Spring in Sight: Safety Tech and Tips for Maryland Motorcycle Riders

Posted on: February 18, 2021

You may not know it from looking out the window, but spring is on the way in Maryland – bringing with it the sunny weather and mild temperatures that make conditions ideal for motorcycle riding. After a long winter, you are no doubt eager to get out and enjoy the open air. However, since many motorcycle riders have not been out in the last few months, the time is right for a reminder on the safety risks and issues involved with your favorite activity. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) summary on motorcycle accidents indicates that there are almost 1,400 total crashes every year. That number may not seem high until you dig deeper into the data: Almost 89% of motorcycle collisions cause death or injury to at least one person.

Of course, motorcycle riders have an obligation to protect themselves, so it is important to get a refresher course on safety now that spring is around the corner. Plus, since new safety tech is available for riders and their motorcycles, you might find it useful to review options to enhance your protection. You can trust a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer to advise you on your legal options if you were hurt in a crash, but some additional statistics may also help you understand why safety tips and tech are so important.

Additional Statistics on Motorcycle Crashes

MDOT data on motorcycle collisions is disturbing, but it is even more concerning to review further statistics on these incidents:

Fatal crashes rose 32% from 2018 to 2019, but the highest number of accidents occurred in 2017 when 85 people were killed in 83 deadly collisions.
More than 84% of all motorcycle crashes leads to injuries for at least one person. In Maryland, the five-year average is 1,172 victims.
Prince George’s and Baltimore Counties rank first and second for motorcycle accidents, at 28% of all incidents occurring in the state.
The most dangerous months for motorcycle riders are June through September, in which 53% of all collisions occur. However, April and May are also risky, whether due to weather or operators being out of practice. One in five motorcycle collisions happen during these months.
It is wise to take extra precautions when riding your motorcycle on weekends, as more than 40% of all accidents take place on Saturday and Sunday. You should also be vigilant at dusk and during the evening rush hour, since four in 10 motorcycle collisions happen between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m.

New Safety Tech for Motorcycle Riders

If you have not been on your motorcycle in several months, you may not yet be aware of some of the latest developments in safety gear, equipment, and technology. To some experts and enthusiasts, one of the most impactful solutions is air bag clothing – which builds upon the same technology used in automobiles. The air bags are contoured balloons that are incorporated into vests, jackets, pants, and full-length bodysuits. They deploy when sensors on the clothing detect an imminent threat, thereby reducing the force when a rider is struck AND absorbing the energy of a secondary impact when the rider is tossed. Additional safety tech for motorcycles includes:

Adaptive headlights that steer into curves, enabling a larger range of vision compared to fixed lighting;
Auto clutch and shift, which functions similar to an automatic motor vehicle transmission and provides support as new riders get familiar with the motorcycle; and,
Tire pressure monitoring, which reduces the effect of one of the biggest risk factors of riding a motorcycle. Low tire pressure makes it more difficult to maneuver the vehicle. Monitoring systems are available as a mobile app that links to the tire pressure technology, alerting you when you need to add air.

Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

When you practice proper safety tactics, motorcycle technology goes even further to protect you from injury and reduce the potential for crashes. The most obvious tip is also the oldest and one you have heard many times: Always wear an approved helmet when riding. In addition:

Consider investing in other safety gear, such as gloves, boots, and specialty clothing that includes impact-resistant fabrics.
Follow all traffic laws and drive defensively to guard against motorists that do not.
Never operate a motorcycle after drinking or taking drugs, even legal prescriptions that lead to drowsiness.
Get ready for spring riding by taking a formal course that helps develop and hone your skills.

What to Do if You are Hurt in a Motorcycle Collision

Your first priority after a crash is to seek proper medical care right away, whether you head to the ER, an urgent care center, or your primary care physician. Your health is important and so are your rights, which can be damaged if you delay. Depending on the nature of your injuries, additional To-Do’s on your list may be:

Take pictures at the scene, including images of the intersection or roadway, damage to vehicles, your injuries, weather conditions, and other factors.
Get contact information from witnesses who may have observed the motorcycle crash.
Avoid talking to the other driver about who you think was at fault, and never admit that you may have been careless in causing it.
Check around the scene and jot down any businesses or buildings in the vicinity. These properties may have security cameras installed, and the footage may be useful when it comes to filing an insurance claim or in court.

Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney Right Away

This information should be a good review as you anticipate the arrival of spring and motorcycle riding, and the details on safety tech might convince you to look into your options. However, no amount of advice or technology can completely eliminate the potential for deadly and injury-causing motorcycle crashes. If you were hurt or lost a loved one, please contact Bob Katz Law right away to discuss your circumstances with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. We can set up a free consultation to advise you on your legal rights and remedies.

Read Some of Our Recent Client Reviews!

Attorney Bob Katz

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Diane Gerald

16:51 11 Sep 20

A friend referred me to Gordon Feinblatt LLC. When you find yourself in a situation where you really need legal representation it can be difficult to know where to go. I am fortunate that I asked them to represent me and especially grateful for everything they did for me. I worked with Justin Katz and Tatyana Bronzova and could not have asked for a more professional, compassionate team to guide me through the challenges of closing out an accident settlement. I would call them for all my legal needs and want to extend my sincere appreciation for all their support.

Cristina Roach

16:00 01 Sep 20

Christina F. was SUPER helpful with my case! She took great care of me. I am very thankful for all of the time and effort put forth by the team.

N Dierolf

13:42 30 Aug 20

I had the pleasure of working with Christina Franetovich during my case. I had a lot of questions throughout the process and she was quick to respond and always took the time to explain when needed. I would highly recommend working with Attorney Bob Katz's team. Everyone is extremely professional and sincerely cares for you.

Thomas Sul

16:05 17 Jul 20

This was my first time going through an accident claim. Marisa Wise was my Paralegal and she walked me through the entire process. She was very quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had and gave me the assurance that I was in good hands. An absolute pleasure! Would highly recommend!

이정호

16:23 03 Jul 20

I was very happy working with Bob Katz Law, especially Mrs Yoon, the secretary taught me so kindly and in detail that I did everything very well

Rebecca Yazici

12:12 15 May 20

Everyone here is attentive, they respond quickly to any questions I had. Christina, Angela and Meghan are who I mainly worked with. They made it as simple as they could for a common citizen like me. Gave me great advice, while also taking into consideration how I felt comfortable to proceed. They got me the best compensation settlement they could secure. I don't have any complaints, or anything less than highest rating to offer. Hopefully I don't have to work with them again in the future, but if I do, I know where to go during that stressful time.

Abraham Tsegaye

20:45 24 Apr 20

Attorney Bob Katz and his staff handled my case very well twice I highly recommend.

Ms Graham

02:32 16 Feb 20

I had a great experience with this practice , my Attorney Meghan Young was very professional since the first day I met with her about my accident case . She was very knowledge , patience and kept me updated every chance she got. She responded to all my calls & emails but if she couldn't somebody from the law firm definitely did in a timely manner. She answered all of my questions and concerns , she explain everything to me so well. She sent me all my mail that was needed for me to see for my proof. I wished I use her in my 2017 accident but I didn't finish the case . I was nervous at first because I didn't know what lawyer to go to but I'm glad I went with Meghan young . Hopefully I would never need to again but if so I would most definitely use them in the future and recommend them to anyone who was involved in a accident . Thanks so much Ms Meghan you're the best!!! Tyshell =)) !!

Donald Johnson

13:19 13 Jan 20

The attorneys at this firm are great they will keep you updated on your case and are very knowledgeable with the whole process from start to finish would recommend thank you very much

sung nyun lee

03:28 27 Nov 19

Had a great experience with this practice and with Meghan Young. They answered all of our questions. They did a great job of translating between us and the lawyer. They were very professional in court and did a great job. Would definitely use them in the future and recommend them to anyone!

LaTisha Johnson

05:55 16 Nov 19

My daughter and I were involved in a car accident in February 2019. The other driver was at fault. My paralegal was Marisa Wise and she was great at settling my claim and ensuring that we were satisfied throughout the entire litigation process. Thanks!!!!

Marsha Smith

03:47 06 Nov 19

The law office of Bob Katz handled my case when I was in a car accident involving a drunk driver. Rebecca's Slattery was the Paralegal that worked with me. She was very helpful and made what could have been a difficult process very easy for me.

jennifer Yoo

19:00 01 Oct 19

The Katz office represented me for my auto accident case and i would like to thank them for their hard work. My paralegal, Jennifer Bolton helped me through the whole process and did a great job with the settlement. This office was very professional and pleasant to work with. i would recommend anyone to choose Bob Katz as their attorney for any personal injury they had with their auto accidents. 👍🏻

Tiffany Lumpkin

20:30 11 Sep 19

This office and specifically my paralegal Marisa is fantastic! I’m confident I received the best possible settlement for my claim and Marisa was amazing throughout the entire process.

Makeda Richardson

00:34 28 Aug 19

Attorney Bob Katz handled my accident case with the optimal level of professionalism, promptness and care. They kept me informed every step of the way and made me feel very comfortable and protected. I would definitely recommend their firm!

Jung Woo

19:48 26 Aug 19

I got rear-ended by an uninsured motorist in January of 2019. I worked with Marisa Ward, who took great care of me. She was very responsive and made sure that she had all the details of my case. In July, after all my treatment was finished, I received a large settlement. I would not have received this settlement if I had dealt with only my insurance for this accident. I highly recommend working with Bob Katz if you are involved in any type of vehicle accident.

Marie Florence Kouadjo

17:09 02 Aug 19

Marisa Ward took my case for an accident. she was very professional and very patient with me. the outcome of her work was even more surprising. I would recommend her if you are looking for help with your personal injury case. Thanks again Marisa

Marie Florence Kouadjo

17:09 02 Aug 19

Sherrie Doody

22:46 11 Jun 19

I have been working with this firm for over a year and they have been very supportive and knowledgeable. I've been working one on one with Rebecca Slattery who has been amazing in helping me through this whole process... I would recommend this firm to any of my colleagues.

April Runk

21:08 07 Jun 19

I love this office in the Baltimore area. Marisa Ward went above and beyond as my paralegal. I could not have asked for a better assistance. Meghan Young help me all the way up to the court date. She kept me informed the entire time. This is a very informative and efficient team. I didn't have to do the work, they took care of everything. Thank you for all your hard work. April Runk

Monica B

13:49 10 May 19

I loved the staff from this office. They are so easily reachable and so informative. They update me on the status of my settlement so I know what going on. They are so quick with the processing. I recommend here. So far best Attorney office ive worked with. I will definitely be working with them again. Each attorney know what they're doing. Thank you for making my first experience so positive.

Soo Kim

20:40 03 May 19

I worked with Bob Katz and Jennifer Bolton during my settlement case and highly recommend their team! Ms. Bolton was there for me the every single step of the way and I could not be happier. Everyone is very professional, quick, and you will not be disappointed!

Sancho Martin

22:38 18 Apr 19

I usually don't write reviews but this one by far was well worth it. Attorney Megan Young went above and beyond for me, in a matter i had lingering on for almost a year and she helped me settled it in less than 60 Days! If I could give 10 stars i would but unfortunately it only allows 5 stars.And the Paralegal Ms.Kristen Turner was also a great help in every step of the way with my case. Thank you guys again!! I would recommend them to any and everyone!

An Tran

21:51 18 Apr 19

Attorney Bob Katz helped me from start to finish with extreme care and consistency. They are there for you during the process and will do their best to serve you and keep you well informed. My experience with this office was great and I highly recommend Attorney Bob Katz.

Brooke Adams

16:05 10 Apr 19

I loved having Attorney BobKatz help me with my recent car accident. Ms. Erica was very helpful as well. Very friendly and personable. I would definitely recommend everyone to choose Attorney BobKatz if they are in need of help!

Theo Ngongang

16:08 04 Apr 19

Attorney Bob Katz and his team provided me with great guidance and assistance throughout the process of working toward a settlement. Very professional team, knowledgeable and patient. Thank you again!

Seo Young Hong

15:54 04 Apr 19

I had positive experience with Attorney Bob Katz office. They were really helpful and really quick in response to all the questions that I have throughout the case. Special thanks to my paralegal, Christina Franetovich and Mrs. Yun, Korean interpreter. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone and especially that needs interpreter.

Felicita Lopez

20:15 15 Mar 19

I have had a very good experience with this attorney. They have been patient with me and have updated me on any news of my case. At first I wasn't sure if I should have chosen them but after a few meetings they have been nothing but nice and understanding. They pushed through and fought to get me through this case without any worries. 10/10 would recommend them to anyone looking for an attorney.

Carla Young

18:09 11 Mar 19

This was my first time ever having to go through a situation like this with a car accident. My main contact was Erica & she was very supportive & informative. She made the whole process seem so effortlessly. They even went to bat with some of my medical providers ro lower my balance with them. I hope I never need an attorney again, but if I do I will surely give them a call.

Atiq Vahora

17:43 04 Mar 19

My family has used this law firm for almost 16 years on our car accident cases. Accidents are stressful experiences, but their law team is very supportive throughout the ordeal. The staff is friendly, professional, and always working to find the best possible outcome for me. As drivers, we just want to get things fixed quickly and move on with our lives. All that is required besides the facts is a little patience. With Bob Katz, I feel assured that someone I can trust has my back.

jungsun Park

19:00 28 Feb 19

I am very pleased with the service that Attorney Bob Katz and his legal team has provided. I would highly recommend!

Amartuvshin Batbaatar

02:42 11 Feb 19

I am very grateful for handling my several car accident claims and they were helpful and responsive to all our questions and concerns. I highly recommend them without any reservations.

anthony henry

21:01 07 Feb 19

It was a pleasure to work with Christina Franetovich She is awesome! She kept me well informed throughout the whole process. Thanks for all your hard work! I would definitely recommend her for your legal needs

Angel Boyd

14:32 28 Jan 19

Christina has been really helpful with settling both of my accident claims even with my nervousness and constant questions lol. But she worked with me and settled it. She is also available for my diminished value claim (which I'm trying not to annoy her with lol). I would recommend this firm and will probably stick with this firm for any accidents in the future. Hoping there aren't anymore tho

karla rivas

04:37 18 Jan 19

Great Team & Great Attorneys very good lawyers and excellent work. happy with the case.

Fadie Mohammad

14:54 08 Jan 19

Worked with Sarah Treuhaft (Paralegal) when retained Bob Katz's office. Sarah was absolutely amazing to work with, she was very professional and prompt with everything she did. She would respond to any inquiries I had immediately and never hesitated to hop on the phone to clarify or assist with anything, regardless of how early or late it was. I definitely highly recommend her and this law office.

Kelly Kess Malone

15:50 20 Nov 18

Very helpful paralegals and attorney assistants. Also informative on various types of cases. Reasonably priced for the work that they provide.

Brittany Peterson

08:19 17 Nov 18

Had a very awesome experience fast settlements... Communication was a A+ ...Strongly recommend Mr.Katz. !!! Ms. Robin made me felt like family was always there when i needed her and when i had a question.

Yarnell Goodwin

23:38 15 Nov 18

Got a little more settlement money than expected. Was provided great service and prompt responses. I greatly appreciate it!

Ashley Poole

01:05 08 Nov 18

Attorney Bob Katz and his staff are highly recommend. Customer Service was impeccable. Every phone call and email was responded to in a timely manner. Natalie Ulrich was very professional, helpful and thorough every step of the way, which resulted in a stress free experience. I will recommend this law firm to family and friends!

Tania Jefferson

17:51 06 Nov 18

Customer service was A+. All questions were answered promptly and information was shared appropriately. Concerns were addressed and I was made aware of all updates on my case. I would whole heartedly recommend this firm.

edward Robinson

03:00 06 Nov 18

I highly recommend Mr. Katz and his staff. They were friendly, compassionate and really showed they had their clients best interest at heart. There was never a time you called them they didn't respond or returned your calls and answer your questions.They took the worry, and stress and turn it into reassurance. They were diligent and just down right professional. My wife and I really thank God for allowing us to cross paths on a professional business experience. Ms. Rebecca Slatery is the most courteous, compassionate soul. We wish you all peace, love and blessings. Thank you for your service.

J JR

20:11 31 Oct 18

I decided to use this firm again for an accident I was involved in. As always they were professional and caring. Rebecca slattery was the paralegal assigned to my case and she was professional and kept me up to date with everything. I would recommend this firm to friends and family!

Cedric Jones

19:04 23 Oct 18

Erica Z is amazing with keeping you to date and staying communication with you during the entire process. Meghan Young was a wonderful lawyer made me feel extremely comfortable in the courtroom and she also fights for the best possible outcome for you..GREAT LAW FIRM

Nguyen Le

16:44 23 Oct 18

It was a great experience being taken care of by Rebecca Slattery and Meghan Young, they helped me resolve my case and were very courteous and professional. Highly recommend working with this law firm

Soun Gil

21:35 17 Oct 18

Ms. Park helped me out through my whole accident process. She took her time with me and made sure I understood everything. I would recommend to her all of my friends if they were to get into any accident.

Yejin Chung

15:40 12 Oct 18

I highly recommend. My family’s experience with this office was great. Christina Franetovich was very helpful throughout the whole process, which made this experience less stressful. She responded to my questions immediately and made sure that I understood everything.

Claudette Pope

13:18 30 Aug 18

I was referred to Gordon & feindblatt in 2014 when my family was in an accident, Mr. Katz personally consulted with me by phone and he was very polite and professional, Mr. Carpuso, one of the litigation attorneys even came out to our home and went over our case with us, he made sure all of our needs was addressed and before he left our home that day I felt like we were old friends. that case was settled and I was very pleased, I have used this law firm twice since then and the results are always the same, I have nothing but great experiences with Gordon & Feindblatt the staff are courteous and professional and they get the job done but the one in particular that really stood out for me is Rebecca Slattery, she is truly a gem, she is so compassionate, she walked me through the entire process, she even checked up on me from time to time just to see how I was feeling and I really appreciated her kindness. I will use this law firm again and again for any future legal issue that may arise and I would highly recommend Gordon & Fiendblatt to friends, family and co-workers.

UniversalSniping

02:32 04 Aug 18

The lawyer who was initially handling my case parted ways with the company and I was assigned a new lawyer. This new lawyer was amazing! Christina Franetovich made me feel secure by double checking all the facts and notes in my case so that I was not worried during this transition. I was on disability from an a different accident while she was finalizing my case, and I had called and hounded her about the time frame of my settlement very frequently to the point that I felt guilty for calling so much. Christina was very sympathetic to my situation and assured me that she would do everything in her power to make sure the situation would be resolved quickly. She actually finalized my case before the time frame she had given me, was always very courteous and knowledgable on the phone, and I feel extremely lucky that she ended up handling my case because the previous lawyer was not as amazing with customer service as Christina. She also has a way of making you feel comfortable and builds incredible rapport quickly. I am going to highly recommend her to my friends and family. Thank you Christina!!!

Richard Hose

02:26 27 Jun 18

On Feb 23, 2017 I was in a bad accident on the JFX. I had been rear end by another driver. Almost immediately I felt pressured by the other drivers insurance. Everything from wanting a recorded statement; to failing to acknowledge responsibility. No one would answer my questions, nor would anyone take responsibility. I was frustrated and overwhelmed with everyone from the towing company, to the repair shop, to the insurance company nightmare I just entered. I reached out to Attorney Robert Katz and I was assured they were here to help. He provided with some much needed information, and told me not to worry, Sarah his Paralegal would be in touch to help get things moving. Sarah reached out as expected and explained their process and walked me through what my expectations would be. She as well assured me they were here to help me navigate the obstacles. What Sarah really did was so much more than help. She took the stress and burden off my shoulders and assumed ownership for handling everything on my behalf. I knew what to expect, and I received regular updates throughout the entire process. Honestly, I received so much more than I anticipated. Some of the most frustrating items to chase after are medical records and hospital charges. While I was trying to recall events and timelines, she had already obtained my records and information. She made this process so painless. I truly cannot say enough about the exceptional service she provided. Many thanks for all your help. Sincerely, Richard Hose

Andrea Barajas

15:13 16 May 18

My husband and I were in a car accident in August 2017. We contacted Bob Katz team for legal representation in our case. Kristen A. Turner was our paralegal and she was excellent. It took 9 months for us to receive our settlement and Kristen kept us updated throughout this entire process. She was very kind and patient as I happened to have several questions. She always answered my questions promptly and thoroughly. I would highly recommend this firm and Kristen if you are in need of legal assistance.

TheOfficalCeeandDee

15:24 09 Feb 18

My experience here was great. My lawyer Rebecca was so professional and I love her personality. She handled my case well and kept me updated and made the process easy and always made me feel comfortable to call whenever I needed to know anything.

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