Raymond Leo Horn III, riding his motorcycle, died when Jaimee Lynn Piechota pulled in front of Horn Saturday night.

The collision occurred on U.S. 98 North at about 9 p.m. He was wearing his helmet.

Our condolences go to Mr. Horn's family. He was just 21 years old.

All too often, it is easy to blame a motorcycle driver for being involved in a motor vehicle accident, but the fact is, Mr. Horn was doing everything right. He had the right of way, he was wearing his helmet, and there is no indication that he was speeding. So what's the difference between an automobile and a motorcycle at night? One headlight.

There's simply no excuse for not seeing a motorcycle -- by day or night -- and at Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, we don't accept excuses or stereotypes. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle collision, give me a call.

ABRAMS LANDAU received its first shipment of Doug Landau's new book, "Ten Mistakes That Can Derail Your Bicycle Injury Case." Drawing upon over 25 years' experience helping injured cyclists, disabled riders and their families, Herndon and Reston bike crash lawyer Landau compiled a book that cyclists have been requesting online since this summer's court cases in Loudoun County.

In addition to common sense tips and actual cases, Landau provides extensive forms, explanations and details that many so-called personal injury lawyers neglect to share with their clients. The easy to read book talks about defective bicycle products, car crashes, cyclists attacked by dogs and head injuries. There are pictures of cracked helmets from Landau's head and brain injury cases, as well as discussion of the investigation of these sports injury cases. The Landau Law Shop is regularly contacted by injured bikers, and this new book is also intended to be a helpful resource for those cases and injured cyclists that we cannot help. If you or someone you know would like to get a copy, please e-mail ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. or call (703)796-9555.

On October 18^th 2009 at around 11:50 p.m. Ryan Thomas Brooks was eastbound on Southwest Army Post Road when his motorcycle collided with the Dodge Charger driven by Ramonte Davis. Mr. Davis is said to have pulled onto Southwest Army Post Road to back into a parking spot when Mr. Brooks crashed into the front fender of the Dodge. Mr. Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene and police believe that speed was a factor in the accident and have said that Mr. Brooks was wearing a helmet.

Not seeing motorcycles is an often given excuse for having caused a crash with one. A proper lookout is a lookout that looks not just for the obvious, but also the less than obvious drivers, like motorcycles. As a driver you aren’t responsible for just what you saw, but for what was obviously there or that you can anticipate can be there and is lawfully using the city streets and roadways. In this instance the driver of the car is most likely the at-fault driver and can be held liable to the estate and dependents. Before backing up look, look hard and look for motorcycles. They too have the right to use the roads and to assume other drivers will obey the laws in Iowa.

To some, there is no greater rush then taking a motorcycle out on an open North Carolina (NC) highway on a clear, sunny day. Riding a motorcycle along Highway 441 through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park when the roads are open and the weather is nice can be a thrilling past time, but it can also be a deadly one.

A report compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 5,290 deaths occurred from motorcycle accidents in 2008, 159 of those deaths occurred in North Carolina (NC). Despite increased driver awareness and several campaigns designed to educate drivers on the importance of sharing the road with motorcycles these alarming statistics have been on the rise in recent years. According to the US Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting, motorcycle accident fatalities have increased 150% in the past decade.

There are a few things riders can do to decrease their likelihood of being fatally injured in a motorcycle crash. Most importantly, all riders should always wear their helmets, even on short trips. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of death by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing serious brain injuries. Riders may want to consider wearing motorcycle jackets and gloves. This gear is specially equipped with padding that helps prevent abrasions to the skin if the rider was to crash.

Both seasoned and beginner motorcycle riders may also consider taking a course in motorcycle safety. Bike Safe North Carolina is a program offered by the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The program, held at the Highway Patrol Driving Facility in Raleigh, offers Rider Skill Days – a combination of classes and on-the-road training held by police motorcyclists that teaches riders safety techniques as well as basic motorcycle training. Rider Skill Days are conducted on weekdays and weekends for convenience.

Roadways littered with tactor-trailers and cars can be dangerous for motorcycles. By equipping riders with the best driving techniques and advanced safety devices such as helmets and body armor, motorcycle drivers are less likely to be in these staggering statistics.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.

AC

There was a story on the news today about a fatal motorcycle accident in Detroit yesterday that shut down the expressway for three hours. According to the Detroit Police, a Redford Township man fell from his motorcycle and was allegedly hit by a car near Mack Avenue on Detroit’s east side. Police do not know what caused the man to fall from the motorcycle and are still investigating this tragic accident.

I am very sorry to hear that this tragic motorcycle accident happened. My condolences go out to the family and friends of the biker for their loss.

Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers advise bikers of their legal rights. Because this motorcycle accident involved contact with another motor vehicle, the injured biker may be eligible for Michigan No-Fault Insurance benefits. These benefits provide for payment of medical expenses, lost wages, attendant care services, and other benefits. Family members may also may be able to make a claim for Survivor Loss Benefits for the deceased biker. This can include payment of funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of other services.

Also, the family members of the deceased victims may have a claim for a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit against the driver that police determine was negligent and caused these car accidents. At the very least, the surviving family should hire the best possible lawyer to look into these possibilities.

For a complete explanation of the rights of injured bikers in Michigan, you should request our FREE BOOK, “The Ultimate Michigan Motorcycle Accident Handbook.” Furthermore, the surviving family members may have a claim against the driver of the motor vehicle for wrongful death of the bikers. To learn more, visit www.BuckfireLaw.com.