The Importance of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists’ Coverage for Motorcyclists
If you ride a motorcycle, here’s one thing you want to make certain you have—the maximum coverage on your own motor vehicle insurance for uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage.
What is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists’ Coverage?
With almost every motor vehicle insurance policy, there’s an additional rider that can be purchased (for an additional premium) that provides additional coverage to you should be involved in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or has limited insurance. It’s a very good idea, as a biker, to purchase this additional coverage, as any injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident will likely be serious. As a result, even if the other driver has insurance, if your injuries are extensive, you may exhaust the limits of liability before all your losses are covered.
There’s a fundamental difference between uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists coverage. An uninsured motorists provision applies when the other driver had no insurance to cover the costs of any injury or property damage. An underinsured motorists’ provision is designed to address those situations where the amount of coverage the at-fault party has will not cover all the losses incurred. For example, you may have traumatic brain injury or spinal cord trauma, with projected costs of health care or other needs of hundreds of thousands of dollars or even a million dollars or more. If the person who cause the accident had a cap of $50,000 on liability for any accident, you may need to pursue a claim against your own policy to get the benefits you need.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring almost 30 years of experience to people in and around Sacramento who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.
To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motorcycle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
Happy New Year
California Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to studies, there are more motorcycles (approximately 800,000) on California roadways than in any other state in the country. On an annual basis, nearly 12,000 people are injured and almost 500 people killed in motorcycle accidents on state roadways.
Motorcycle accidents in California have the greatest impact on riders between the ages of 25 and 34, with riders above the age of 55 the least affected. The three months that saw the highest number of motorcycle accident fatalities were, in order, August, July and November. Statistics also show that, from May through September, there were more than 1,000 motorcycle accident injuries per month in the state.
Though one in four (24%) of motorcycle accident fatalities in California involved a biker with a blood alcohol content of more than .08% (the legal limit), that is below the national average, which is 28%. Nearly 90% of motorcyclists killed in a crash were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, but authorities attribute that to the state’s helmet law. Nationwide, only 57% of bikers killed in crashes were wearing a helmet at the time of death.
One in five persons killed in motorcycle accidents in California were operating the bike without a valid drivers’ license.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring almost 30 years of experience to people in and around Sacramento who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.
To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motor vehicle accident injury attorney,
California the Only State to Allow Lane-Splitting
You’ve probably seen it out on the road…you’re driving somewhere, when a motorcycle cruises between the lanes on your side of the road, maybe inches from your car. You may be in a traffic jam, watching as motorcycles leave you behind. In California, it’s perfectly legal. In every other state, it’s against the law.
Though the practice has been legal in the state for decades, there are some restrictions about to be placed on it. Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation earlier this month that makes lane-splitting legal throughout the state. The bill also requires that the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol develop safety guidelines, including speed restrictions. That would be easier, if authorities had been gathering any data on lane-splitting injuries, but that has apparently not been done for decades, either.
Three years ago, the state highway patrol issued guidelines recommending that lane-splitters not travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than surrounding traffic. The guidelines were subsequently scrapped. Officials say that it will likely take up to a year to gather enough data to establish safety guidelines.
Opponents of lane-splitting say the maneuver creates increased risk of injury or death, but proponents argue that lane-splitting actually reduces the risk of injury, provided it’s done at a reasonable rate of speed. They contend that lane-splitting allows skilled bikers to avoid head-on or rear-end collisions with cars and similar motor vehicles.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring almost 30 years of experience to people in and around Sacramento who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.
To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motor vehicle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
L.A. County Deputy Dies in Motorcycle Crash
A 25-year-old sheriff’s deputy from Los Angeles County died in a multi-vehicle accident on Friday, May 27, 2016. Authorities say that Deputy Philip Borja, of Upland, was riding his motorcycle eastbound on Hidden Valley Parkway, near the 15 Freeway, around 4:30 pm, traveling with another biker, when a woman pulled out of a shopping center into his path. Borja struck the vehicle, then careened into another car, a Volkswagen Beetle, traveling westbound on the Parkway. Borja’s motorcycle apparently caught flames, also setting the Beetle on fire.
Police say that the other motorcyclist missed the first car, but also hit the Beetle. The operator of that bike was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but released the next day. No one in the cars suffered any injury.
According to his unit, Borja was off-duty at the time of the accident. He was taken from the scene of the accident by ambulance, but died after arriving at the hospital. Borja was assigned to the Norwalk station.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring almost 30 years of experience to people in and around Sacramento who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. We built our practice on a strong commitment to personal service and attention. We’ll take the time to learn the unique aspects of your case, so that we can tailor our representation to get the outcome you want. When you hire us to help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses, Joe Nierenberg will work directly with you throughout the process.
To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced California motor vehicle accident injury attorney, contact Weber & Nierenberg by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert your attention away from the primary task of driving, including: • Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player • Using a navigation system • Talking to passengers • Eating and drinking • Watching a video • Grooming • Reading
One of the most dangerous distractions?
Texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone involves three different types of distraction simultaneously: • Visual! Taking your eyes off the road
• Manual! Taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive! Taking your mind off driving
Did you know?
• Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 MPH, that’s like driving the length of a football field – blindfolded. • If you text while you’re behind the wheel, you’ re 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a non-distracted driver. • According to a 2014 special article in the New England Journal of Medicine, the risk of a crash or near-crash among novice drivers increased with the performance of many secondary tasks, including, texting and dialing cell phones
What is at stake?
• In 2013, 3,154 people were killed and and estimated 424,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.
• Young people are especially at risk: In 2013, ten percent of all drivers 15-19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
What is being done?
The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the fight to end distracted driving through a combination of:
• Tough laws! !
• Strong enforcement! !
• Increased public awareness
What are states doing?
46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers. 14 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, prohibit hand-held cell phone use by all drivers.
What can We do?
• Make a pledge to protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
• Be a good passenger and speak up if the driver in your car is distracted.
• Spread the word to your family and friends about the dangers of distracted driving.
If you or someone you love needs to know their rights regarding a pedestrian, auto, motorcycle, bicycle or bus accident or other type of personal injury, call the attorneys at the Weber and Nierenberg Law Firm. Personal injury attorneys at Weber and Nierenberg will work hard to make sure your rights are protected. For a free consultation or to make an appointment, call 1-866-288-6010
One year marks one million rides on BART to Oakland!
November 21 marks one year of active service for the automated BART to OAK line between Oakland International Airport and Coliseum Station. Coincidentally, it is also expected to reach the one millionth passenger trip milestone at some point this weekend – a sign of its tremendous success and growing reputation among riders.
“The BART to OAK line is clean, modern and convenient for riders,” said BART spokesperson Jim Allison. “Based on feedback from our riders both in surveys and on social media, they agree and appreciate just how quick the ride is.”
BART to OAK’s popularity was quickly made apparent, with a 36.5% increase in ridership compared to the AirBART shuttle bus previously serving as the link between BART and the airport. A constantly growing daily average of 3,300 entries and exits highlights the importance of a rail connection to air travel – especially as Oakland International continues to experience large increases in passenger traffic alongside expanded service routes.
Oakland Airport spokesperson Keonnis Taylor said, “The airport is delighted to be celebrating our first year of partnership with BART by also commemorating the one millionth BART to OAK passenger. It’s an exciting way to begin the holiday season, and to continue the trend of growth the airport has seen this year.”
Furthermore, BART passenger surveys underscored the positive ridership numbers, reporting a 99% approval rating of the new train system – i.e., describing the service as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent.’ Reliability also helped boost passengers’ perceptions: BART to OAK had a 99.7% service availability rating during the previous quarter.
As 2015 wraps up, BART is again expecting a significant increase in airport passengers during the holiday season. To help travelers, BART will be making an additional 400 long-term airport parking spaces available systemwide for this year’s holiday season – so if you’re planning on traveling far away to see loved ones, BART has your transit needs covered.
Underinsured Driver and Recovering Compensation from an Accident!
In cases involving serious head, burn, or spinal cord injuries, the insurance policy limits of the driver that hit you may not be enough to cover the costs of your injuries. If you have uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurer to cover the rest of your losses up to your policy limits. Additionally, depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to sue the underinsured driver that hit you if he or she has additional sources of insurance (such as an umbrella policy or homeowner’s policy).
Dealing with Your Insurer when filing an Uninsured / Underinsured Claim
If an underinsured driver hit you, his or her insurer may offer you a one-time settlement to quickly resolve your injury case. Before you accept the offer, however, it’s important to discuss the matter with your own insurer. In some cases, your insurer may offer to pay your claim in order to seek additional damages against the other driver’s insurer through subrogation.
Since insurance companies are interested reducing the amount of money they payout in claims, you may encounter difficulties with your own insurer. For example, if it can be shown that you were partially at fault in the accident, the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive will be reduced by the percentage of your fault: if you suffered $100,000 in losses but are deemed 50% at fault, the most you could recover would be $50,000. For this reason, it’s important to consult an attorney who can protect your rights and ensure your insurer doesn’t engage in bad faith insurance practices.
Weber & Nierenberg – San Francisco Uninsured / Underinsured Attorneys
Dealing with hospital bills, property damage, and lost wages after being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver can be stressful and frustrating. Hiring a personal injury attorney to protect and assert your rights and interests can reduce your anxiety and ensure your insurer doesn’t try to take advantage of you. To learn how our personal injury lawyers can help you, email San Francisco car accident attorneys or call 1-866-288-6010
today.
Still Great Potential for Accidents and Injuries on Public Transportation!
Public transportation has improved and certainly expanded over the last several years. However, there is still great potential for accidents and injuries on public transportation. If you have been injured in a public transportation accident, an experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney can help you determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
To help prevent an accident or injury while using public transportation the following safety tips may be helpful:
Do not rush to board a bus or subway, this way you can avoid falling or slipping and becoming injured.
As the bus or train approaches stand back from the edge of the platform or curb and stay a bit to the side to avoid being accidentally pushed or shoved off balance.
Do not try to enter a subway car when the doors are closing and ensure packages, pocketbooks and backpacks are clear of closing doors after you have entered the train.
Only use the emergency cord to prevent an accident or injury.
Do not run or walk on escalators—stand, hold the rail and face forward. Improper use of escalators can cause serious injuries.
Do not run for the bus—you can slip, trip or fall and sustain serious injuries.
Do not stand in stairwells or lean against doors while traveling on a bus—sudden stops could cause you to fall and become injured.
When boarding or leaving a bus watch for slippery surfaces, icy sidewalks or other hazards, which may cause you to fall.
A San Francisco personal injury law firm can help
Unfortunately, no matter how many advances have been made in transportation, accidents still happen and individuals can become seriously injured. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a public transportation accident contact us online or call 866-288-6010 to discuss your injury case.
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