Our office recommends if you are a victim of an auto accident, or other personal injuries as a result of someone’s negligence, call as soon as you’re able; your rights can be affected. There are many things your attorney will undertake to ensure your right to compensation and recovery remains safeguarded.

Insurance companies immediately work to reduce what they owe. We know from experience that insurers immediately preserve evidence, take statements, and research victims and witnesses.

Often, insurance representatives, referred to as adjusters, will fight the insurance company’s liability by saying the victim has some culpability. This ploy is to assert the victim owns some portion of fault, thus reducing what is owed, or; insurance companies often argue the injury was actually the result of a pre-existing condition.

Having a personal injury lawyer will even the playing field and help maximize the value of an injury claim. Sometimes a victim cannot get to their doctor right away, or may not know which doctor to see. Indecision may cause a time gap between the crash and medical care. This is important to avoid: Any gap between a crash and medical care is an excuse for the insurance company to not pay what they rightfully owe.

Personal Injury attorneys and their staff spend much of their time talking with doctors and medical providers about the care received by clients. A committed attorney will go the extra mile to make themselves available to you via phone or email. For Turner and Turner, this is the beginning of the process. We offer a free case evaluation to all new clients.

Our attorneys will answer your questions and respond to your concerns promptly, and make understanding the legal process quick and easy for those unfamiliar with the process. A great attorney brings their attitude of commitment to your relationship with them right into the courtroom. We are professionals who work with you to fight for the best results possible.

If you have been the victim of an accident, whether auto, motorcycle or other motorized vehicles, don’t let your rights slip away because of indecision or an inability to navigate the thicket of insurance regulations.

Call Turner and Turner at (248) 355-1727 for a free case evaluation and consultation to preserve your rights to fair and timely compensation.

Motorcycle riders are at higher risk because bikes are smaller than other vehicles and are therefore less visible, bikes are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles and there are fewer barriers on motorcycles to prevent injuries when compared to automobiles, which have air bags and seatbelts, not to mention door and roof beams and windshields.

Motorcycles do have some safety advantages: they are more agile, they can turn quickly to avoid obstacles and hazards and they have a much shorter stopping distance.

The key to defensive driving, then, is to maximize the safety advantages and compensate for the increased exposure to risk.

First of all, if you have not taken a motorcycle safety course, consider taking one, whether you are a new or experienced bike rider. Many times, this can have an impact on your insurance rates, and even if this is not the case, the more information and experience you can glean, the better. Be sure that you are really competent at braking and cornering as these maneuvers are the trickiest and require the most experience.

Finally, be sure that the bike you drive is a good fit for you (you should be able to place both feet on the ground) to operate safely and with confidence. You should also ensure that you can reach all controls. Be realistic; if you are small of stature, you may not be able to safely operate the largest manufactured motorcycles.

In addition, please keep in mind the following riding tips:

• Be vigilant about staying out of all vehicles’ blind spots.
• When you must pass a vehicle, signal that you will be doing so, pass quickly and get out of the blind spot as quickly as possible. This is a very dangerous maneuver, particularly when passing an 18 wheeler.
• Assume that you are invisible! Look always at driveways and intersections and be prepared as to what to do if somebody doesn’t see you. Where will your escape route be?
• Keep your following distance, using the 2 second rule, but always be looking ahead on the road and planning. What will you do if somebody enters the highway, do you have room to move over?
• Avoid hazards like painted road lane markings, manhole covers and potholes.
• If the weather conditions mean that the roadways are wet or icy, consider stopping for a while or pulling over, particularly at  the beginning of a rainstorm when the water mixes with the oil on the road surfaces. If you must continue on, be extremely cautious, lowering your speed, increasing your following distance and avoiding all distractions.
• Don’t ride in a wolfpack, even if it’s fun. The exposure to risk is very high.
• Obviously, don’t drink. Alcohol contributes to a huge number of motorcycle collisions. Designated driving plans don’t work as easily with motorcycles, because it means your bike has to stay somewhere typically overnight, but it’s better to find a place to stow your bike and return to it alive.
• Wear protective gear. We don’t know where you are on the helmet question but helmets do save lives. Other protective gear that makes a difference includes protective eyewear, gloves and thick clothing if the weather makes them comfortable. You want your protective gear to give you some relief from the elements (comfort), to be thick enough to prevent abrasions and contact burns and to provide increased visibility. All black clothing might be fashionable, but brighter colors and use of reflective gear may save your life.
• Be sure to wear sturdy footwear; leather boots are ideal.

• Avoid storms.  Many dogs and cats fear thunder and will become agitated or worse, try to escape.
• Be sure to stop often for water and food.  Check the pet carrier and adjust the bedding too.
• Don’t take your pet if the weather is too hot or too cold.  They just won’t enjoy it.
• Think about where you’re going.  Is it to a biker rally or a fun cruising event?  Is your dog sociable?  If so, then it’s a great mix.  If your animal is shy or anxious, events with lots of people will be less fun for them, they might prefer a comfortable ride in the country with their favorite owner alone.
• Take a trial run.  Before you take your pet on a long day’s adventure, drive for an hour and see if they enjoy it.  Do they seem to be stimulated by the sights and enjoy the time with you or do they appear listless or unhappy?  Let their behavior guide you and not just your desire to be with them.

Are the giant mounds of ice turning to slush?  If so, it’s time to take the motorcycle out of the garage, get it spring ready (checking fuel systems, tires and battery) and think about where to take a great ride.  Whether you drive a car or motorcycle, it’s time to venture outside and see some beautiful vistas on the way.

Plan a local drive that offers scenery, fun stops and socializing with friends or make bigger plans for a road trip.  

One of the great scenic byways, perfect for a motorcycle ride is the Tunnel of Trees Road, which is a section of M-119.  Start your journey at Harbor Springs (north of Petoskey) and take Route 119 north all along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, until you get to Cross Village.

The Tunnel of Trees is gorgeous in spring with the appearance of colorful trillium on the forest floor.  As you ride along, a lovely forest will surround you, making a canopy of trees, while you can still view Lake Michigan from the high bluff on the other side of the road. There are some great twists and curves (at Devil’s Elbow and Horseshoe Bend).

There are plenty of places to stop:  country stores, a glass blowing workshop, artisanal bakeries and evidence of old Native American housing and even forts.

Enjoy a sunset and a relaxing meal at Cross Village and head back south!

Photo Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2009-0619-UP022-TunnelofTrees.jpg