Boston Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Blog

With spring comes 2 things; warm weather and rookie bikers. With the warm weather, new bikers will be jumping on their bikes and hitting the roads, highways, and biker events for the first time.

New bikers are great for the community but let’s be honest, new bikers can be annoying. Bikers with little riding skill and who lack of knowledge about riding etiquette can not only be a pain to deal with but can also be dangerous. Although most new riders who have completed motorcycle safety courses in their states have basic skills, the classes can’t possibly cover everything.

I remember when I first started riding, there were lots of things I didn’t know and fortunately, I met a few bikers who quickly straightened me out.

Instead of being annoyed, school the new biker on the dos and don’ts of biker life:

• Gear: Most rookie bikers don’t know how to avoid looking like a RUB when first riding their bikes. I had a cool leather shirt that I used to wear when I first started riding and my new biker buddies teased me to no end. If you see a rookie looking RUBish, make sure to give them a hard time and then give them some good advice.

• Parking: When going to biker bars and motorcycle events, parking can be a tricky thing. Often there is not much room and a mistake can knock over several motorcycles at once. If you see a rookie struggling to park, help them out and give them some tips.

• Wearing Patches: New bikers will sometimes think it’s cool to come up with their own ‘club’ and ride around with club markings like the movie Wild Hogs. This is a definite no no. If you see a biker wearing motorcycle club gear, make sure to tell them why it’s a bad idea.

Remember, bikers are all part of the same creed. Giving a little help is a good thing and makes the entire biker community better.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Boston or Andover area, contact personal injury lawyer and avid biker Tom Kiley! Or order a FREE copy of Tom Kiley’s motorcycle accident guide, Do Loud Pipes Save Lives.

Spring is here and bikers will be flocking to the roads in large numbers all over the country. As the weather warms up in the north, bikers will be firing up their bikes and reconnecting with their bikes, biker friends, and favorite runs.

As more bikers hit the road (as well as motorists), it’s good to review motorcycle safety. In order to stay safe on the road, there are a few things that bikers should avoid at all costs. Partaking in any of these activities can end in disaster.

• Drugs/Alcohol/Stress: Riding under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs should NEVER be done. Anything that causes a rider to have less than perfect concentration and attention to road condition is a reason to not ride. Extreme stress can also lead to road inattention and should be avoided.

• Racing/Stunting: Racing and performing stunts like wheelies and endos on public streets is illegal and highly dangerous. These activities put the lives of bikers, motorists, and pedestrians at risk. Fines for these activities are extremely high as well.

• Riding with Strangers: This may not sound like a huge risk but riding in formation with strangers can be very dangerous. It’s always important to ride with people whose riding habits, attention to safety, and sobriety you are familiar with.

• Aggressive Driving: Riding a motorcycle requires a defensive mindset in order to avoid potentially bad situations. Aggressive passing, speeding, quick starts and stops can put a biker in a position where a collision or fall cannot be avoided.

• Poorly Maintained Motorcycles: Motorcycles are finely tuned machines and require regular  maintenance like all vehicles. Since a motorcycle has only two wheels, motorcycles need to be more closely maintained than cars. A motorcycle that is not maintained well may not be able to maintain its connection with the road when turning, braking, or accelerating. This can cause the ride to lose control.

Be safe this spring and make sure to keep your focus on the road and on motorcycle safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Boston or Andover area, contact personal injury lawyer and avid biker Tom Kiley! Or order a FREE copy of Tom Kiley’s motorcycle accident guide, Do Loud Pipes Save Lives.

This spring, new and experienced bikers will be hitting the roads again as the weather starts to improve. This is a great time for bikers because many have waited months to jump back on their sport bikes or cruisers to renew their love of motorcycles.

If there is one fact that is true about bikers, they have big egos. Riding a motorcycle requires moxie and bikers certainly have lots of it.  Bikers take pride in having great biker gear and even greater bikes. Some spend thousands of dollars to make their cruisers or sport bikes into one of a kind motorcycles.

Bikers especially don’t want to be outdone by their peers. It’s hard for other bikers to say to their friends that they can’t keep up. Sometimes, having a big ego can be a dangerous thing and cause a biker to forget about motorcycle safety.

Keep your biker ego in check (if necessary) by:

• Practice first: For bikers that have not ridden in a long time or are rusty should not hit the roads first. If you need to, get your bearings back by practicing on a closed road or parking lot. Even if your friends try to push you, resist the urge to hit the street until you are ready.

• Pace yourself: Make sure to establish your own pace and don’t let other riders encourage you to ride too fast or too far for your comfort.  If your biker buddies have to ride ahead or if you have to skip a long distance tour, that’s what needs to happen to stay safe.

• Stay away: Until you are comfortable, avoid riding in formation; even with riders you are familiar with. Having additional space is necessary to make sure you can avoid other motorists or bikers. Until you are comfortable, riding in formation is one of the most dangerous things to do.

The best thing to do is to be 100% honest with yourself as it relates to your biker skills and do not deviate from that truth. This is best way to stay on the road and out of the hospital.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Boston or Andover area, contact personal injury lawyer and avid biker Tom Kiley! Or order a FREE copy of Tom Kiley’s motorcycle accident guide, Do Loud Pipes Save Lives.

Just when you think you’ve heard it all.

In Volusia County Florida a biker, Robert Gam from Sanford, FL struck a deer while riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and died at the scene. It was not determined if Gam was speeding but he was not wearing a helmet. It’s also unclear if Gamm would have survived the accident if he were wearing a helmet.

Despite his best effort to avoid the collision, Gamm struck the right side of the animal and lost control of his motorcycle. This motorcycle accident occurred around Noon.

When I first read this story, I thought that this is the epitome of a freak accident. It just sounds so far-fetched. But then, I thought about the story a bit more.

Volusia County is where two of the nation’s largest motorcycle events take place, Daytona Beach Bike Week, and Biketoberfest. Besides these events, Daytona Beach is a hot-bed of biker activity and bikers from all over the state of Florida flock there year round. Destination Daytona and the Main Street Strip are filled with bikers everyday and all year long.

I also started to think about all the rural areas where bikers ride. There are countless roads that are lined with wooded areas where animals of all types can run out without warning and cause a major accident.

There have been dozens of times I have either driven my car or rode my bike from South Florida to Orlando or Daytona and saw deer grazing on the side of the road. Sometimes, I see small herds and lately I have even seen a few wild pigs.

Collisions with animals is a major issue.

Gamm’s fatal motorcycle accident should give all bikers something new to think about. Not only do we have to watch out for cars, bad weather, road condition, pedestrians, and other bikers but we also have to be aware of animal crossings; even in the middle of the day.

Like Gamm, we may not be able to avoid hitting an animal but I’m convinced wearing a DOT motorcycle helmet can make a difference.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.

Normally I try to be very positive when I write about motorcycle topics but today, I have be a bit negative.

There are literally thousands of motorcycle accessories for every type of motorcycle out on the market today. If you need your bike to look or perform differently, I guarantee there is a motorcycle accessory or two that can help accomplish your goal.

Personally, I don’t think certain things mix very well.  For instance, I wouldn’t suggest anyone mix steak with jelly beans or read a Dean Koontz murder mystery novel while horseback riding. Each of these items is great by themselves but together they are awful. Some things just don’t mix.

Like motorcycle and golf.

Like motorcycling, golf goes beyond a casual past time to many people who play — it is a lifestyle. The dedication, passion, and love that many golfers exhibit is equal to the dedication of bikers towards riding.

That’s why the Go Go Caddy is the worst motorcycle accessory in the world. For the life of me, I cannot fathom why a biker would want to carry a fully loaded golf bag on their bike.

Here are a few reasons why the Go Go Caddy is just plain dumb.

• Golfers own cars: Golfers who are in the primary demographics of Harley buyers are older professionals who own cars as their primary transportation.

• Harley owners own cars: Almost all Harley’s are considered luxury items and are fairly expensive. Most Harley owners are  professionals who own at least one car. It seems pretty unlikely that a Harley owning golfer would use his/her bike as primary transportation.

• It makes riding a motorcycle unsafe: This product’s website states that mounting a golf bag on the bike can cause blind spots. Any accessory that makes a bike unsafe is a bad accessory.

• It looks terrible: I don’t know why anyone would spend the money to get a beautiful Harley Davidson motorcycle only to add a golf rack to it? With or without the golf bag attached, it is hideous.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Boston or Andover area, contact personal injury lawyer and avid biker Tom Kiley! Or order a FREE copy of Tom Kiley’s motorcycle accident guide, Do Loud Pipes Save Lives.

Spring is an exciting time for bikers; especially for those who live in the northern United States. With the spring comes warmer weather and with warmer weather comes motorcycle riding season.

Going a few months without riding a motorcycle is a form of torture for some bikers. It doesn’t matter whether you ride a sport bike or cruiser, the need to ride affects all bikers in very similar ways. That’s why when the weather gets warm, bikers flock to the streets as fast as they can.

If you are preparing to hit the road again for the first time in a few months, try to cage your enthusiasm for a day or so to make sure you and your bike are ready.

• Did you winterize your bike? Honestly ask yourself if you took time to properly store your motorcycle for the winter. If you simply parked in the bike garage in November, it’s likely that your bike is not in working condition anymore. If it starts, go straight to your motorcycle mechanic or dealer for service.

• T-clocs: If you properly stored your bike, then make sure to do a thorough check of the bike before hitting the road as outlined in your motorcycle safety course. If you find any problems, either fix it or see a professional for service.

• Accessories: Check your gloves, boots, jackets, eye-wear, and other accessories to make sure they are in working order. At minimum, make sure your bike has tools and a motorcycle tire repair kit for repair on the road. Also, update your motorcycle insurance if you reduced coverage during the winter months.

• Physical Condition: If you have gained or lost weight over the winter, some of your gear may not fit correctly. If you had an injury or medical condition that might affect your ability to handle your motorcycle, consult with your doctor before riding.

• Test Ride: Take a short test run on familiar roads if everything looks good from your spring check-up to reacquaint yourself with your bike. If you hear strange noises, feel a wiggle that shouldn’t be there, or something doesn’t seem right, have your bike checked out immediately.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.

I read lots of motorcycle related material in the course of my day and every week, I am alarmed at the number of articles I read about fallen bikers. Every week, there seems to be a constant stream of bikers who have lost their lives on American highways. It is very sad.

Years ago, I decided to go skydiving and like many rookie skydivers, I wanted to do some research before taking the leap. I wanted to make sure that when I went skydiving, I did so in the safest manner possible.

The interesting thing I found out about the parachutist community is that they make a very large effort to chronicle parachuting accidents to not only memorialize fallen parachutists but to also educate other parachutists about accidents and safety.

In Skydiving Magazine, the back of the magazine has a section that highlights fatal and non-fatal accidents. These articles also mention the reason for the accidents.

Motorcycling is a much larger sport/recreation than skydiving and the shear volume of motorcycle related accidents makes chronicling them in magazines nearly impossible. Still, lots of information on motorcycle safety is lost since there is not a central location to chronicle them.

For bikers, motorcycle safety is built over time as experience in different traffic, weather, and emergency situations is gained. Unlike parachuting, there are many more conditions that bikers have to consider to stay safe.

Bikers should pay respects to fallen bikers by learning what caused them to lose their lives. In some cases, their mistakes can help bikers recognize ways they can avoid doing the same things. In cases where a motorist caused the accident, bikers can learn how to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

As I continue to read and research motorcycle related topics, I will keep looking for more sites that honor and chronicle our fallen biker brothers and sisters. Their lives and their lessons should not be lost.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.

We have all committed acts of distracted driving at one time or another. We have all talked on the phone, sent text messages, eaten food, entertained the kids, or even applied make-up while driving. Even though they may be common, these actions are stupid, dangerous, and potentially criminal.

Distracted driving also risks lives. As bikers, we tend to think about the impact of distracted motorists more than car drivers because we realize that even minor motorcycle accidents could have life changing implications.

This certainly was true for the Zaffke family. In May 2009, Lora Hunt killed motorcycle enthusiast Anita Zaffke in Lake Zurich, IL; who was driving while painting her fingernails. Zaffke was stopped at a red light and Hunt rear-ended her motorcycle at about 50 MPH.

By all accounts Zaffke was a pillar of her community, an excellent mother, and a safety-conscious biker. In May of 2006, Zaffke embarked on a motorcycle road trip she called her ‘epic journey’. Her 2 week, 5000 mile trip took her from the Chicago area to Vancouver, British Columbia and back. During this trip, she wrote in her journal, took photographs, and camped as a means to gain perspective on her life.

To honor his mother and to shed light on this problem, Zaffke’s son Greg created the Black Nail Brigade. This motorcycle safety organization is working hard to make sure that people in the greater Illinois area and across the United States are aware of the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death and the scourge of distracted drivers.

The case against Lora Hunt also brings to light some interesting legal considerations. There are arguments suggesting that while distracted driving is a terrible practice, it is not necessarily criminal. This argument will be center stage at Hunt’s trial for the death of Anita Zaffke scheduled for May 3, 2010; almost a year from the date of Zaffke’s death.

On Saturday, May 1 2010, the Black Nail Brigade is sponsoring an Epic Ride to commemorate Anita Zaffke’s life and to replicate her ride from 2006. If you cannot attend but would like to contribute to this cause, their website provides opportunities to donate or purchase apparel.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact motorcycle enthusiast and Andover personal injury lawyer, Tom Kiley.

Recently, I had the world’s worst toothache. The pain was absolutely unbearable and I needed help. So, I went to the dentist and got a prescription for pain medication.

My toothache also corresponded with a very nice weekend. All week, I looked forward to the weekend so I can put some major miles on my motorcycle. Once I figured out that the dentist would be able to help me manage the pain of the toothache, I figured I still would be able to ride.

Then I took one of the pain pills.

Very quickly after taking one of the pain pills, I quickly realized that riding my motorcycle would not be an option. The pain medication made me extremely sleepy and I noticed my motor skills were very sluggish. In this case, motorcycles and medication don’t mix.

Everyone knows that motorcycles and alcohol and motorcycles and illegal drugs don’t mix at all. Riding a motorcycle under the influence of medication is an equally bad idea.

If you are taking medication, here are a few safety tips to follow:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist: Make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if operating a vehicle is ok when taking the medication they prescribed. Make sure to follow their instructions fully.

• Read the instructions: Read the instructional information that comes with your prescription. Usually the information will state likely effects of the medications and whether you should operate a vehicle or not.

• Take medication as prescribed: Do not alter the dosage of the medication without speaking to your doctor. Changing the dosage can have adverse affects or enhance the negative affects of the medication.

• Eat and drink:  Make sure to eat and drink fluids as instructed by your doctor. Some medications can make you ill or increase the adverse effects if you don’t.

• Watch for interactions: Even a small amount of alcohol, other medications, or certain foods can cause a negative interaction.

Be safe, be smart, and don’t take any unnecessary risks when it comes to riding your motorcycle. There will be plenty of nice days in the future to ride so if you are on medication that impairs your skills, simply wait until you are cleared by your doctor to ride.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.

Many bikers may disagree but the most important thing about motorcycles is safety. If motorcycle rider safety is not the first thing on a biker’s mind when he twists the throttle, then that is a major problem. Bikers need to realize that the safer they ride, the better everyone will be.

Anything a biker can do to ride more safely is a positive thing. Wearing a DOT motorcycle helmet, adding lights to the bike, taking a motorcycle rider safety course, wearing reflective material, and avoiding riding while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication are all great things.

But how far is too far?

As many motorcycles adopt more of a chopper style, turn signals have been getting smaller. Some bikers opt to remove their turn signal lights completely Traditionally, choppers do not have turn signal lights and bikers would use motorcycle hand signals to indicate to other motorists their intentions. This is fine in the day but what about at night?

There are components readily available to make an entirely new line of safety apparel that may or may not hit motorcycle stores in the near future: motorcycle jackets with integrated turn signals.

My first response was to laugh but there may be some merit to these items. While I don’t think I would ever buy one, this could be a product that finds a niche among certain motorcyclists.

The concept is very simple. By sewing in a few electronic items and LED lights, the turn signal jacket can be created within an existing motorcycle jacket or vest. Also, this item could be created as a vest to be worn over a motorcycle jacket. The signals operate with simple push button controls to turn the signals off and on.

Creating more visibility is a great thing for bikers so this concept has merit. However, I don’t like the fact that the jacket would create another set of controls the biker would have to monitor.

If integrated properly into a jacket, this actually could be a viable product. There are apparel items available with integrated LED lights so this concept is not without precedent. Only time will tell if this trend catches on.