Things Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles on the Road

There are certain prejudices against motorcyclists in society whenever an accident occurs. There are more cars, buses and trucks than motorcycles on the roads today, and the number is increasing. There are rider training programs, operator licensing programs and public information campaigns. Still, people need to know more about motorcycle drivers and their safety. People drive under a lot of stress these days. Then there are those who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, increasing potential risk to all on the road.

Things car/truck drivers should know about motorcyclists:

There were around 5,154 motorcycle deaths in 2007, the highest since 1975. The motorcycle fatalities represent 13% of all deaths in the US. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has listed some guidelines which other drivers should be aware of:

 

• Car/Truck owners should look for motorcycles at intersections – the point where most accidents happen.
• Motorcycles might appear farther than their original distance from the car/truck – this is because it is smaller in size.
• Be careful while changing lanes or when you are at an intersection. It is also very difficult to track the speed of a motorcycle, mainly because of its size.
•  Allow more distance behind a motorcycles at intersections.
• A thumb-rule – when a motorcycle is in motion, think of it as a moving person.
• Better late than never’ is a proverb that works well for all drivers in the world. Drive safe.
• Use seat belts.
•  Always use signals while turning.
• Use your mirrors and be vigilant to check around the blind spots and intersections while you are changing lanes.
• Do not tailgate and/or pass closely – Give space to motorcycle drivers.

Distractions drivers often face:

There are can be many reasons for accidents, such as:

• Children
• Cellular phones – Hand held
• Satellite navigation system
• Audio systems
• Eating/drinking while driving

Motorcycle drivers are more vulnerable and they need space. The fact remains that most motorcycle accidents happen because of negligence, unsafe roads and debris. If someone close to you has been injured while driving a motorcycle, immediately rush him/her to a doctor. Please collect important information, such as the number plate and time of the accident. You deserve legal representation if there is a case of negligence and careless driving. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to claim compensation.

Entrepreneurs: Books, Web site help lawyer grow practice

If you get in a car accident and contact Billings attorney Solomon Neuhardt about filing a lawsuit, he might tell you to find another attorney.

“Each year, we accept a limited number of accident cases from the hundreds of people who ask us to represent them,” says Neuhardt.

He makes that statement in the first few pages of his book “The Ultimate Guide to Accident Cases in Montana.” He sends the slim, yellow book – or one of the other law primers he’s written – home with nearly every potential client who contacts him.

“Sometimes the best advice you can get when you’re thinking about a lawsuit is that you do not have a claim that can be won,” Neuhardt says in his accident book.
But, if he does take your case, “fewer cases means more time for you,” he says.

The Neuhardt Law Firm is located at 2602 First Ave. S., Suite 319, in the downtown post office building. It can be reached at 294-9540.

Here’s what else Neuhardt had to say about striking out on his own, and what it feels like to lay down in an empty office on your first day and wonder if you’ve done the right thing:

Nature of the business?

Business primarily focuses on personal injury. However, we also help with medical malpractice and criminal defense.

Why start this business?

Primarily to be independent. I worked at the former Yellowstone County Public Defender’s Office as a deputy public defender and wanted to be able to run my own operation. I also knew that the most successful businesspeople typically started their own businesses.

Where did startup funding come from?

My checking account. I remember renting an office space at 2722 Third Avenue North and laying on the floor of my office waiting for the furniture people to arrive with my desk and credenza. I had no idea if I was the making the right decision, but it seemed to be at the time and has turned out that way.

How long have you been in business?

Five years as of April 15.

Your biggest challenge during the current recession?

We haven’t seen the recession as much of a challenge. We placed a lot of efforts into marketing in the latter part of 2008 until now.

I wrote three short books in the last six months or so to promote information to consumers and for marketing. They include “Five Deadly Sins That Will Wreck Your Montana Accident Claim,” “Why Most Victims of Medical Malpractice Never Recover a Dime,” and “What You Don’t Know about Car Insurance Will Hurt You.”

All of these can be downloaded from our Web site at www.mtaccidentattorney.com. The first book is also available on Amazon.com or from Barnes & Noble or Borders books. A free copy can also be obtained by calling my office. We send out a copy of the accident book to every potential personal injury client who contacts us. We also started sending out a newsletter to current and former clients and others on a monthly basis that is informational. And we spent a lot of time and effort developing our Web site so it provides information about personal injury and medical malpractice cases. The Web site also includes testimonials from former clients and information about the firm. I have a tech person in India who works for us for $4 an hour who spends a lot of time promoting the Web site and the law firm. He works full time.

What was done to overcome those challenges?

Whatever challenges existed, if there were ones, were overcome by our stepped-up marketing efforts.

What is being done to expand the business?

The publication of the books, the mailing of the newsletter and the development of the Web site has brought a lot of new business in to the firm. The books provides great information to consumers. The newsletter keeps us at the forefront of people’s minds when they are looking for an attorney. The Web site provides great information and attracts potential clients to us.

Your best business decisions?

The books, newsletter, and Web site. Great staff members.

Your worst business mistake?

Spending too much money on projects with questionable returns on investment.

What advice do you have for someone running a business?

Try and keep your costs low and focus on revenues. Customer service should never be compromised. Develop as many business relationships as you can.

Number of workers?

Four, including myself.

What’s your five-year plan for the business?

Quadruple our revenues. I will publish the medical malpractice and car insurance books and make them available to the public and potential clients.

Expand the newsletter mailing as much as possible. Continue to develop and promote the Web site.

A question you would ask other entrepreneurs?

What is the meaning of life?

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?

Bartending at the Ritz-Carlton in Anguilla.

We handle fewer cases – so we have more time for yours

We’re different.

As a specialized company, tailored to your needs, we do not rely on mass advertisements to bring in clients and customers from every law in the books. That is not our plan, need or intention.

We handle cases from a select few – from the hundreds that seek us out every year for our services. We oblige those who come to us, and we use our resources to keep you away from assistants and paralegals. We maintain contact with you directly, and in doing so we strive for better results.

Representing accident claims and those injured throughout the state, Solomon Neuhardt relies on the good word of former clients to attract new clients. We find customers throughout Montana, and those with positive experiences are eager to tell acquaintances where to turn for their needs.

We are honest and up front, and will not conduct your case under false pretenses. If it is obvious and likely that your case will not be won, we will approach you from that angle. If your claim is better off handled without an attorney or without our services, we will present you with that option as well. We will give you the personal attention that you need, no more and no less. And this means that you will not be charged more, and represented less. You will know what is happening as it happens, and you will be best informed to make the decisions that are essential to the process – to make a claim, to go to court, or to drop proceedings. You will know the fees and the costs, and you will be along with us in the driver’s seat – negotiating every twist and turn of your claim as it arises.