that regrettably took the lives of three people. Reading these articles made me wonder whether or not these people were wearing helmets, and what the statistics are regarding motorcycle accidents and the use of helmets.

While researching motorcycle accidents and helmet laws I found that the federal government estimates that per mile traveled, the number of deaths on motorcycles in 2006 was about 35 times the number in cars. In fact, the number of motorcyclist deaths has been rising in recent years, and in 2007, there were more deaths in motorcycle accidents than in any year since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began collecting fatal crash data.

Helmets can decrease the severity of head injuries, the likelihood of death, and the overall cost of medical care. NHTSA has estimated that helmets can reduce the likelihood of a fatal crash by 37%. It is important to know what the helmet laws are in your state if you are considering riding a motorcycle. If your state has a universal helmet law, than a helmet is required for all riders. Partial helmet laws usually only require people under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has provided an interactive map detailing each state’s helmet laws.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Motorcycles and deer don’t mix

Steve Lombardi — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:01:00 GMT

Two people were injured when the motorcycle they were on ran into a deer west of Craig. The collision occurred on Sunday night in Plymouth County. The report describes the riders being on K-22 near the intersection of C-12 when the deer suddenly came into their path causing the crash.

Both the driver, Todd Popken, 43 and the rider, Tammy Popken, 41 were taken to the hospital. I’m not sure there is any good way to hit a deer while driving a motorcycle. But knowing when it’s more likely to happen and wearing protective gear are good ideas. First these two people were said to be wearing helmets and other protective gear, a small detail that likely saved their lives. Second, deer tend to become more active, to move, at dawn and dusk. So be on the lookout. As fall approaches and the corn is taken in during the harvest they will become more active as the corn fields where they hide are harvested. Be on the look out and drive slowly.

I wonder if those little deer whistles people place on their car and truck bumpers would work for motorcycles. If you try it and it works, let me know. Leonard Askham, former WSU Associate Professor and research scientist says these animal-deer warning devices don’t work. Roy Truelsen, The Internet BMW Riders agrees, see, Deer Whistles, They Don’t Work!

On this video, the expert has a Boston hat on, so he must know what he’s talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l4F9vrmtQQ

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

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

22 Dead Motorcyclists Since May

Bret Hanna — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:32:09 GMT

Twenty two motorcyclists have died on Utah roadways since May and statistics show that youthful indiscretion was not the primary cause. Two of the fatalities were teenagers, but the majority of the others were riders between 40 and 60 years old. It appears that most of the accidents were caused by riders taking turns too fast.

To address the problem, the Utah Highway Patrol has been stressing the need for proper training and protective clothing. At a press conference held last week at a Harley Davidson dealership in Salt Lake City, a UHP colonel, a motorcycle safety instructor and an emergency room nurse encouraged all riders to wear helmets, heavy durable clothing such as leather or reinforced nylon, and navigate turns slowly and safely. They also promoted rider safety courses for riders of all ages.

Courses such as those offered by the Utah Department of Public Safety, Utah Rider Education and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are not hard to find. You can also find some great safety videos on line if taking a hands on course is not an option.

This one is short but good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-SxHxW5xcQ

This one is longer and very graphic so exercise caution in deciding if you or your kids want to watch it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gfNfh9kpgM

One more good one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1MH5sI-S3o

And this one highlights one critical thing to remember - you need a license to ride a motorcycle. All of the Utah licensing requirements can be found here. Get training, be prepared and ride safely.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Bret Hanna

Eight People Sent to the Georgia Hospital after Accident involving Motorcycles

Jessica Smagacz — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:01:50 GMT

Northbound I-75 in Henry County, Georgia was closed for about two hours this past Sunday after an accident occurred after 1 p.m., according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC).

The accident involved three cars and six motorcycles. According to Henry County Police Capt. Jason Bolton, there were no life-threatening injuries.

The amount of vehicles involved was large because a chain reaction was created from the vehicles following too closely.

Apparently, the bikers came from the National Bikers Roundup at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

According to AJC, another motorcycle accident occurred this past Sunday as well as the one above. It happened on Sunday afternoon on I-85 in Franklin County near Georgia-South Carolina border.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Texas Motorcyclists Injured and Killed By Turning Trucker

Steve Lombardi — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:19:00 GMT

A Texas man, Vernon Newsom of Mansfield, Texas died in a motorcycle accident in or near Geddes, South Dakota as a result of a driver turning without first making sure it was clear to do so. Newsom, with his wife on the back attempted to pass a truck, as he started passing the truck started to turn causing him to have to take to the ditch where he was killed and his wife suffered life-threatening injuries.

In Iowa it’s referred to as the duty of due care. You can’t start a turn without first looking and making sure it’s safe to do so. Each driver also has a look out duty. You must look before you begin a turn. In this case it doesn’t appear either was correctly performed. I’ve come across three people in the last two days almost causing accidents/wrecks/crashes as a result of being on the cell phone and holding it up with their left hand so that their hand and arm cover their peripheral vision. Stupid is as stupid does.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Area Motor Vehicle Accidents Claim Two Lives - Avoidable?

Bret Hanna — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:06:59 GMT

Salt Lake City based news outlet ksl.com has reported that two area accidents claimed the lives of one individual each. The question is whether one or both could have been avoided.

The first occurred last evening in Garfield County when a 2005 Honda Accord turned in front of a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle, a Henrieville man, was killed when he was unable to avoid running into the car. Although still under investigation, it appears that the driver of the Accord may have been inattentive and did not see the oncoming motorcycle. All drivers must be ever vigilant when making turns across traffic. And while there is no current indication that the the motorcycle rider could have avoided the accident or was at fault in any way, this accident serves as a sober reminder that defensive driving on the part of motorcyclists could be their best tool for avoiding accidents.

The second accident occurred early this morning on Highway 6 in Carbon County when an eastbound 2007 GMC Sierra missed a curve and struck a westbound 1992 Lexus. The passenger in the Lexus, a Michigan man, was killed. The investigation into this accident continues as well but early indications are that fatigue may have played a role. Drowsy driving is no less dangerous than any other form of impaired driving and drivers must know their limits.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Bret Hanna

YAMAHA and the ATRA might ask: Why are there so many personal injury lawyers?

Steve Lombardi — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:14:00 GMT

This is the headline the American Tort Reform Association would write:

Iowa motorcyclist, out for a Sunday driver in Cedar Rapids clocked on radar at over 164 mph!

Greedy trial lawyers to blame!

Poor Yamaha being put out of business by greedy trial lawyers who blame everything from bullets causing a few deaths to cigarette smoking causing lung cancer!

Who will they sue next? Poor Bernard Madoff? Help us to help Bernie!

Kill a trial lawyer!

Okay, enough foolishness from me, but it gets me angry to have to listen to the tort reform associations preach about injured people taking responsibility and yet you never hear those same organizations talk about corporate responsibility. Let's get to today's news story because that's exactly what it is about - corporate responsibility or the lack thereof.

This story starts in Cedar Rapids, Iowa aboard a very fast motorcycle. What does a 2002 Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle have in common with a jet? Well apparently a jet can travel at speeds of 164 mph but not in a city and not so close to the ground. Kyle Russell, just 20-years-of-age knows what it feels like to go from zero to 164 mph in less than 9 seconds. And apparently the Cedar Rapids police weren’t especially impressed with his prowess for going faster than a speeding bullet. Seems how several motorcycles going 104 mph were caught on radar. They split up but a police helicopter kept up with one catching him on radar going 164 mph. It’s reported he was found hiding in a boat when they caught up with him. And I though Superman changed his clothes in a telephone booth?

What, if anything does a crotch rocket have in common with an assault rifle? Well both can kill you along with innocent bystanders.

Take 28 seconds and run through the gears of a YZF-R1.

I have to wonder, what responsibility does Corporate Yamaha take for setting a good example for the young buyers that might just get the wrong idea about using the speed of one of these crotch rockets on city streets?

It would certainly help if someone could point out to me how those greedy trial lawyers are involved with selling a motorcycle that has a top speed of +/- 160 mph and is spec-ed out for city driving.

Is it really 160 mph or more like 200 mph? You be the judge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ty-7bTId5M

"Comment and rate this video, please. This machine does 0 - 200 km/h in almost 9 secs.. and goes ahead to 305 km/hr!"

305.0 km/h = 189.51 mi/h

Top Speed Video on this city driving machine:

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/yamaha/2009-yamaha-yzf-r1-ar63535.html

But one has to wonder, can a Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle really go 164 miles per hour?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MfTSxobwYc

FYI: How fast were they going when they cut off your soccer mom car load of kids?

According to Convert-It, 305 km/hr is the equivalent of 189.51821363238685 mph.

And 164 mph is the equivalent of 263.932416 km/hr.

Foolish is as foolish does.

According to Motorcycle Magazine, here are the specifications:

TECH

Price

$12,390-$12,490

Engine type

l-c inline-four

Valve train

DOHC, 16v

Displacement

998cc

Bore x stroke

78.0 x 52.2mm

Compression

12.7:1

Fuel system

Mikuni EFI

Clutch

Wet, multi-plate slipper

Transmission

6-speed

Claimed horsepower

178.4 bhp @12,500 rpm

Claimed torque

84.5 lb-ft @ 10,000 rpm

Frame

Aluminum twin-spar

Front suspension

43mm Soqi inverted fork with adjustable
spring preload, compression and rebound
damping

Rear suspension

Single Soqi shock with adjustable spring
preload, high/low-speed compression and
rebound damping

Front brake

Dual Sumitomo six-piston radial calipers,
310mm discs

Rear brake

Single Nissin one-piston caliper, 220mm disc

Front tire

120/70-ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D210F

Rear tire

190/55-ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D210F

Rake/trail

24.0 deg./4.0 in.

Seat height

32.9 in.

Wheelbase

55.7 in.

Fuel capacity

4.8 gal.

Claimed wet weight

454 lbs.

Color

Team Yamaha Blue/White, Raven/Candy Red,
Pearl White/Rapid Red, Cadmium Yellow/Raven

Available

Now

Warranty

12 mo./unlimited mi.

Contact:
Yamaha Motor Corp. USA
6555 Katella Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
800.962.7926
www.yamaha-motor.com

Verdict 4.5 stars out of 5
The most effective, accessible and charismatic literbike we've ridden yet.

Is the question: Why are there so many personal injury lawyers?

Or should the question be: Why are there so many personal injury accidents?

What does the American Tort Reform Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have to say about Yamaha selling a motorcycle for city driving, a bike that can reach speeds of almost 200 mph?

Answer:

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Georgia Motorcycle Accidents Kills One, Leaves 2 Injured

Jessica Smagacz — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:40:19 GMT

Nancy Tobias, 48 years old of Mountain City, Georgia tried to turn left onto Georgia Highway 180 and failed to yield to the oncoming motorcycle, according to Georgia State Patrol and the Clay County Progress.

Tobias’s Toyota truck was then hit by the motorcycle. James Beaman, 58 of Oakwood, Georgia, died on the scene.

According to Clay County Press, Tobias was charged with second degree homicide, failure to yield, having an expired tag and no insurance. Neither she nor her passengers had any reported injuries.

The other accident occurred with Jimmy Reece, 62 years old of Blairsville, who apparently failed to stop and as a result skidded into the back of a Ford Edge. Reece was driving on Georgia Highway 17 near Waldroup Road. Johnnie Sue Ash, 62 years old of Hiawassee, Georgia was driving the Ford Edge.

Both Reece and his passenger on the motorcycle and Ash were transported to hospitals (Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Gwinnett Medical Center in Atlanta).

As a result of this motorcycle accident, Reece has been charged with following too close.

Clay County Progress reports this as the third motorcycle accident in Clay and Towns counties in the past three weeks.

If you drive a motorcycle, it is highly recommended to wear a helmet and most states make this a requirement. “A rider who does not wear a helmet is five times more likely to sustain a critical head injury.” If you drive a motorcycle, be visible—wear bright or reflective clothing.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

TECH
Price	$12,390-$12,490
Engine type	l-c inline-four
Valve train	DOHC, 16v
Displacement	998cc
Bore x stroke	78.0 x 52.2mm
Compression	12.7:1
Fuel system	Mikuni EFI
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate slipper
Transmission	6-speed
Claimed horsepower	178.4 bhp @12,500 rpm
Claimed torque	84.5 lb-ft @ 10,000 rpm
Frame	Aluminum twin-spar
Front suspension	43mm Soqi inverted fork with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension	Single Soqi shock with adjustable spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping
Front brake	Dual Sumitomo six-piston radial calipers, 310mm discs
Rear brake	Single Nissin one-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Front tire	120/70-ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D210F
Rear tire	190/55-ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax D210F
Rake/trail	24.0 deg./4.0 in.
Seat height	32.9 in.
Wheelbase	55.7 in.
Fuel capacity	4.8 gal.
Claimed wet weight	454 lbs.
Color	Team Yamaha Blue/White, Raven/Candy Red, Pearl White/Rapid Red, Cadmium Yellow/Raven
Available	Now
Warranty	12 mo./unlimited mi.