Couple Killed in Motorcycle Crash Leave behind Two Young Children

On February 18, the weather was unusually warm in southeastern Michigan. A Marysville couple decided to take the opportunity to go for a ride on their motorcycle. On the way home that evening, they were killed in a crash. A witness told police that the man was operating the motorcycle when it struck a curb. The impact threw the couple off the motorcycle.

At the scene, police found the man in the grass and the female passenger lying in the road. There was a wrecked Harley Davidson nearby. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene; the man died at the hospital the next evening after being taken off life support. Neither was wearing a helmet. The couple leave behind two daughters, nine and eight-months-old. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

This fatal crash could have been due to a distraction, defective tire, an object in the road, speeding, or a host of other reasons. No matter the cause, many people think that something like this will never happen to them, but it can.

Would a helmet have saved this couple? Possibly.

Studies have shown that those who have been involved in a motorcycle accident while wearing a helmet suffer far less head injuries and/or are less seriously hurt than those not wearing protective head gear. Yet, many motorcyclists and their passengers still don’t wear one.

Although it is only February and cold weather isn’t completely behind us, more warm days will surely come and go. Make sure these safety tips don’t.

• Check the bike before each ride including tire tread, air pressure, battery, headlights, oil and other fluids, frame and suspension.
• Follow the rules of the road. Obey speed limits and all traffic signals, and use hand signals for turning. Don’t follow too closely and don’t weave in and out of lanes.
• Practice defensive riding. Avoid riding in blind spots, use turn signals, and extra caution when passing a vehicle.
• Position yourself to be seen. Use lane placement to help you see further and others to see you.
• Use protective eyewear and wear protective clothing to serve as a buffer from the impact of an accident.
• Use a helmet even if it is not required in your state.

About Lawsuit Financial
Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation. For more information, visit www.lawsuitfinancial.com.

Gearing Up For A Safe Ride

The feeling of a warm day has motorcyclists ready to ride. Unfortunately, history shows a rise in temperatures also leads to a rise in crashes. Just this week, two people riding a motorcycle were killed when their bike hit a minivan in an intersection. Police said it appears the cyclists ran a red light, and neither victim was wearing a helmet.

Motorcycle accidents occur for numerous reasons, many of which can be prevented by taking the time to adopt safe riding practices. The importance of individual preparation for the new riding season is vastly underrated. Even the most experienced riders have to re-acclimate themselves back on the roadway after a long winter break. There are four basic factors to consider to ensure your ride is less likely to end in a motorcycle accident: your bike, your protective gear, your visibility, and how you ride.

1. Maintain your Motorcycle. Check the bike before each ride including tire tread, air pressure, battery, headlights, oil and other fluids, frame and suspension.
2. Dress to Ride. Wear protective eyewear and protective clothing (heavy-duty jacket and pants or riding suit, riding boots that cover the ankles, and gloves). Wear a helmet even if it is not required in your state. Generally speaking, those who wear a helmet suffer far fewer head injuries and/or are less seriously injured.
3. Practice defensive riding. Position yourself to be seen. Avoid riding in blind spots, use turn signals, and be extra cautious when passing a vehicle.
4. Ride safely. Follow the rules of the road. Obey speed limits and all traffic signals, and use hand signals for turning and slowing as well as your motorcycle’s turn signals and brake light. Don’t follow too closely and don’t weave in and out of lanes. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Riders should ride only within their skill limits and consider proper training and refresher courses.

Motorcycle accidents may also take place because of no fault of the cyclist. Approximately 75% of all motorcycle crashes involve a car or other vehicle. Roughly two thirds of the crashes are caused by driver negligence. Auto drivers should be aware of motorcycles at intersections and when the cyclist may be making a left turn or changing lanes, anticipate cyclist's maneuver, and not follow too closely behind a motorcycle.

Bottom line -- motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as other drivers. Increased awareness, especially as the weather is warming up will result in increased safety.

About Lawsuit Financial

Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a pro-justice lawsuit funding company that seeks to educate plaintiffs and attorneys about lawsuit funding. Our company is an attorney owned and operated full service legal finance company recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. Mark Bello, CEO and General Counsel, is recognized as an expert in this field, both as an underwriter of these transactions and as an advocate for appropriate treatment of plaintiffs/clients in this industry and in litigation. For more information, visit www.lawsuitfinancial.com.