The Governor’s Highway Safety Administration reports that there were over 4,700 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2009, noting the first time in 12 years that the number of fatalities has declined. In Colorado, the number of deaths decreased as well, down over 10 percent from the 2008 high of 98.

A recent report by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) states that there are nearly 175,000 registered motorcycles in the state. With more and more motorcyclist on the road, it is important for riders and drivers of other vehicles alike to take notice and help the number of accidents and fatalities continue the downward trend.

Staying Safe

Though experts recommend wearing proper protective gear while riding, including gloves, eye protection and a jacket, perhaps the best way to protect yourself is to wear a properly fitting helmet. In Colorado, the CDOT statistics note that two-thirds of those killed in motorcycle accidents during 2009 were not wearing helmets. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) estimates that wearing a helmet can reduce motorcycle accident fatalities by up to 37 percent.

Though lack of head protection is a major factor in motorcycle related deaths, the use of helmets by riders has been consistently on the rise. The NHTSA estimates that in 2009, 67 percent of riders were wearing a helmet, up from 48 percent in 2005.

The other major contributing factor in motorcycle fatalities is the use of alcohol. As with the operation of any motor vehicle, you should avoid using alcohol if you plan on riding. The CDOT reports that 40 percent of all motorcycle accident deaths involved alcohol use by the operator last year, up 6 percent from 2008.

Increasing Awareness for Drivers of Cars and Other Vehicles

The insurance company Allstate has released a list of motorcycle safety tips for drivers of motor vehicles to keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcycles. The tips note that the main reason motorcyclists crash is because drivers of cars and other vehicles do not see them. Because motorcycles are smaller, they can easily disappear in blind spots and be closer in mirrors than they appear.

Giving motorcyclists enough room is also emphasized by Allstate. Bikers will often slow down by downshifting instead of using their brakes, meaning that drivers behind motorcycles may not see brakes lights as the rider slows down. Also, it is difficult for bikers to slow down or stop quickly on wet roads. Allowing more following distance in wet or slippery conditions can help save lives.

The company notes that 80 percent of motorcycle accidents will result in death or some form of injury, as riders lack the protection of a car and its safety devices like airbags and seat belts. It is important for all riders and drivers to be more aware and safely share the road during the peak riding season.

Article provided by Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm, P.C.

Please visit us at www.doehlinglaw.com

A Mesa woman was killed this morning after rolling her sport-utility vehicle, injuring two others.

The Colorado State Patrol said Courtni J. Bieser, 23, was driving east on County Road 330E, approximately 22 miles east of Collbran, when her 1996 Nissan Pathfinder lost control on a curve, went off the road and rolled multiple times down an embankment about 50 feet from the road. Bieser, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The accident was reported just after midnight.

A front seat passenger, Joseph Bieser, 22, of Mesa, was wearing a seat belt and was treated at the scene for minor injuries, troopers said. Hannah Etcheverry, 18, of Collbran, was riding unrestrained in the back seat and was ejected. She was taken to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs reportedly in stable condition.

If you had benn injured in an accident you are welcome to contact Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm, P.C. at (970) 241-9370.

In the following post

http://doehlinglaw.com/blog/uninsured-motorist-coverage/motorcycle-accidents-in-colorado

I discussed the importance of proper insurance coverage for street legal motorcycles.  I will now discuss interesting points of consideration for dirt bikes and atv’s or any other “toy” that you may have that is not intended for use on a public road and is not subject to title and licensing.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICIES USUALLY CONTAIN LIABILITY EXCLUSIONS FOR MOTORCYCLES, ATV’S, BOATS, AIRPLANES.

Again, my experience as a claims manager for an insurance company for many years brought to my attention (on several occasions) the trouble people get themselves into because of their lack of follow through to obtain proper insurance for a dirt bike,  atv or other “toy” they own. I will discuss more particulars regarding Boats and airplanes in a future writing.

You need to automatically assume that you DO NOT HAVE ANY INSURANCE COVERAGE (liability or physical damage) for any toy you buy, own or control unless and until you have a meeting with your insurance agent and he or the company your insured with gives you something in writing that says otherwise.

YOU need to address the following steps if YOU are buying an dirt bike, atv, boat, airplane or any other “toy” that you may have that is not intended for use on a public road and is not subject to title and licensing.

1) DISCLOSE TO YOUR INSURANCE AGENT ALL MOTORIZED “TOYS”  THAT YOU OWN.  For your own protection it is best if you submit a written list of those motorized toys to the agent with

Name of actual owner (individual, commercial entity etc…)

Make

Model

Horsepower or size of engine

Year

Use (i.e. recreation, farm, commercial)

Lien (do you owe money on it if so to who?)

Value (replacement and current market value)

Likely Operators of the unit (you, spouse, children, friends relatives etc…)

2) Have your agent or agents secretary acknowledge receipt of your list in writing for your records.

3) Sit down and discuss with your agent your wishes to be protected for liability arising out of the use of any toy that you may own or control.

4) Sit down and discuss with your agent your desire to have physical damage coverage for the toy(s) if indeed you want to compensated for the value of same if damaged.

5) Ask your agent if their is MEDICAL PAYMENTS coverage available if you or another operator is injured while operating the toy. This is very important coverage for you and any passenger that may be on the vehicle.

6) Ask your agent if the liability coverage extends “off premise“. Can you take the toy away from your residence premises and still have the same liability and physical damage coverage that you may have at your resident premises?

7) Discuss with your agent if indeed the toy has  a “multi purpose“.   Is it used for farming or commercial work as well as recreation? The agent needs to know this and you need to stress that you want liability coverage for all uses.

Review your list of “toys” with your agent each and every year or sooner if you acquire or sell a new toy.

As an insurance claims manager, I witnessed the failure of the toy owner to report to his agent that he/she even had a “toy”. This was a problem for the owner as a denial was usually sent in quick order when there was no liability endorsement or other liability coverage specifically listing that unit involved in an accident.

I also worked and reviewed several personal injury insurance claims where the children of an atv or dirt bike allowed others to ride with them or allowed others to operate the toy. Sure enough that person or all involved are injured and again there is no coverage because the owner simply failed to sit down and discuss the toys with his/her insurance agent.

You are invited and encouraged to contact Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm P.C. in Grand Junction, CO and schedule a free consultation with Gary should you or a loved one been injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado or Utah.

Toll Free 866-941-9370

Scott Krug, CPCU

Claims Manger

Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm P.C.

www.doehlinglaw.com