By admin on September 6, 2011
New Hampshire is one of only three U.S. states that do not require motorcyclists of any age to wear helmets when they ride. Illinois and Iowa have similar no-helmet-required rules. In the other 47 states, however, at least some riders are required to wear helmets, and 27 states require all motorcyclists to wear them. In recent years, motorcyclists in several states have begun protesting their state’s helmet laws, leading legislators in several states to consider helmet law reform.
Supporters of motorcycle helmet laws point to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and other research groups that predict a motorcyclist increases his or her chances of surviving a serious crash by 37 percent if he or she wears a helmet, and the severity of head injuries also decreases if a motorcyclist wears a helmet, which can lead to quicker recovery and less long-term impairment. Supporters also point to the increase in medical costs and insurance premiums for all those covered, as the health care and insurance systems attempt to compensate for the expensive care required when an uninsured motorcyclist suffers serious head injuries.
Opponents of mandatory helmet laws, however, say that the decision whether or not to wear a helmet is a choice that ought to be left to each individual motorcyclist as a matter of personal freedom. They note that bikers who choose not to wear helmets can purchase additional insurance to cover their increased risks on the road, which makes the costs the biker’s responsibility instead of society’s. Michigan is considering a change that would require motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets to pay for insurance coverage of at least $100,000 in case of injury.
Protective gear is a wise choice, but it can’t make other drivers respect your right to share the road. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the experienced NH motorcycle accident attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can help. Call us today at 1-603-624-3700 for a free telephone consultation.
By admin on August 15, 2011
A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and had to be airlifted to a local hospital after he was hit by a 96-year-old driver, according to a recent article in the Nashua Telegraph. The accident occurred at the intersection of Daniel Webster Highway and Veterans Drive.
The driver of the car involved in the accident told police that she couldn’t see the light because of a large truck in front of her, but when the truck and the car to her left decided to drive through the light, she did too, realizing too late that the light was red. Her car struck an SUV traveling through the intersection, then struck the motorcyclist. The SUV driver was not injured. The motorcyclist was taken too Massachusetts General Hospital, where he is in fair condition and is expected to recover from his injuries.
Based on the driver’s and eyewitness’s comments, Nashua police believe that the driver’s decision to drive into the intersection despite the red light caused the crash, and that neither alcohol nor drugs were involved. However, police are investigating the accident more closely.
Because of their exposure to the road, motorcyclists face a higher risk of injury in a crash. At Tenn And Tenn P.A., our knowledgeable NH motorcycle accident attorneys not only have the experience to handle your New Hampshire motorcycle accident case, but also ride. We understand the risks bikers face, and we can help you seek compensation after an injury. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today at 1-603-624-3700 or our Free Injury Helpline 1-888-511-1010 for a free and confidential phone consultation.
By admin on April 22, 2011
Motorcyclists in New Hampshire can choose many different types of insurance coverage for themselves and their bikes. In order to ensure you have full coverage in case of an accident, however, it’s wise to include the following types of coverage in your motorcycle insurance plan:
- Bodily injury insurance limits of at least $250,000. This insurance coverage is designed to pay medical bills if you, a loved one, or another person is injured in an accident.
- Excess liability or umbrella coverage of at least $1 million.
- Minimum medical payments coverage of at least $10,000.
- Uninsured/underinsured limits of at least $500,000. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage ensures that payments are available even if another driver involved in the accident does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the costs of the motorcycle accident, including medical bills.
In addition, New Hampshire motorcycle riders should talk to a qualified insurance agent about the following types of coverage:
- Collision covers damage to your motorcycle, no matter who caused the accident.
- Comprehensive covers damage due to theft, vandalism, flood, and similar events.
- Custom parts/equipment covers those parts of your motorcycle that are not part of its original build.
- Liability coverage, which protects you even if you are held responsible for a crash.
- Property damage covers damage to fences, houses, and similar property.
- Roadside assistance tows you to a repair shop if your motorcycle breaks down.
If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced New Hampshire motorcycle accident attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Call 1-888-511-1010 today for a free and confidential consultation about your NH motorcycle accident.
By admin on October 12, 2010
A Manchester resident was seriously injured in a New Hampshire motorcycle crash recently, according to an article published in the Union-Leader. He was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed at the corner of Laxon Avenue and Eduardo Street. It appears he was trying to elude police officers when he crashed.
Officers appeared at the scene almost immediately after the motorcycle driver crashed and called emergency services, which transported the man to a local hospital to receive treatment for the serious injuries sustained in the New Hampshire motorcycle accident. Police officers reported that speed was a factor in the crash, but did not say whether intoxication or road conditions played a role in the motorcycle accident.
Traveling in urban areas at high speeds is never safe, and it is especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders are less protected than motorists in cars. Motorcycle riders can help protect themselves from accidents by obeying posted speed limits. Drivers of cars and trucks can also help prevent serious motor vehicle collisions by following speed limits and by staying a safe distance away from motorcycle riders. This will allow a vehicle the distance it needs to stop in time if the motorcyclist should fall or crash.
If you or a loved one has been in a New Hampshire motorcycle accident, and you suspect someone else’s negligence is to blame, please contact an experienced New Hampshire motorcycle accident lawyer at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. Our skilled legal team will carefully review your case and help you take the next steps to secure your legal rights. Call Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today at 1-888-511-1010 for a free consultation.
By admin on August 4, 2010
The number of older motorcycle riders is increasing the motorcycle fatality and injury rates, according to a recently released study reported in ScienceDaily.com. Researchers studied the records of over 60,000 motorcyclists involved in crashes between 1996 and 2005.
The researchers found that between 1996 and 2005, the average age of motorcyclists involved in crashes increased from 34 to 39. In addition, the proportion of injured motorcyclists over age 40 increased from 28 percent to 50 percent. Out of all injured motorcyclists that were studied, those between ages 50 and 59 were the fastest growing group, and 20 to 29 year old riders were the most declining.
Besides being more likely to be injured in a motorcycle accident, older riders who crash are more likely to have serious injuries, a longer hospital stay, or die when compared to younger riders. Motorcyclists over 40 are between one and a half and two times more likely to die in crashes than riders under age 40. The difference could be attributed to the body’s decreased ability to withstand injury as a person ages.
The study found that young and older riders had two things in common. Approximately 73 percent of each group of riders used helmets. Also, alcohol use was involved in about one-third of crashes for each group.
Tragically, motorcycle accidents in New Hampshire and throughout the United States are on the rise. Have you or a loved one been injured in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence? If so, contact an experienced New Hampshire motorcycle injury attorney. The legal team at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. have what it takes to garner the compensation you deserve and will protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 1-888-511-1010.