Motorcycle Driving: What to Do Before Riding Your Motorbike

You can do a lot of things to make sure that your motorcycle driving experience is pleasant and safe. However, it cannot be avoided that you can meet some road hazards occasionally along the way, such as potholes, bumps, and debris. These hazards are basically one of the main causes of motorcycle accidents. It is not enough that you follow the state traffic laws; as a responsible rider, you must also ensure that you are driving safely.

Here are some tips that must be followed to ensure that your trip to a nearby market or a thoroughfare with friends otherwise, anyone who rides with you would be free from mishaps:

·         Always have a first-aid kit stored in your motorcycle. That way, if you experience any minor accident, you will be able to treat yourself of any wounds. Also, bringing your mobile phone can help. Just do not use it while driving; while it is against the law, of course it can distract the driver and lead to mishaps.

·         Keep in mind that your bike should be well maintained and is regularly checked for possible errors that might be detrimental to your driving experience. Make sure that the brake system, front and backlights, signal lights, and fluid systems are functioning properly. Do not forget to fill it up with gas especially if you are going on a long trip.

·         When embarking on your motorcycle, be sure that you and your passenger were properly seated. Wear a helmet before starting the engine. Most states in the U.S. have adopted the use of safety helmets when riding a motorcycle. Always remember that it can reduce the risk of being severely injured in the head.

By doing these tips, you help promote road safety in the country. If you have a motorcycle and you want to back yourself up with legal representation in case of an accident, you can contact a motorcycle injury attorney within your area.

Common causes of Truck-related Accidents

Whenever accidents occur between two vehicles and one of them happens to be a truck – most probably the one to be blamed was the one driving the truck. However, contrary to that prepositioned  belief, according to the recent studies made by the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Motor Carriers (OMC), these motorists  are actually the ones  who execute safety over other vehicle drivers. The research further showed that there are about 3,197 fatal crashes involving trucks just in 2009 alone.

They even released certain reasons why trucks are often getting mixed into accidents. Meanwhile, the following are the violations commonly done by passenger vehicles:

• Trying to cross the lanes near a truck
• Driving in front of the truck but afterwards failing to accelerate
• Changing lanes while there is a truck along  the road
• Driving at “no zones”
• Attempting to pass at an insufficient headway
• Attempting to turn at an insufficient headway
• Shifting lanes and then breaking at the front of truck
• Doing other activities while driving, this is also termed as distracted driving. Some examples include   handling the cell phone or taking a nap  due to fatigue
• Turning right while the truck is still moving
• Not recognizing that there’s a truck in the way
• Moving in the middle of  two trucks while on the road

Compensatory Damages in a Personal Injury Case

Getting injured because of someone’s negligence, especially in a vehicle accident, compels you to file a personal injury lawsuit. First, though, you must hire a vehicle accident lawyer who can help you with the litigation process that will enable you to receive compensation from the damages the liable party caused you.

In a certain personal injury case like a vehicle accident, monetary damages are paid to you (the claimant) by another person or an entity found to be legally responsible for the accident (the defendant). The agreement for the awarding of damages to the claimant can be done through a settlement or negotiations between all concerned parties. The agreement can also be made through a verdict coming from the judge or jury in a court trial.

The most common form of damages is described as “compensatory”. This means that the claimant is given compensation for the losses he acquired after the vehicle accident. Depending on the severity of the accident, compensatory damages can be either or a combination of economic or non-economic damages.

Economic compensation refers to the monetary settlements the liable party must pay for the claimant to be “whole again” in the financial standpoint. There are three major components that are under economic compensation, and these are the following: