For some, riding a motorcycle is one of the most fun, thrilling ways to travel. But without taking the proper safety precautions, motorcycles can be dangerous and deadly. Motorcycles don’t offer the same protection as cars or trucks, and in the unfortunate event of an accident, motorcyclists are more likely to be seriously injured or killed than car or truck drivers and passengers. To avoid motorcycle accidents, be sure to follow these basic motorcycle safety tips.

Use the proper gear. With motorcycles, there’s not much to safeguard you from outside elements, so it’s very important to wear the right kind of protective clothing while riding. Choose a well-fitting helmet. If it doesn’t have a face shield, use high-quality goggles or safety glasses. To keep your grip on the handles nice and tight, opt for durable, non-slip gloves. Also, be sure to wear sturdy clothing and shoes, such as leather, to protect skin in the event of a skid.

Maintain your motorcycle properly. Just like regular cars, a motorcycle that isn’t kept in top form is more likely to break down, a potential hazard. For best results, make sure your lights, brakes and turn signals are in working order, keep oil and fuel at the proper levels, check and reposition mirrors, replace any frayed cables and keep the chain well lubricated.

Always wear a helmet. In case you are thrown from your bike, a proper-fitting helmet that meets federal guidelines will help protect you from incurring life-threatening head injuries.

Don’t weave in and out of traffic. Just because motorcycles can fit within the spaces between cars on a packed road doesn’t mean they should. Weaving in and out of cars, especially during heavy traffic, is dangerous and can result in a serious accident.

Don’t speed. No matter what the vehicle, speeding raises your risk of accident. Always observe the posted speed limit.

Don’t tailgate other vehicles. Keep a safe distance between you and other cars. Leave at least one car length per 10 miles per hour of speed between you and the vehicle in front of you at all times.

Maximize your visibility. Compact motorcycles can be harder to see than cars or trucks in traffic, so it’s important to your safety to stay as visible as possible. Avoid riding in other vehicles’ blind spots, use your headlights when appropriate and wear bright-colored clothing.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience can help you get fair and full compensation for your losses. Contact us today for more details.

Today’s smartphones, GPS systems and other technology have certainly made it easier to find information and communicate while on the go. However, these gadgets have also added greatly to the growing epidemic of distracted driving, one of the leading causes of auto accidents in this country. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a U.S. federal agency that investigates and reports on air and vehicle accidents, is making several efforts to curb inattentive driving, including recommending a complete federal ban on cell phone use while driving. The board is also hosting a one-day, open-to-the-public attentive driving forum titled, Attentive Driving: Countermeasures for Distraction, on March 27, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

The forum will cover a wide range of distracted driving, including:

• The wide range of distractions drivers face on the road
• The attitudes and behaviors behind inattentive driving
• Current and proposed distracting driving laws and enforcement
• Counteracting inattentive driving with technology and design

Expert panelists will include safety advocacy groups, auto makers, law enforcement, government and the research community. The forum will also feature American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and professional car driver Andy Pilgrim, both vocal advocates for distracted driving reform. For more information, The NTSB has posted a complete event agenda on its website.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. EST, the forum will take place at the NTSB Conference Center in Washington, D.C. and will be streamed live via webcast. The webcast will be available on the NTSB website for viewing a few days after the forum.

The personal injury attorneys of Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience are here to help if you or your loved ones have been injured in an auto accident. For a free legal consultation, please contact us.

Disclaimer: The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

You just bought that great bike you’ve always wanted. Whether it’s a heavyweight Harley, a sport bike or a touring cycle, safety should always be your number one concern when riding. Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys know the kinds of serious injury that motorcyclists risk when riding among cars and trucks that may not be as alert to their presence as they should be. When others aren’t looking out for you, it’s important to do everything you can to look out for yourself.

Motorcycle riders may dream about taking their machines out on the miles and miles of open highway that crisscross our vast state, but most Arizona motorcycle accidents actually happen in our cities. The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) issues an annual “crash report” of statistics for every Arizona motor vehicle accident in a given year. In both 2010 and 2009, motorcycle accidents that caused injury or death were more than twice as likely to happen on urban streets as on rural roadways. A Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyer can help if you’ve suffered injuries due to another person’s failure to take proper caution in crowded city driving conditions.

If you ride a motorcycle, protect yourself by following these safety guidelines:

• Learn and Practice

You took a class to learn to drive a car, so why not take a motorcycle safety class, too? Attending a class prior to riding your motorcycle will ensure that you’re familiar with the necessary defensive maneuvers and safety measures. You can also practice emergency riding techniques in a remote area or parking lot. These include learning how to safely swerve and change speeds quickly, without losing control of your bike, in order to avoid a crash.

• Scan Ahead

When you drive a car or truck, you look ahead to spot upcoming problems or potential hazards in your path. Operating a motorcycle requires even more alert and attentive scanning. Why? Because motorcycles can go down easily whenever your balance is upset. An empty bottle or other small debris in the road can abruptly force you into a spin or uncontrolled skid. Also, since motorcycles are relatively small compared to other vehicles, you run more of a risk of getting lost in a car or truck’s blind spot, and you may have to take quick evasive action if a vehicle begins to unexpectedly move into your lane.

• Dress Appropriately

Have you ever heard of a motorcyclist being called an “organ donor?” This grim joke usually refers to a motorcyclist who rides without a helmet, as an unhelmeted rider is likely to suffer massive head trauma in a serious accident. Helmet use for anyone 18 or over is not mandated in Arizona, but you’d be wise to ALWAYS wear a good quality helmet that protects your head, face and eyes when riding. In 2010 motorcycle accidents, according to the MVD crash report, riders not wearing helmets were about twice as likely to be killed. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s directions for securing their product properly on your head. In the event of an equipment failure, a helmet maker’s first attempted defense in a product liability lawsuit is often that the rider wasn’t wearing his or her helmet properly.

It’s also important to wear the proper clothes when riding your motorcycle. Did you ever get your pant leg stuck in your bicycle chain as a kid? Imagine the serious consequences of something similar happening on a motorcycle! Avoid loose or hanging clothing that may get caught in your bike or impede your vision. It is also a good idea to cover as much skin as possible with heavy protective clothing, like riding leathers, even in hot weather. You don’t want to suffer “road rash” – or worse.

Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident? The experienced accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC will fight for your rights and for all the compensation you’re entitled to. Call us today for a free initial legal consultation at 800-501-2782 or 480-833-8800.

In 1933, Arizona car buyers had a new option to consider if they were purchasing a Ford – a car radio pre-installed at the Ford factory. No doubt the first Arizona auto accident caused by a driver fiddling with the radio knobs was soon to follow. Within a few decades, drivers could play tapes or records in their automobiles if they wished. These were the beginnings of a new type of distracted driving.

“Distracted driving” has become the term of choice for the practice that could be called “driving while paying attention to something else.” And of course, it is a practice that has existed since the invention of the automobile, and even before. After all, even the driver of a horse and buggy could compromise road safety by reading, having a snack, or putting on makeup while in motion. But electronic technology and the perceived need to stay connected at all times seem to present a much greater temptation to today’s motorists.

As a glance at the news will show, the recent explosion of mobile devices has led too many drivers to take unacceptable risks with their lives and the lives of others. Serious Arizona car accidents involving a driver distracted by an electronic device are a regular occurrence. Today’s motorists have a wide range of devices that can potentially divert their attention from the road – cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, laptop computers, GPS navigation units, MP3 players or even in-car DVD players.

The most commonly criticized form of distracted driving is texting while driving, which studies have shown to be more dangerous than driving drunk. Driving while “intexticated,” as a recently coined word calls it, is supposedly frowned on by the vast majority of people. A 2010 poll showed that 97 percent of Americans supported a ban on texting while driving. It’s hard to imagine that only 3 percent of the population has ever engaged in this activity, so even many drivers who oppose the practice probably occasionally give in to the temptation to do it anyway. This goes to show the seductive power of these devices, and how easy it is for drivers to fool themselves into thinking that the distraction they cause isn’t too bad, maybe just this once.

The statistics are clear, however. In 2009, 16% of auto accident fatalities resulted from accidents that involved distracted driving – well over 5,000 deaths nationwide. A 2011 study estimated distracted driving was a factor in up to 30 percent of recent car crashes. With lives literally at stake – not to mention severe bodily injury, property damage and fines or even jail time – it’s foolish to take unnecessary risks like operating electronic devices while driving. Follow these tips:

• Don’t make or take calls while driving – even though drivers can keep their eyes on the road while talking, studies have shown that phone conversations distract the brain from the important driving task at hand. That’s true even when a hands-free set it used.
• Just say no to distracted driving! Make a pact with family and friends to refrain completely from this practice. If necessary, put electronic devices out of reach while driving to avoid temptation.
• Consider installing anti-texting software in your family’s phones. These apps disable a phone’s ability to display, send or receive texts when it senses that it’s in a moving vehicle.
• Support public awareness campaigns that work to end distracted driving, and let your state and city leaders know that you support laws banning texting while driving

If you have suffered the consequences of distracted driving, or if you are involved or injured in any kind of serious auto accident, it’s in your interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Hiring an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer is one of the most important things you can do to protect your rights. Call the knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC at 480-833-8800 or 800-501-2782 for a free consultation.

If you or a loved one has been gravely injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you are entitled to compensation for your damages under Arizona law. However, when filing a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona, it’s important to be mindful of the statutes of limitations, or the amount of time you have to take legal action following an incident, such as an auto accident, animal attack or other serious injury.

In Arizona, you have up to two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. After the statute of limitations has passed, you forfeit your right to seek reparations for your injuries. If you’re considering bringing legal action, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer right away; otherwise, you could lose out on your rightful claim.

There are a few legal exceptions to the usual period of statutes. For instance, if you’re considering bringing a lawsuit against the government, you may have only six months to file a suit. Also, cases that evoke the discovery rule can extend the amount of time you have to act legally. The discovery rule covers plaintiffs who could have not known they were injured or who caused the injury. In those cases, your period to act is after the point of discovery, not the actual injury.

A number of other exceptions could apply to your case. Only an experienced personal injury lawyer such as the attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen and Patience can advise you as to how much time you have to legally act. Don’t delay in seeking legal help. Hesitating to take action in your personal injury lawsuit could cost you. Contact us today.

The complexity of your auto accident insurance claim depends on several factors, including extent of damage and insurance coverage.

If you’ve been involved in serious auto accident, you’ll most likely need to file an insurance claim in order to recover expenses resulting from the accident. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the claims process can be simple or complicated. For instance, a claim for an accident in which there was little damage and no medical expenses should be fairly straightforward. However, if your case is more complicated (i.e. fault is unclear, your insurance policy does not offer enough coverage, you do not accept the insurance adjuster’s settlement offer), it might take considerably longer to come to an agreeable settlement. In any case, an experienced auto accident attorney can help advise you on the best course of action in order to maximize your settlement.

Investigating Your Auto Accident Claim

An insurance adjuster will need to investigate your injury claim to determine the insurance company’s liability. This investigation may include:

· Looking at your policy, including levels of coverage

· Contacting other people involved in the accident

· Contacting accident witnesses

· Examining the police report from the accident

· Checking out the vehicle(s) involved in the accident

· Viewing photographs of the accident scene

· Investigating any medical expenses

If the claim is to cover medical bills from the accident, the adjuster will send a medical authorization form for the release of your medical records.

The Settlement Offer

Once the investigation is over, the adjuster will send you a settlement offer. The settlement offer will tell you the amount the insurance company is willing to pay on your claim. A word of warning: This offer is typically on the low side. However, even if the initial offer is unacceptable, there’s usually room for negotiation, especially with a skilled attorney on your side.

The Demand Letter

If you are certain about what your accident claim is worth, you can preempt the adjuster’s settlement offer with your own demand letter (also known as a settlement proposal). The demand letter should detail fault (if an issue) and damages and provide a settlement amount. Your auto accident attorney can help you draft an effective demand letter.

Negotiating Your Settlement

If you’re unhappy with the initial settlement offer, in many cases, you will be able to negotiate a more equitable settlement. However, negotiating with insurance companies can be rather tricky. Insurance companies will do whatever is necessary to pay you as little as possible. Enlisting the help of a lawyer with extensive experience dealing with insurance companies can help you negotiate a larger settlement.

If Your Auto Accident Claim is Denied

The insurance company may deny your claim in whole or in part for a variety of reasons such as limits in your coverage. If you feel your claim was unfairly denied, you can take the insurance company to court in order to get compensation. However, keep in mind that you must act quickly, as there are statutes of limitations for acting on most personal injury claims. Your lawyer can guide you on your rights under the law and help you get the settlement to which you are entitled.

In the unfortunate event that you find yourself filing and/or negotiating an auto insurance claim, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer who will fight for you. The auto accident lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC will do just that to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please contact us today for an initial consultation.

Because of their size, maneuveribility and lack of safety equipment, motorcycles carry a significantly higher risk of serious injury than other vehicles.

For some, motorcycles are a thrilling, rebellious and liberating way to drive the open road. However, according to auto accident statistics, motorcycle riders are more likely to get in an accident than car and truck drivers; moreover, in the event of accident, motorcyclists are more significantly more likely to be injured than drivers and passengers of drivers and trucks. The following are more facts about motorcycle accidents in the U.S.:

• On average, 25% of motorcycle operators fatally injured in auto accidents were operating their motor­cycles with invalid licenses, compared to about 15 percent for fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers.
• Intersections are the most likely place for motorcycle accidents.
• Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41 percent for motorcycle passengers.
• On average, 30 percent of riders involved in fatal crashes had a BAC of .08 or higher.

Why are motorcycle accidents more likely to result in injuries and fatalities than passenger vehicles? Because of the relatively small size and maneuverability of motorcycles, many drivers fail to see them in traffic; in fact, failure to see and/or properly yield to motorcycles is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents in the U.S. Also, because motorcycles lack the safety equipment such as airbags and seatbelts, riders are more likely to be ejected during collision, which can cause very serious injuries and even death.

Like any auto accident, serious motorcycle accidents can result in mounting expenses, including the following:

• Motorcycle damage
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Recovering these expenses can involve lengthy battles with insurance companies and/or other responsible parties. A lawyer well versed in motorcycle accident law can fight for you and help you recoup these expenses to the fullest extent of the law.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, let the motorcycle accident attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience assist you in getting the compensation to which you are entitled. We offer more than 40 years of plaintiff personal injury experience to help you regain costs resulting from your accident. Contact us today for your free, personal and confidential initial legal consultation.