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Motorcyclist in Critical Condition Following Crash

By Renee Nordstrand on May 10, 2010

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/may/09/simi-valley-man-critically-injured-in-motorcycle/?print=1

Bill Williams, of Simi Valley sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle crash on Sunday, the Ventura County Start reports.  Williams, age 35, was operating an off-road motorcycle on the 2500 block of Angela Street when he collided with a parked car and injured his head, leg, and arm.

Witnesses state that Williams was attempting a wheel stand when the accident occurred.  He was not wearing a helmet.

According to the NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, “5,290 motorcyclists were killed—an increase of 2 percent over the 5,174 motorcyclists killed in 2007. There were 96,000 motorcyclists injured during 2008”.  Further, “NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,829 motorcyclists’ lives in 2008, and that 823 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.”  These staggering statistics substantiate the need for helmets to protect motorcyclists during accidents.

May 2010 is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and we at the Law Office of Renee J. Nordstrand urge both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers to be aware of motorcycle safety during this time. For example, motorcyclists may benefit from taking rider-training programs dedicated to lowering crash rates. Vehicle drivers and the general public can prepare for the summer months where the number of motorcycle riders will increase on busy highways and roads, necessitating an attitude of all drivers and riders to be willing to share the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact experienced motorcycle attorneys today for a free consultation.

Bicyclist Struck and Killed by Car in Camarillo

By Renee Nordstrand on December 16, 2009

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/16/morning-report-cyclist-hit-by-car-in-camarillo/

A 39-year-old Camarillo bicyclist was hit by a sport utility vehicle while riding on Lewis Road in Camarillo Tuesday night, the Ventura County Star reports.

Mario Tamayo was taken to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, where he later passed away from his injuries.  Authorities say Tamayo, who was wearing dark clothing, did not have lights on his bicycle and was not wearing a helmet while riding on a busy street after dark.  Because of these factors, the driver, Michael Brigmac, did not see Tamayo until he collided with him.  From the article, it is unclear as to whether there are bicycle lanes on the road where Tamayo was riding.

This incident highlights the importance of bicycle safety, especially in the winter months when the sun sets early at around 5:30 pm.  If you routinely use a bicycle as a means of transportation, please take precaution and where a helmet wherever you are riding.  Additionally, if you must ride at night, please purchase a bike light to protect yourself and alert drivers on the road.

If you have been injured while biking and believe a driver may be at fault, please contact skilled bicycle accident attorneys immediately for a free consultation to assess your situation and legal options.