A fiery motorcycle crash erupted on the westbound Ventura (134) Freeway this morning, according to officials, the Los Angeles Times reports. Around 11:00 a.m. on May 31, 2012, a 25-year-old man suffered minor injuries after his motorcycle collided with another vehicle and caught fire.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The motorcyclist was “splitting traffic” between the number 1 and 2 lanes, California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Denmon said, The Times reports. He was trying to pass a white BMW that was in front of him in the carpool lane.

Denmon said that people who witnessed the event said the motorcyclist had been traveling at more than 70 miles per hour. He said that because of a reason that is not known, the motorcyclist lost control and hit the BMW as he was trying to pass. The motorcyclist was ejected as a result of the impact. He went to the ground, Denmon said, and the motorcycle slid along traffic lanes and caught fire. The bike was totaled, Denmon explained.

Responders took the motorcyclist, who suffered minor scrapes and bruises, to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. Denmon stated that the driver and passenger who had been traveling in the BMW were not hurt, The Times reports.

Lane splitting is a complicated and controversial practice in the United States, although it is practiced quite frequently in many countries throughout the world.

Of the 50 states in the U.S., only California does not prohibit motorcyclists from splitting lanes.

Many other states in the union are raising questions about its legality though, and its relative safety.

State legislatures have considered passing several bills for the last twenty years or so, but none have been enacted so far.

In some areas of the world, there are no laws, or very few laws, that state clearly whether or not lane splitting is legal. Some countries largely ignore it, if they do not believe that it contributes to an increase in accidents. For instance, in Australia, authorities tried to clear up and reorganize the laws regarding lane splitting. However, the majority of the population regarded this as an attack on the actual act itself and petitioned it. Eventually the government just left everything the way it was.

There are several techniques that motorcyclists must master before they can consider themselves experienced enough to ride in the center of two lanes. For example, when traffic is slowed or stopped, it is important that motorcyclists pay attention to the possibility that vehicle doors may open into the motorcyclist’s path. Also, motorists are prone to sudden movements like lane changes or swerving, which can also harm the biker.

If you, or someone you love, have been injured by a negligent or unaware motorist, then you should call a motorcycle accident lawyer. The roads throughout California are some of the busiest traffic corridors in the United States, and some of the most dangerous. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can help you, and your family, win the maximum compensation that you deserve for you emotional, physical and financial suffering. We are well-equipped to fight the insurance companies and other parties on your behalf. We also have convenient locations throughout the state, so that we can help you as soon as possible. Call today for your free evaluation!

A motorcyclist died yesterday in a collision with a dump truck in the eastern valley, the Las Vegas Sun reports. According to Bill Cassell, a spokesman for Metro Police, the crash occurred around 2:49 p.m. in the intersection of Nellis Boulevard and Boulder Highway. The crash might have involved a third vehicle, but he said that hadn’t been verified.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Responders pronounced the motorcyclist dead at the scene of the May 17, 2012 crash. According to police, a dark-colored dump truck appeared to have left the scene of the accident, the Las Vegas Sun reports.

The Sun’s story notes that the site of the motorcycle crash is not far from the location of another deadly accident that happened on Tuesday night. In Tuesday’s accident, police said, a suspected drunk driver struck a pedestrian on Nellis Boulevard north of Flamingo Road. According to police, the pedestrian, who was not in a marked crosswalk, died at the scene.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that motorcycles are significantly more prone to be fatal to their riders than cars. In 2006, 13.10 car accidents out of 100,000 resulted in deaths for their passengers. For motorcycles, that number is 72.34 per 100,000. Motorcyclists face a risk that is 35 times greater to result in death than motorists in a passenger car. The NHSTA also reports that there are more than four million motorcycles on the roads of the United States. Even though motorcycle deaths only account for just five percent of all freeway deaths every year in registered vehicles, reports indicate that only two percent of registered vehicles are motorcycles. One of the biggest reasons why motorcycle crashes are so dangerous is because the rider has virtually no protection. Approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in bodily injury or harm, whereas only 20 percent of automobile accidents report similar injuries.

In order to address the high fatality rate, motorcycle enthusiasts have turned to protective clothing in an attempt buffer themselves against the impact of a possible collision. Laws in the United States now mandate the use of a secure helmet for all motorcyclists while riding, which is the most important article of clothing that can avoid fatalities. Other motorcycle-specific gear is brightly colored or has reflective stripes to make the rider more visible to other motorists on the road. Thick, tough leather jackets have long provided shelter from harsh weather, but for motorcyclists it is much more than that. Durable leather gives its wearer protection from abrasions if they do fall. In addition, most motorcycle jackets pad certain parts of the body to protect against the impact of a collision.

If you need a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer, you should call AA-Accident Attorneys. Our experienced lawyers can help win you the compensation that you deserve from the negligent parties that are responsible for your pain and suffering. We will fight the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you do not have to cope with any more stress, following your accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyer has over 20 years’ experience and know the problems that you face every day with negligent drivers and crowded freeways. We have convenient locations throughout California including offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Jose and San Francisco. Call today for your free evaluation.

A motorcycle accident on the westbound 91 Freeway left traffic backed up for more than an hour and several people stranded.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The crash was reported at about 6:55 a.m. just to the east of North East Street, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash caused a SigAlert and left the No. 1, 2 and carpool lanes completely blocked off. All of the lanes were cleared about an hour later.

According to multiple witnesses, the motorcyclist was traveling at more than 100 mph and splitting lanes with other vehicles, a risky but legal move. The motorcycle rider smashed into the back of a Hyundai sedan, which was traveling at about 30 mph in the fast lane.

The motorcyclist suffered moderate injuries, and many say that he is lucky to be alive.

The 91 Freeway was also blocked from another crash at about 6:45 a.m. on the eastbound side near the South Lemmon Street. Three vehicles collided and blocked the No. 1 and carpool lanes. The lanes were cleared at about 7 a.m.

If you are in an accident, you need support. AA-Accident Attorneys provides their clients the expert legal help to win results. You can feel confident that the Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer who represents you knows your concerns, and the issues you face with crowded roads, freeways, and highways that can lead to automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, and truck accidents. The accident lawyer knows these issues from the inside and out—as a legal professional and as a citizen who shares the road and lives in our communities.

AA-Accident Attorneys serves clients in many locations across the United States, and has a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Fernando Valley, Ontario, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Las Vegas.