Updated on 10/12/2023

Lane Filtering is Legal in Utah. In March of 2019, Utah legalized lane filtering becoming the second state after California to formally rule on a motorcycle-specific maneuver. Lane filtering is not as permissive as lane splitting but can help motorcyclists avoid being tailgated. Lane splitting in Utah remains illegal.

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As of October 2023, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Washington. There have been multiple attempts to legalize lane splitting here, but all have failed. Motorcyclists in Washington should contact their representatives and the governor's office to express their wishes on this topic.

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Today (September 1, 2023), an amendment to the existing state transportation code went into effect in the state of Texas. The amendment specifically declares that both lane splitting and lane filtering are now illegal in the state.

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The Tennessee state legislature introduced HB 1454 and SB 0298 in the General Assembly. These two bills would allow lane filtering in the state of Tennessee if certain circumstances were in effect. If traffic is traveling at 25 mph or less, then Lane Splitting woud be legal.

“As introduced, authorizes two-wheeled motorcycles to be operated between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane on certain limited access highways and interstate highways when the speed of traffic is 25 miles per hour or less.”

The Tennessee Senate version (SB 0298) was on the Transportation and Safety Subcommittee calendar for discussion on March 8, 2023. There hasn't been any movement from the house on HB 1454. As of this post publish date, lane filtering is not legal in Tennessee.

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As of March 1, 2023, the state of Tennessee mandates use of helmet by motorcyclists. Two helmet law bills have been introduced in the Tennessee House and Senate chambers that exempt certain riders over the age of 21 from any requirement to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle.

The two bills — HB 0042, introduced by Representative Jay Reedy and SB 1450, introduced by Senator Kerry Roberts — contain substantially the same language. The pair of bills seek to create a four-year pilot program that would no longer require riders 21 years and older to wear helmets by law, if they do not receive health insurance through TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program.

Both HB 0042 and SB 1450 currently would require all riders who are insured under TennCare to continue to use helmets while riding. 

At this time, All Motorcyclists riding in Tennessee must wear a helmet.

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Currently, Lane Filtering is not legal in Oregon. On May 26, 2021, Governor Kate Brown vetoed SB 574, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would have made lane filtering legal in Oregon. The bill as written allowed lane filtering under specific circumstance, so it is unfortunate that it wasn't signed into law at the time. on March 2, 2023, the Oregon Legislative Assembly's Senate Committee on Judiciary held a public hearing regarding Senate Bill 422, which once again seeks to legalize lane filtering in the state of Oregon. As of March 13, 2023, SB 574's next scheduled activity is a working session in that committee later in the month.

Lane filtering in Oregon remains illegal as of March 2023.

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Lane Splitting is not legal in Virginia and is considered reckless driving (or reckless riding).

The state of Virginia has been considering legalizing lane splitting for several years. In January 2020, Representative Tony Wilt submitted House Bill 1236 to amend the Code of Virginia to allow lane splitting by motorcyclists. Bill 1236 was referred to the Committee on Transportation, where it remained, never going anywhere.

In January 2022, House Bill 838, which would have made lane filtering legal under certain circumstances, was co-sponsored by state representatives Tony Wilt and Kathy Tran. The bill would have allowed for lane filtering for motorcycles if "overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped or traveling at a speed not in excess of 10 miles per hour in the same direction of travel and in the same lane."

HB 838 was referred to the Committee on Transportation, where it died in February of that same year.  

Virginia Lane Splitting Law 2023 

As of February 2023, no further action has taken place on lane splitting or lane filtering.

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18 States Require Motorcyclists to Wear Helmets

It's true that motorcycle helmets have proven to save lives, butnot all states require helmets. There are only 18 states that require all riders to wear helmets while riding motorcycles. The states that make wearing a helmet legally mandatory for everyone are:

Alabama

California

District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)

Georgia

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Oregon

Tennessee

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

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On February 6, 2023, House Bill 1046, was introduced in the state legislature. The bill would allow lane filtering under specific circumstances if signed into law. The bill as written also specifically makes clear that it is in no way meant to endorse or promote the practice of lane splitting. 

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There's only one state that specifically legalized lane splitting, and that state is California. If you live in or are riding your motorcycle in California, you can feel great knowing that Lane Splitting is Legal in California. For many years California relied on an "it's not illegal" attitude. In 2016, California became the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal.

In all other states, lane splitting is either specifically banned, or there's no law making it legal or illegal. In the states that don't have explicitly allow or ban lane splitting, it's left up to the individual police office to decide if the act was safe or negligent, meaning the officer has a lot of discretion when it comes to lane splitting.

There are a few states, like Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, West Virginia, Colorado, Louisiana and Delaware that are considering making Lane Splitting legal or illegal.

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Published February 1, 2023

Denver (The Motorcycle Lawyer℠) - A house bill was introduced in the current state legislative session to fund a feasibility study of lane splitting within the state. If it's passed and funded, it would be conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado State Patrol. 

If you live in Colorado and you want this bill to pass, be sure contact your state legislators and encourage other residents to do the same.

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On March 3, 2021, Montana governor Greg Gianforte officially signed SB9, titled "An act providing for motorcycle lane filtering," into state law. According to the law, riders of two-wheeled motorcycles in Montana may now lane filter on roads with lanes wide enough to pass safely, not to exceed speeds of 20 mph when overtaking slowed or stopped vehicles. The lane filtering law took effect on October 1, 2021. Lane filtering remains legal within the state of Montana in 2023.

By Montana's definition, lane filtering consists of the act of overtaking and passing other vehicles that are either stopped or traveling at 10 mph or under in the same direction of travel, and in the same lane of traffic.

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As of September 24, 2022, lane filtering by motorcycle is legal, albeit under specific circumstances. Under what conditions or circumstances is lane filtering legal for motorcycles? Legal lane filtering in Arizona requires both the motorcycle and the surrounding traffic to be traveling at speeds of 15 mph or less.

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In the state of Hawaii, it's legal to shoulder surf. The Hawaiian islands made shoulder surfing legal for motorcyclists on July 12, 2018. Because of narrow roads common in the Hawaiian islands, lane splitting and filtering are often not an option, however, motorcyclists are permitted to ride the shoulder of the road when there is congestion.

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The number one cause of motorcycle accidents is failure to yield the right of way, according to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration on 2019 motorcycle crash statistics. In particular, failure to yield by a left-hand turning vehicle is responsible for 42% of all motorcycle crashes.

In the motorcycle community, it is regarded as one of the most dangerous situations a motorcyclist is faced with. The turning car usually hits the motorcycle while the motorcycle is going straight through an intersection. These accidents are pretty common among passenger vehicles as well, but the smaller size and the less protection afforded a motorcycle make these accidents even more devastating

In a vast majority of these cases, the vehicle making the left-hand turn will be found at fault for the accident.

If you're injured in a motorcycle accident, your best move is to call The Motorcycle Lawyer Network. We are attorneys who specialize in motorcycle accident law and can help you handle your insurance claim, obtain an optimal settlement, or advocate for you in court. With affiliates located in major cities around the country, Dallas, New York, Detroit, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and every other city and state throughout the U.S., we have the network and reach to help you in your city. Activate our specialized team today at 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

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When it comes to motorcycle use and accident statistics, most experts agree that the “Hurt Report” is the most comprehensive study and analysis ever performed on the subject. Even though published in 1981, the information and statistical data are still relevant today. It found that motorcyclists are NOT usually at fault in an accident situation.

Conducted by USC Professor Harry Hunt and initiated by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the Hurt Report identified answers to many questions that help shed light on who is usually at fault when these collisions occur.

All of the following information was found within the Hurt Report :

When motorcycles are involved in crashes with another vehicle(s), the other vehicle(s) is found to have violated the biker's right-of-way and be at fault for the collision in more than 66% of those accidents.

Incidents in which other vehicles fail to recognize a motorcyclist in traffic were found to be the leading cause of most motorcycle accidents.

The most common situations resulting in a collision with a motorcycle occur when automobile drivers violate a motorcyclist's right of way by turning left in front of the biker while the biker is trying to go straight.

Intersections are the most likely place for a motorcycle accident to occur.

Most motorcycle accidents occur during short trips and close to the trip's origin.

The majority of motorcycle accidents are suffered by those between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four.

Although many automobile drivers are surprised that automobiles are usually at fault for collisions, motorcyclists are not. Those who ride regularly are well aware that most automobile drivers do not put forth enough effort to help keep motorcyclists safe.

While a cage of steel protects auto drivers, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements, often resulting in brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries when a collision occurs. Fatalities among motorcyclists involved in collisions are very high, and many of these collisions could be avoided by an increased effort by auto drivers to check their surroundings before making turns.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in injuries, chances are, they have a right to pursue compensation against the driver who is responsible. Those in this position should contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Motorcycle Attorney Network. Motorcycle law is all we do so, we do it better than anyone else.

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When most people hear about a car hitting a motorcycle, they automatically assume the motorcyclist must have been speeding, or zipping through traffic recklessly and without signaling. But the truth is the data shows in the vast majority of collisions involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle (over two-thirds of these types of collisions), the driver of the passenger vehicle is at fault in most motorcycle accidents, usually for failing to yield the right of way to the motorcyclist.

Most motorcycle crashes involving other vehicles occur on highways or at intersections. They often occur in the following situations:

When a driver is making a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcyclist (this accounts for 42% of all collisions involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle)

When a driver is changing or merging into the same lane as the motorcyclist

When a driver fails to stop or slow in time at a stop sign or traffic signal

Because motorcycles are much smaller than cars, drivers often think that motorcycles are farther away or moving slower than they are. Therefore, drivers may mistakenly think there is a safe distance between them and a motorcycle to turn or change lanes when there isn’t.

Unfortunately, while we now know that motorcyclists are rarely at fault for their crashes when they involve another passenger vehicle, many insurance adjusters still make the mistake of believing that motorcyclists are always at fault for their accidents.

That means that motorcyclists have to fight an uphill battle to get compensation from an insurance company that already doesn’t believe them before they even file a claim for their injuries after a crash. Because the injuries motorcyclists face after a crash are typically severe, and often fatal, compensation is needed more than ever.

At The Motorcycle Lawyer Network, we don’t let insurance companies continue to unfairly deny the claims of motorcyclists who had nothing to do with their injuries, and we want to make sure injured victims get the maximum amount they are owed. We have successfully defended motorcyclists for over 26 years and give back to the motorcycle community through our outreach programs. Particularly, our Accident Scene Management Class (where one learns basic skills to assist fellow bikers involved in an accident) and our Motorcycle Legal Education Program.

We are a nationwide organization with locations throughout South Carolina including Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach, Fort Mill, and Mount Pleasant. Call us today at 1-877-BIKER-LAW

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If you are the witness of a motorcycle crash, stop at the scene and call 911 immediately. The operator will ask about any injuries. You must assume that the rider was injured, even if the rider appears to be fine. Secure the scene as safely as possible, until emergency crews arrive, to prevent further accidents. Do not move the injured rider. Take as many pictures as possible from all angles of the motorcycle, any other vehicles involved, the roadway, any landmarks, or anything else that may help to determine the cause and location. When the police arrive, be sure to tell them exactly what you saw. You may not remember a day later. Was the motorcycle traveling at a safe speed? Was the rider staying within the proper lane? Was there any vehicle that contributed that did not make contact with the motorcycle?

The victim of a motorcycle accident will likely be injured to a point where he will not be able to gather information from witnesses, take pictures or even give an account to police. The victim needs a sound witness to step in and do what is necessary that his incapacitation prevents. Try to locate additional witnesses and get their names and contact information. They may decide to leave before the police arrive. This will be a great help to the victim in the future.

As the witness to a motorcycle accident your account of what took place is critical. The rider may have no memory of the accident at all and will rely on your firsthand information as the cornerstone of his case. Memories may fade away and evidence may disappear along with other witnesses. The pictures that you take and the information that you gather at the scene could be the basis for the plaintiff’s entire case. If you should witness a motorcycle crash, do the right thing and help as much as you can. If you were the victim, would you not want the same?

Jason Waechter, known as The Motorcycle Lawyer℠, has successfully fought for the rights of motorcycle accident victims for over 26 years. His specialized knowledge regarding motorcycle litigation has led to significant settlements awards going into the millions for his clients. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident in any city of any state, call him today at 1-877-BIKER-LAW. He has vetted expert motorcycle injury law affiliates throughout the United States.

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Believe it or not, there was a study done by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration on the question of, “At what speed do motorcycle accidents happen?” It was found that motorcycle accidents can occur at any speed, the worst ones tend to happen at a median speed of 29.8 mph. This slower-than-average speed might surprise many people. Additionally, the average speed at impact is just 21.5 mph and it is not common for motorcyclists to be going over the speed limit.

There is a multitude of other reasons for the cause of a motorcycle accident. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety-Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI), nearly 5,000 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2018. This is more than twice the number of fatalities in 1997. It is not a stretch to think many of these accidents likely involved driver error or careless driving.

Motor vehicle drivers who engage in careless or reckless driving can act negligently and cause accidents that have little to do with speed. Situations that can lead to deadly road accidents between motorcyclists and drivers of larger vehicles include those involving drivers who:

• Fail to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists properly
• Attempt to pass a motorcycle without clearing enough space first
• Change lanes improperly to pass a motorist
• Do not see when a motorcyclist is changing lanes
• Follow too closely, not giving a motorcycle the proper distance
• Misjudge distance and fail to brake in time to stop safely behind a motorcyclist
• Are distracted while driving (e.g., texting and driving)
• Operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Nod off or fall asleep while operating their vehicle

We’ve been fighting injustice for over 25 years and we continue to win millions for our clients. If you find yourself dealing with the devastating effects of a motorcycle accident, do not try to go it alone and do it yourself. Call and get a free case evaluation and let the specialized motorcycle lawyers at The Motorcycle Lawyer Network do the hard work for you.

Our No-Win-No-Fee Promise means there is never a fee unless we collect money damages for you.

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Yes, Arizona is an at-fault state. This translates to meaning the one who is responsible for causing a motorcycle accident is responsible for paying the damages. Therefore, your attorney can file a claim directly with the at-fault’s insurance company. Jason Waechter is an experienced motorcycle accident attorney serving clients throughout all of the states.

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle injury accident call or visit Jason today at (877)-Biker-Law for a free personalized consultation today. We are a national firm with Affiliate Motorcycle Lawyers in every state. We have vetted offices in Arizona handling the entire state—Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, Mesa and more.

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Answer: In Arizona, the maximum noise level for motorcycle mufflers is determined by the model of the motorcycle, measured 50 feet from the center of a lane of the road. Noise reduction parts must be installed if the original muffler is no longer installed. Arizona also prohibits the use of cutoff or bypass devices. To learn more about Arizona Motorcycle Law click here

December 2015

Updates from The Motorcycle Lawyer

The Law Offices
of Jason Waechter

Jason Waechter and his team of lawyers specialize in personal injury law across the United States. If you or anyone you know has been injured, please call us today… we want to help!

Headquarters:
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Reflecting.

Looking Back on 2015

Well, here we are again: another year has sped by, and a new year is almost upon us. They always seem to go too fast. Before 2015 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to review some of “the good stuff” from the past twelve months, and then take a look ahead at next year.

We Gave Back

We sponsored the A.B.A.T.E. Awareness program!

This year, we became the exclusive sponsor of Michigan's ABATE Awareness Program, and donated $2,000to help teach motorcycle and bicycle awareness to young drivers in driver's education programs.

Read the whole story here.

We Trunk or Treated

We volunteered at Methodist Children's Home Society

We got ourselves and our truck dressed up and handed out candy to over 300 kids during Methodist Children's Home Society's annual Trunk or Treat event. Ironically, this heart-warming event was held on one of the coldest days we have seen in a long while.

Read the whole story here.

We Helped Students

The 2015 Waechter Medical-Legal Scholarship

Our 2015 Waechter Medical-Legal Scholarship entries were the most creative we've seen yet! My team and I are looking forward to seeing all the 2016 submissions starting January 1.

To see their entries, as well as entries from previous years, click here.

We Were Honored

My Team and I are So Proud!

Looking Forward to 2016

Reaching Out to Help

As we always do, my team and I will continue to monitor and report on new laws that affect motorcyclists here in Michigan and across the country. We will be watching for trends you should know about, ideas you can try, and inspiring stories to share. But we can't do it without you.

If you have a story to share, tell us! If you have questions about the law, ask us! If you have an event you'd like to tell other bikers about, let us know, we may be able to help spread the word! We are here to help you… help us do that!

Find us on Facebook.

Tweet at us on Twitter.

Follow us on Pinterest.

Write to us at writer@lawyerforlife.com.

Call us at 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

If You're Hurt, Don't Hesitate

Obviously, the focus of this newsletter is our motorcycle accident injury practice, but did you know we can help with all kinds of injury cases?

Dog Bite Injury

Dog Attack Injury

Slip and Fall Injuries

Auto Accident Injuries

Medical Malpractice

Drugs Causing Injury

Birth Injuries

As if that's not enough, I have also personally researched and vetted injury attorneys across the country, in order to build a nationwide network of top accident injury lawyers. No matter what city or state you were injured in, we can connect you with a top attorney to help you with your case.

If you or someone you care about has been injured, call us as soon as possible to get us working for you: 1-800-708-5433.  

Yet another recall motorcyclists need to be aware of: Yamaha is recalling its YZF-R1 (2015 models in United States; 2016 models in Canada).  The recall hasn't been announced yet but owners will be notified soon.

The recall stems from potential transmission failure, the result of weak components and stress concentrated at the gear teeth. The weak components could cause the gears to fail, which in turn could cause the transmission to lock up, creating the potential for a crash, injury, or even death.

Yamaha will arrange the repair of affected bikes at authorized Yamaha dealers. The fix will involve replacing the weak gear components with a different design, all of which will be covered under warranty. Because of the extensive repairs, owners should expect to be without their bikes for at least a day, if not longer.

If you own one of these motorcycles, contact your authorized dealer or Yamaha Customer service before you ride again; it may not be safe to do so. Yamaha's customer service department: 1-800-962-7326.

Is your bike affected by this recall? Let us know! If you have been injured in a crash and you think your affected bike might be the cause contact us

right away at 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

October 2015 Updates from The Motorcycle Lawyer

 Trunk or Treat!

Giving Back to our Community

As The Motorcycle Lawyer, it's my job to help bikers in need. On top of that, my team and I are always looking for ways to give back to the community. That's why we recently decked out our truck in sweet Halloween style, put on costumes, and handed out candy to over 300 kids during Methodist Children's Home Society's annual Trunk or Treat event! It was a cold day, but it warmed our hearts to see all the kids having a great time in their costumes. Way to go team!

Got a special event for us in Michigan?

Email writer@lawyerforlife.com.

Helmet Laws in Michigan

Tracking SB 527

Are mandatory helmet laws making a comeback in Michigan? At the end of September, Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) sponsored a Bill (SB 527) proposing the reinstatement of mandatory helmet laws for all motorcyclists riding in Michigan. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation. You can read my press release about this Bill by clicking here.

Governor Rick Snider signed a repeal of Michigan's mandatory helmet law back in 2012. Currently, motorcyclists (and passengers) can ride without a helmet in Michigan as long as they:

• Are 21 or older
• Carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical insurance
• Have had their motorcycle endorsement (CY) for at least two years, OR
• Got their CY endorsement by completing a certified rider training course.

If SB 527 is passed into law, all motorcyclists would be required to wear a helmet while riding… no exceptions. In addition, moped riders under the age of 19 would have to wear a helmet to ride on any road.

This isn't the first time a bill has proposed to reinstate mandatory helmet laws. A similar bill was put forward in 2014, but didn't make it past Committee. My team and I will be watching this and other motorcycle-relevant bills; stay up-to-date by visiting our website or following us on Facebook.

2015 Scholarship Winning Entries

Creativity Takes All

Once again this year, we were blown away by the creativity of medical and legal students who entered our scholarship contest. We received essays of course, but also poems, songs, Mad Libs, and many other interesting entries. The two that stood out the most, however, were submitted by Spring Stonebraker (Nursing, Eastern Michigan University) and Rikkilee Moser (Law, Northern Illinois University).

Spring submitted a beautifully made scrapbook titled “Unintended Consequences”, which provided a discussion of the impact of Michigan's Religious Freedom Restoration Act on healthcare in the state.

Rikkilee sent us an illustrated story showing how if Law and Medicine work together, they can save the world.

Both scholarship recipients will receive $1,000 (via their schools' financial aid office) towards their tuition. Our winners and some ‘honorable mentions' will be posted on our website soon.

We want to thank all the students who took the time to send in a creative entry. Keep up the good work!

Beyond Motorcycle Accident Injury Cases

If you're injured, we're here to help

Obviously, the focus of this newsletter is our motorcycle accident injury practice, but did you know we can help with all kinds of injury cases?

Dog Bite Injury

Dog Attack Injury

Slip and Fall Injuries

Auto Accident Injuries

Medical Malpractice

Drugs Causing Injury

Birth Injuries

Trucking Accident Injuries

As if that's not enough, I have also personally researched and vetted injury attorneys across the country, in order to build a nationwide network of top accident injury lawyers. No matter what city or state you were injured in, we can connect you with a top attorney to help you with your case.

If you or someone you care about has been injured, call us as soon as possible to get us working for you: 1-800-708-5433.

What have we been up to? Check it out!

2015 Michigan

Motorcycle Events…

Have an event to share? Email writer@lawyerforlife.com, or let us know on Facebook!

Like us? Tell us… and the world!

We want to reach more bikers who need our help

Write a review to tell people what you like about our firm and the services we offer. If you don't have a Yelp account, that's ok: Just click here, write your review, then click "sign up and post". It'll take you through a quick and easy registration, and you can post your review right away.

Be sure to share your review with us by posting on our Facebook page.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

If you follow this blog, you know I'm committed to giving back to the biker community. In fact, "giving back" is something that my team and I think is very important, which is why we spent a very chilly day handing out candy at Methodist Children's Home Society (MCHS) on Saturday, October 17, during the annual Trunk or Treat event. 

We handed out candy to over 300 kids who are in foster care, residents of MCHS, or live in the local community. In spite of the frigid temperatures, our hearts were warmed seeing all the kids having so much fun. My team really got into the spirit, decorating our events truck, donning spooky or silly costumes, and helping the MCHS team pull off this fantastic event. 

If you are organizing a volunteer event in Michigan, and you think my team could help out, send an email to writer@lawyerforlife.com. 

Happy Halloween! 

September 2015 

Updates from The Motorcycle Lawyer

The Law Offices
of Jason Waechter

Jason Waechter and his team of lawyers specialize in personal injury law across the United States.
If you or anyone you know has been injured, please call us today… we want to help!

Headquarters:
19080 W. Ten Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI, 48075

1-877-BIKER-LAW

Winners All Around!

He's a Winner…

Jason Honored to Receive Nominations

I am proud to announce that, over the last few weeks, I learned that I have been nominated for several honors, a couple of which I wanted to share with you this month.

I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my team, my friends, and our fans. I thank you.

§ Super Lawyers
Jason selected for Super Lawyers for Fifth Straight Year

Super Lawyers is a peer-nominated service that rates outstanding lawyers across the country who have reached the highest levels of professional achievement.

§ Best Lawyers^®
Jason Listed in Best Lawyers in America

Best Lawyers is a peer-reviewed list of the top attorneys in each state. It is considered one of the most credible and respected top attorney listings for over thirty years.

§ Hour Detroit
Jason Named a Top Attorney in Michigan

Every year, Hour Detroit compiles a list of the best and brightest in the metro Detroit area.

She's a Winner…

Brenda Clothier is our Ride ‘n Win-ner!

Brenda Clothier won $500 from Jason “The Motorcycle Lawyer” Waechter in Thunder Roads Michigan's Ride n Win contest. Way to go Brenda!

They're Winners Too…

We've Picked our 2015 Scholarship Recipients

Every year, our firm provides one $1,000 prize for a student in a medical or health-related program, and one $1,000 prize for a student in a legal program.

Thank you to all students who entered this year's competition; it was our largest applicant pool ever! The selection process for the 2015 Waechter Medical-Legal Scholarship is now complete. Watch for a special announcement of our winners within the next two weeks!

Questions? Visit www.birthlaw.com, or email clerk@lawyerforlife.com.

Beyond Motorcycle Accident Injury Cases

If you're injured, we're here to help

Obviously, the focus of this newsletter is our motorcycle accident injury practice, but did you know we can help with all kinds of injury cases?

Dog Bite Injury

Dog Attack Injury

Slip and Fall Injuries

Auto Accident Injuries

Medical Malpractice

Drugs Causing Injury

Birth Injuries

Trucking Accident Injuries

As if that's not enough, I have also personally researched and vetted injury attorneys across the country, in order to build a nationwide network of top accident injury lawyers. No matter what city or state you were injured in, we can connect you with a top attorney to help you with your case.

If you or someone you care about has been injured, call us as soon as possible to get us working for you: 1-800-708-5433.

What have we been up to? Check it out!

2015 Michigan

Motorcycle Events…ßclick

Have an event to share? Email writer@lawyerforlife.com, or let us know on Facebook!

Like us? Tell us… and the world!

We want to reach more bikers who need our help

Write a review to tell people what you like about our firm and the services we offer. If you don't have a Yelp account, that's ok: Just click here, write your review, then click "sign up and post". It'll take you through a quick and easy registration, and you can post your review right away.

Be sure to share your review with us by posting on our Facebook page.

Talk about crafty! A new San Francisco-based startup is hand-making electric motorcycles projected to sell for around $5,000. Nathan Jauvtis, professional tinkerer and co-founder of Bolt, came up with the idea to build a clean, fully electric motorcycle that is easy to ride and accessible to enthusiasts. He started working on Bolt in his garage and has now started taking reservations from buyers.

What sets Bolt apart from other bikes? For starters, you will use a smartphone app to start it, and the bike can be tracked via GPS locator should it ever go missing. Parents will even be able to set limits on Bolt's speed to protect teen riders from the temptations of fast riding.

So what do you think? Is this the future of motorcycling? Weigh in by leaving a comment below, or join the conversation on Facebook. You can check out Bolt Motorbikes at www.boltmotorbikes.com.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle crash, get help. Call us today for a free consultation:

1-877-BIKER-LAW

July 2015

Updates from The Motorcycle Lawyer

The Law Offices
of Jason Waechter

Jason Waechter and his team of lawyers specialize in personal injury law across the United States. If you or anyone you know has been injured, please call us today… we want to help!

Headquarters:
19080 W. Ten Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI, 48075

1-877-BIKER-LAW

Attention Students

and Parents:

One month left to enter the

2015 Waechter Medical-Legal Scholarship

Every year, our firm provides one $1,000 prize for a student in a medical or health-related program, and one $1,000 prize for a student in a legal program. We created this scholarship program in order to encourage health or medical and legal students to cooperate and “think outside the box”. The two prizes are awarded to those students who turn in the most creative submissions.

We want students to be creative: Submit poetry, songs, graphic design, or visual arts pieces… anything goes. Students should create something no longer than 300 words (1 page), based around the following themes:

·        How health / medical and legal professionals can work more easily together

·        How to reduce medical errors

·        What lawyers don't know about medicine, but should

·        What health and medical staff don't know about the law, but should

·        Any other novel topic that mixes the law with health or medicine

All entries must be received by September 1,

to be considered for this year's prize. Applicants must be current students enrolled in a medical / health or legal program (proof of enrollment required).

More details and disclaimers can be found here.

If you are ready, send your submission to clerk@lawyerforlife.com. Please forward our newsletter to any eligible students.

We Give Back, Big Time

Check out the HUGE donation we just made to the A.B.A.T.E. Awareness program!

Every year, I look for new and unique ways to give back to the biker community. My team and I are committed to giving back and to potentially save lives. That's why this year, we made a HUGE donation to the Michigan's A.B.A.T.E. Awareness program, which teaches motorcycle and bicycle awareness to young drivers in driver's education programs.

We invited Vince Consiglio (President, ABATE of Michigan) and Mark Buchanan (Director, ABATE Awareness) to come to our Southfield office to accept a BIG FAT CHECK in the amount of $2,000 to help keep their program going. Since it began twenty years ago, ABATE's Awareness program has brought motorcycle and bicycle awareness education to tens of thousands of new drivers.

Read the whole story here.

Did you or someone you know benefit from the A.B.A.T.E. Awareness program? Join the conversation! Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or send your story to writer@lawyerforlife.com.

Women's Motorcycle Month: That's a Wrap!

Women's Motorcycle Month has come and gone, but that doesn't mean the conversation's over!

Hard to believe it's already the end of July… and the end of Women's Motorcycle Month for another year. We heard from many of our female fans via social media who left us wanting more.

If you're a woman motorcyclist, we want to hear from you: Tell us why you ride. Tell us how motorcycling has changed your life. And, tell us the one thing new women motorcyclists need to know.

Let's keep the conversation going! Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or send your story to writer@lawyerforlife.com.

Beyond Motorcycle Accident Injury Cases

If you're injured, we're here to help

Obviously, the focus of this newsletter is our motorcycle accident injury practice, but did you know we can help with all kinds of injury cases?

Dog Bite Injury

Dog Attack Injury

Slip and Fall Injuries

Auto Accident Injuries

Medical Malpractice

Drugs Causing Injury

Birth Injuries

Trucking Accident Injuries

As if that's not enough, I have also personally researched and vetted injury attorneys across the country, in order to build a nationwide network of top accident injury lawyers. No matter what city or state you were injured in, we can connect you with a top attorney to help you with your case.

If you or someone you care about has been injured, call us as soon as possible to get us working for you: 1-800-708-5433.

What have we been up to? Check it out!

2015 Michigan

Motorcycle Events…ßclick

Have an event to share? Email writer@lawyerforlife.com, or let us know on Facebook!

Like us? Tell us… and the world!

We want to reach more bikers who need our help

Write a review to tell people what you like about our firm and the services we offer. If you don't have a Yelp account, that's ok: Just click here, write your review, then click "sign up and post". It'll take you through a quick and easy registration, and you can post your review right away.

Be sure to share your review with us by posting on our Facebook page.

Augusta and Adeline Van Buren

Augusta and Adeline Van Buren were born in the 1880s, and grew up in New York City. These “society girls” enjoyed many freedoms not typical for women of the time. The Van Buren girls were very active and accomplished athletes; along with their brother, Albert, they tried their hands at many sports including swimming, running, and even wrestling, to name a few. The limitations place on other women by the society of the time did not apply to the Van Buren sisters, so it's not a huge surprise they ended up riding motorcycles.

In 1916, Augusta and Adeline set off on a cross-country motorcycle trek with a very specific goal in mind: they wanted to prove that women could serve as dispatch riders for the military. There were two reasons for doing this. First, because it would allow women to contribute directly to the war effort and free up men for combat duties. Second, women were not allowed to vote because they did not participate directly in war efforts; by serving as dispatch riders for the military, the Van Burens hoped to help convince society that it was time for women to have a say in political life.

They set off from Brooklyn, New York, on Independence Day on a pair of Indian Motorcycles, travelling more than 5,500 miles to San Francisco. The journey was challenging at the best of times, and downright impossible at the worst. Road conditions were unpredictable (when there were roads at all), and the women were arrested several times along the way for wearing pants.

That's right. They were arrested. Several times.For wearing pants.

Ultimately, the Van Buren sisters did not succeed in their goal to become dispatch riders for the military. In fact, media coverage of their accomplishment was sparse, and their incredible achievement was referred to as a “vacation” rather than the pioneering ride that it was. A prominent magazine at the time praised their bikes, but not the sisters themselves. It took 85 years, but the women were inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2002.

What do you think? Did the Van Buren sisters help pave the way for women motorcyclists of the future? Share your opinion below, or join the conversation on Facebook!

Source(s):
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=285

Dot Robinson

From before she was even born, Dorothy “Dot” Robinson was surrounded by motorcycles. When her mother went into labor on April 22, 1912, her father rushed her to the hospital in the sidecar of his motorcycle. Beyond that, motorcycles were in Dot's blood. Her father designed sidecars and was an amateur racer. Dot and her family moved to Michigan when she was six years old, where her father ran a motorcycle dealership.

She started riding when she was young, and earned her first trophy in the Flint 100 Endurance race back in 1930. Dot met her husband, Earl Robinson, while working in her father's motorcycle shop. She and Earl married in 1931, and in 1935 made a record transcontinental run together. After that, they were invited to run a Harley-Davidson dealership in Detroit. They ran the shop until 1971, then sold it to travel the world by motorcycle.

While running the shop with her husband, Dot was also busy becoming the first woman to win an AMA national competition in 1940 and again in 1946. She was also a founding member of the Motor Maids, a women's motorcycle club that still exists today, which was featured extensively in American Motorcyclist Magazine. Dot began wearing her signature pink motorcycle gear in the 1950s in order to distinguish herself from the motorcycle “outlaws” portrayed in film wearing all-black leathers.

Dot Robinson, motorcycle pioneer, passed away at the age of 87 in 1999. She guessed that in her lifetime she had traveled more than a million miles on a motorcycle.

What do you think? Did Dot Robinson help pave the way for women motorcyclists of the future? Share your opinion below, or join the conversation on Facebook!

Source(s):
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/asp/museum/exhibits/heroesofharley/biopage1.asp?id=78

EFFIE AND AVIS HOTCHKISS

Effie and Avis Hotchkiss were a mother and daughter team that had no intention of setting any records or gaining any fame, they simply wanted to see America and thought a Harley-Davidson would be the best way to do just that.

They started their epic ride in New York and headed to San Francisco for the World's Fair. They traveled through Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Milwaukee, to name a few. Their two-month trip, beginning in 1915, was the first recorded all-female cross-country motorcycle ride. They brought along tools, camping gear, and pots and pans; there were few hotels, restaurants, and repair shops along their route.

What do you think? Did this mother-daughter duo pave the way for women motorcyclists of the future? Share your opinion below, or join the conversation on Facebook!

Source(s):
http://vrumblesramblingbikerblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/effie-and-avis-hotchkiss-riding-into-history/

Women have been riding motorcycles for well over a hundred years, but over the last decade ridership has increased dramatically. 

In fact, according to a recent Motorcycle Industry Council ownership survey, over twelve percent of motorcycle owners are women, and more than twenty-five percent of motorcycle riders are women (including passengers). In 2008, there were more than 5.7 female motorcyclists in the United States. You go, girl! 

Harley-Davidson commissioned a study to learn what makes female bikers tick. What they found is that women motorcyclists are happier in general with their lives, their partners, and their leisure time than women who don't ride motorcycles.

In celebration of Women's Motorcycle Month, I want to ask all vehicle drivers to please Watch for Motorcyclists when you're on the road. See the biker, not the bike; that rider is somebody's daughter, wife, mom, or sister. Be careful and be vigilant. 

I am also inviting women riders to join our Facebook community and share their stories. Ladies, what makes you ride? What do you get out of it? How did you get started? What would you tell other women thinking about riding, or just starting out? Finally, I want to hear your BEST motorcycling story. Let's get the conversation going! 

June 2015

Updates from The Motorcycle Lawyer

The Law Offices
of Jason Waechter

Jason Waechter and his team of lawyers specialize in personal injury law across the United States. If you or anyone you know has been injured, please call us today… we want to help!

Headquarters:
19080 W. Ten Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI, 48075

1-800-708-LIFE
1-877-BIKER-LAW

Get out and Ride!

Did you Ride to Work on June 15?

Monday, June 15, was International Ride to Work Day, a chance for motorcyclists around the world to ride together to help raise awareness that motorcycles are everywhere… and a great excuse to ride your motorcycle on a week day!

This was the 23^rd year for International Ride to Work Day, which started in 1992 with then-editor of Road Rider Magazine Fred Rau suggested it in an editorial. The idea started out slowly, with various business-sponsored and grass roots events happening around the world. A non-profit group of the same name (Ride to Work) was formed in 2000, and International Ride to Work Day is now celebrated on the third Monday in June every year in at least fourteen countries.

Did you ride to work on Monday, June 15? How was it? Did you see a lot of bikes that day in your area? Let us know!

Find us on Facebook,follow us on Twitter, or send your story to writer@lawyerforlife.com.

July is Women's Motorcycle Month

Tell us why you ride.

July is Women's Motorcycle Month, and we want to hear women's stories from the road. What made you decide to start riding a motorcycle? What is your favorite route? How does motorcycling improve your life? Email your story to writer@lawyerforlife.com, share it on our Facebook page, or Tweet us.

Did you know…?

• Women have been riding motorcycles longer than they've had the vote.
• Women who ride motorcycles report feelinghappier, more confident, and sexier than women who don't*.
• About 12% of motorcycle owners, and about 25% of motorcycle riders are women**.
• Many women list “freedom” as the number one thing they love about riding motorcycles*.
• Ridership among women increased by 35% from 2003 to 2012**.
• Close to half of women who ride prefer cruisers over sport bikes**.  

Know a woman who rides? Let her know we want to hear from her! Please forward this newsletter or like us on Facebook so we can reach and potentially help more bikers.

Beyond Motorcycle Accident Injury Cases

If you're injured, we're here to help

Obviously, the focus of this newsletter is our motorcycle accident injury practice, but did you know we can help with all kinds of injury cases?  

• Dog Bite Injury
• Dog Attack Injury
• Slip and Fall Injuries
• Auto Accident Injuries
• Medical Malpractice
• Drugs Causing Injury
• Birth Injuries
• Trucking Accident Injuries

As if that's not enough, I have also personally researched and vetted injury attorneys across the country, in order to build a nationwide network of top accident injury lawyers. No matter what city or state you were injured in, we can connect you with a top attorney to help you with your case.

If you or someone you care about has been injured, call us as soon as possible to get us working for you: 1-800-708-5433.

What have we been up to? Check it out!

2015 Michigan

Motorcycle Events…ßclick

Like us? Tell us… and the world!

We want to reach more bikers who need our help

Write a review to tell people what you like about our firm and the services we offer. If you don't have a Yelp account, that's ok: Just click here, write your review, then click "sign up and post". It'll take you through a quick and easy registration, and you can post your review right away.

Be sure to share your review with us by posting on our Facebook page.

*According to a 2012 Kelton study commissioned by Harley-Davidson

**According to the 2012 Motorcycle Industry Council ownership survey

In honor of this week, I've compiled a list of tire maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your ride.

#1: Get to know your owner's manual. Yeah, it can be a bit dry to sit and read a manual, but you're going to get a lot out of it. Specifically, your manual will tell you about ideal tire pressure, how to adjust your pressure for load or environmental conditions, and more.

#2: Store it right. How you store your bike can make a big difference in the lifespan and performance of your tires. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Avoid using “cleaning” products that actually just dry tires out. Make sure you store your bike properly over the winter: check out this article I wrote for Michigan Midwest Motorcycle Magazine for winter storage tips.

#3: Check before you ride. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold using a reliable pressure gauge. Many manufacturers recommend checking pressure only once a week, but my thinking is it takes 2 minutes to do… why not just do it before you ride, and at the same time, check your lights and brakes too. Better to find a problem before you go than while you're out riding and trying to enjoy yourself. Need a reliable tire gauge? Request one here (sorry, limited to Michigan residents only).

#4: Look at your tires. Seems obvious, but a lot of people don't. When you check your pressure, give the tires a once-over to make sure there are no cracks, flat spots, weird wear patterns, or embedded objects. Again, it could save you from wasting a bunch of time on the side of the road trying to patch a tire on the fly.

#5: Be prepared. Get yourself a portable repair kit. It should have tire plugs, a rasp, some razor blades or a box cutter, an allen wrench, and an air pump or portable canisters. You can buy these items to assemble a kit yourself, or buy one pre-assembled from a retailer. If you can, get one that also has a First Aid kit built in… just in case.

Want more information for tire maintenance and safety? Check out NHTSA's What's your PSI tip sheet! If you or someone you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the number to call if you fall is 1-877-BIKER-LAW. 

Are we connected? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Submit your #MotorcycleAware tips to writer@lawyerforlife.com. 

Harley-Davidson has issued two additional recalls this month that I want all bikers to be aware of:

The first recall (NHTSA file #14V725000

) affects about 5,000 FLS Softails (2014-2015). The problem with these bikes is they may be missing  a sensor that lets the rider know their front turn signal(s) isn't working. Without working turn signals, riders could be at higher risk of a crash or an interaction with a motor vehicle.

When I saw this recall had been issued, it really hit home for me how important it is to do a pre-ride inspection before every ride. It only takes a few seconds, but it could save your life. Things to check before every ride:

• brakes
• tire pressure
• tread depth
• headlamp
• turn signals
• others: see PDF list

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes this printable PDF that provides a pre-ride checklist. Print it off and keep it handy and always check your bike before hitting the road. With all the other risk-factors that can affect your ride, including potholes and other motorists, it makes sense to do as much as you can yourself to ensure your own safety when you're out on your bike. If you do realize your turn signals aren't working, make sure you brush up on your hand signals; click here

for an easy tutorial.

The second recall (

NHTSA file  #14V750000) affects just over 1,500 Tri-Glide FLHTCUTG (2015) bikes built between mid-July and mid-October, 2014. The issue is that these bikes may have a rear brake master cylinder assembled with an incorrect piston, which may not provide enough support and could allow the primary cup to tear. A primary cup tear could decrease how well the brakes work and increase the risk of a crash.

If you think your bike is affected by either of these recalls, contact H-D's customer service line before your next ride at 414-343-4056; the recall number for the Softails is #0681, and for the Tri-Glides it's #0162.

Spread the word and ride safe! If you or someone you care about has been injured in a crash, call me

.

If you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm always talking about how important it is to take good care of your bike's tires. With that in mind, I wanted to let our readers know about a new video released by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) that is totally focused on tires. In just over four minutes, the video talks about the importance of choosing the right tires, how to properly and regularly inspect them, some tips for maintenance, and when it's time to replace your tires.

MIC chair Dennis McNeal says, “your safety depends on you becoming well-versed at selecting, inspecting, maintaining, and replacing your bike's tires.” The video was designed to accompany the MIC's Tire Guide booklet. Tire maintenance is an important aspect of motorcycling safety, but can also have an effect on how well your bike rides and your fuel consumption, so it's worth keeping up with it.

It's easy to add a quick but thorough tire inspection to your pre-ride routine, especially since inspecting your tires is part of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) T-CLOCS inspection, which includes:

• Tires and wheels
• Controls
  
• Lights and electrics
  
• Oil and other fluids
• Chassis
• Stands

Obviously, keeping your motorcycle in great condition won't guarantee your safety, but it's still worth doing, if only for your peace of mind. Plus, it can help your bike last longer, ride better, and allow you to focus more easily on the road and other drivers instead of your equipment.

Read more about the MIC's new video here.

Read more about MSF's T-CLOCS inspection here.  

Clutch Issue:

If you own a 2014 Harley-Davidson, brace yourself: the company is recalling more than 100,000 bikes for a clutch issue. Harley-Davidson is recalling over 105,000 motorcycles (2014 model year) for a clutch issue. Some of the following 2014 models are affected:

Electra Glide Ultra Classic; Ultra Limited; Police Electra Glide; Street Glide Special; Street Glide; Tri Glide Ultra; CVO Limited; CVO Road King; CVO Breakout; Electra Glide Ultra Classic Twin Cooled; Ultra Limited Shrine; Street Glide Shrine; and CVO Softail Deluxe.

A component in the clutch master cylinder of affected bikes could fail, which could lead to the clutch not having enough pressure to remain disengaged. If that happens, the motorcycle could creep forward when the rider means to be stopped, which could lead to a crash or injuries. Harley will be contacting affected owners; if you own an affected bike or think you might, contact Harley-Davidson's customer service department before riding it again: 1-800-258-2464. More information here.

Fuel Cap Issue:
Just under a thousand Harley-Davidson XG500 and XG750 motorcycles (model year 2015) are being recalled because of a fuel cap issue. The affected bikes were made between June 11 and August 14 of this year.

The fuel cap on affected bikes may not seal properly, which could lead to fuel leakage and a potential fire risk. Harley will be contacting affected owners; if you own an affected bike or think you might, contact Harley-Davidson's customer service department before riding it again: 1-800-258-2464. More information here.

Are you in the market for a new Victory motorcycle or Polaris powersport vehicle? Do you have a Costco membership? If so, you're in luck… Now you can pick out your new ride when you pick up bulk bagels and paper towels.

Costco itself isn't actually selling motorcycles; those sales are managed by dealers who participate in a partnership program with the wholesale chain (un-creatively named the Costco Auto Program).

The program isn't new, either. Victory and Polaris are joining Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Husqvarna, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Spyder, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha. As a matter of fact, a number of major car companies also participate in the Costco Auto Program, which Costco says sold about 350,000 vehicles last year.

What do you think? Would you buy a motorcycle, powersport vehicle, or even a car through Costco? Let us know: Comment here or join the conversation on Facebook.

Source: http://bit.ly/1vkJLM2

We've talked about a lot of powerful machines in our previous blog posts, from motocross to motorcycle ice racing to... lawn mowers?

Believe it or not, lawn mower racing is growing in popularity every year. Some people call it the "poor man's NASCAR", but most just call it fun. These racing machines aren't your average mowers, either: the blades are removed for safety, and everything from engine to body is customized for speed. Some racers will spend over $10,000 to get their machines ready; fortunately, as with NASCAR, many companies are willing to sponsor racers to help get them on the track.

Photographer Jennifer Boomer has been following lawn mower racers with her camera; you can see her photos here. Do you race? Tell us all about it in our comments section! 

July is Women's Motorcycle Month, a chance to celebrate women who ride.

Ashley Fiolek is not your typical motocross racer, and not because she's a woman. Ashley, a two-time women's motocross champion and two-time X Games gold medal winner, was born deaf. She doesn't let it slow her down.

Because she can't hear, Fiolek says that she had to learn to shift her bike by feel. She and her dad worked on it again and again, until feeling for the vibration of the bike became second nature, and she learned to fly. Shifting by feel is one thing, but not being able to hear other bikes on the track can make passing or moving laterally a huge challenge. To overcome it, Fiolek watches for shadows on the ground, and uses corners to check behind her to see if she can move. It seems like no obstacle is too difficult for Fiolek, who keeps racing, jumping, and winning.

While most motocross racers get a thrill from the noise on the track, Fiolek says that she feels at peace when she's racing. For her, racing is a chance to focus and be alone with her thoughts. “It calms me down,” she said in an ESPN interview. “It feels like you are flying.”

To watch the full ESPN interview on Vimeo, click here. 

As The Motorcycle Lawyer, I've had the opportunity to help a lot of people who have been affected by crashes. Having seen first-hand how devastating motorcycle crashes can be, I've made a firm commitment to give back to the biker community and try to prevent crashes when possible.

That's why I thought it was important to share with you a recall announcement by Harley-Davdison that affects more than 66,000 ABS-equipped 2014 Touring model bikes. The issue, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is that there is a possibility that the front brake line can become pinched between the fuel tank and the bike frame. This could potentially cause the front wheel to lock up as the pressure on the brake line increases. Obviously, if your front wheel locks up while you're in motion, you're potentially at risk for a crash.

Harley-Davidson is going to begin contacting the owners of affected vehicles this month (July 2014), and dealers will be making the necessary repairs for free. Repairs may include replacement of the brake line if it's damaged, and installation of cables to prevent the line from getting trapped in the first place.

For more information, visit NHTSA's recall website at safercar.org, or call Harley-Davidson's customer service line at 1-800-258-2464. If you think you own one of the affected bikes, contact Harley before riding to make sure your bike is safe. 

Did you know according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

- Motorcycles comprise only 2% of registered vehicles, but account for 5% of traffic fatalities annually?

- The fatality rate per miles traveled for motorcyclists is 16 times that of car occupants?

So what is exactly being done to combat these numbers?

Well, beginning last year, BMW and Honda began a vehicle to vehicle (V2V) study at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) to test and determine how cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles interact and react to V2V technology.

^{Photo courtsey of motorcycle.com}

“Two tasks will be conducted in the Safety Pilot Model Deployment Geographic Area as a proof of concept for incorporating motorcycles into the connected vehicle environment. The two tasks are motorcycle communications feasibility testing and motorcycle-to-vehicle performance testing,” says a press release from Cohda Wireless, the cooperative intelligent transport systems hardware manufacturer supplying the V2V communications technology.

V2V communication would give all vehicles the ability to communicate with each other and increase the safety of all vehicles on the road.

“If a motorcycle can, via V2V communication, communicate with an approaching vehicle and ensure it doesn't turn left until the motorcycle has passed, that'll eliminate a huge cause of motorcycle accidents,” says an article from motorcycle.com. “And if V2V communication is constant (every minute of every day), the technology will [supersede] the responsibility of the car driver to be vigilant of motorcycles, effectively turning Motorcycle Safety Awareness from a month of observance to an unremitting affair.”

Click here to watch a video from BMW on V2V.

Click here to watch a video on the Honda ASV-3 that uses V2V communication.

For more information visit: motorcycle.com

^{Photo courtsey of http://destinationsafety.com/share-the-road-with-motorcycles/}

May is Motorcyle Awarness Month and although THE Motorcycle Lawyer encourages drivers to watch for motorcyclists every single day, he wants to honor this month by asking all drivers to observe these 5 tips: 

#5: The road is not a race track. You have nothing to prove, so don't try. If you hurt or kill a motorcyclist because you were trying to challenge them with your car, you'll probably never forgive yourself. Remember, even the slightest contact with a motorcycle can be fatal, so don't risk it.

#4: Back it up! Following too close is a bad idea no matter what's in front of you, but it's especially dangerous if you're tailgating a motorcycle. There's no such thing as a minor “fender bender” if you hit a motorcycle, so please back off.

#3: Don't crowd a motorcyclist. Sometimes, bikers need to move laterally within a lane to avoid debris; stuff that wouldn't affect a car can be a big problem on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists have the right to use the entire lane… let them!

#2: Look, then look again. Be extra careful this time of year if you live in a colder climate; you might not be used to seeing motorcycles on the road again. Taking the time to double check before moving could be a life-or-death decision. Check your blind spots. Signal. In other words, be a good driver.

#1: See the motorcyclist. A motorcycle doesn't ride itself, there's a person on that bike; someone who has a family and a job and a reason to be on the road. See them, and do your part to keep them safe. 

Well, you have now. This one-wheeled motorcycle prototype is called RYNO. It has been in construction for seven years by Chris Hoffman. RYNO is a single-wheeled, zero-emissions motorcycle that uses similar, but more advance technology as Segway.

Hoffman started developing RYNO after his daughter saw a one-wheeled motorcycle in a video game and asked if he could build one. And he did.

Even though RYNO is still a prototype, it may be available later this year. It will cost about $5,295 from a facility outside of Portland, Oregon. Hoffman and his team are in the process of gathering nationwide dealers who will allow potential customers to try out RYNO for themselves.

Click here to watch the RYNO in action.

For more information on storing your motorcycle for winter visit http://www.themotorcyclelawyer.com/257.html.

To read about the bicycle case click here.

To read past articles from The Motorcycle Lawyer click here.

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-“Just sit still. If you have to move around, do so while we're cruising at a steady speed; moving our body weight is what steers the motorcycle. Especially when we're going between cars, just sit still.”

-“Hold on tight. Whether it's the grab rails or my waist, all that matters is that you feel secure. Support your weight under braking with a hand on the tank.”

-“In corners, just pretend you're a sack of potatoes. Don't jump around, just try and stay in-line with the bike's lean angle.”

-“If you're scared, tap me. If you want to pull over, tap me.” Then, really do pull over if they tap you. It's up to you to make them feel safe.

- The passenger should not get on the bike until you have taken it off the stand and are secure in an upright position, using the front brake lever to prevent it from rolling.

- The passenger's feet should be kept on the foot pegs at all times, even while the bike is stopped.

- The passenger's feet should be kept away from all hot parts, especially the exhaust pipes.

- The passenger must sit behind you, on the passenger portion of the seat. If there is no passenger seat, there should be no passenger.

- Never seat a child on the gas tank in front of you: basically, a kid who can't reach the pillion foot pegs shouldn't be on the bike.

- Finally, the maximum capacity of a bike is two people.

- If you ride with passengers often, you may want to purchase passenger hand holds, either to wear or to attach to your motorcycle.

- Ask your passenger not to turn around or make any sudden movements

- Avoid high speeds or dramatic lean angles.

- If your passenger is able to reach the tank, they should use it to brace themselves when stopping or slowing.

- Keep in mind your stopping distances greatly increases with additional weight, and stopping will require extra effort on the controls.

- Agree on hand signals before you depart. One for, “Pull over.” Another for, “You're going too fast, slow down.” As well as one for, “I'm good, keep it up.”

- Drag your back brake to smooth out the ride at low speeds.