Watch An Airbag Vest Deploy!

At The Motorcycle Accident Summit, a national seminar for personal injury lawyers held in Savannah, Georgia, Jason Waechter, known as THE Motorcycle Lawyer, spoke about deposition techniques for motorcycle injury and wrongful death cases. A highlight was a demonstration of Alpinestar's wearable airbag vest for motorcyclists, showcasing technology designed to enhance rider safety. The vests, which include the Tech-Air 10 and Tech-Air Race, provide extensive body coverage and are now more accessible price-wise, around $750. Waechter also emphasized the importance of legal and insurance preparedness for motorcyclists. For more details, visit the original article on https://www.motorcyclelawyermichigan.com/AirbagVest

BMW Halts US Motorcycle Sales

WTH is going on with BMW? BMW's Temporary Pause on Gas Motorcycle Sales

In an unexpected and unprecedented turn of events for fans of BMW motorcycles in the United States and Canada, BMW North America has initiated a temporary halt on the sale of all gas-powered motorcycles, both new and pre-owned. The only exception to this sweeping suspension is BMW's recently introduced CE 04 electric scooter.

BMW Temporarily Halts Gas Motorcycle Sales in North America Reportedly Due to Emissions Compliance

The decision behind this move is suspected of stemming from concerns related to the emissions system found in all BMW bikes, affecting both new and used models. According to reports, a notice dispatched to dealers by BMW indicates that a material within the emissions system does not meet specified material standards. It's important to note that while BMW has specifically stated what the issues is that caused it to freeze ALL SALES in the U.S., BMW emphasizes that this issue does not pose a safety hazard, allowing current motorcycle owners to continue riding without apprehension. Instead, the matter revolves around emissions compliance.

BMW Temporarily Halts Gas Motorcycle Sales in North America

A BMW representative provided insights into the situation, stating, "BMW of North America is dedicated to providing vehicles to our customers that meet their expectations. To ensure that our vehicles are of the highest industry standards, BMW performs ongoing testing and evaluation. Following a recent quality analysis, BMW is pursuing measures to further evaluate the material used in a component of its motorcycle emissions system, which may not have been produced to material specifications. As a result, BMW of North America is issuing a temporary, voluntary stop-sale for all new and pre-owned BMW motorcycle models in dealer inventory, except for the CE 04. This temporary stop sale is not safety related, and BMW owners may continue to ride their motorcycles as normal.

 

How Long Is the Temporary Sales Freeze Expected To Last?

At this time, BMW has only said it's a temporary stop-sale. But since it covers every new and used BMW motorcycle in the US, it's assumed there's a major problem that's going to take some time to resolve. How long depends on what the problem is and what the fix requires. Even a small part change can take up to several weeks or even months to apply to all the inventory in the US. Until we hear from BMW, everyone will continue to speculate, including the dealers.

 

The decision to halt sales extends to both the U.S. and Canada, as both countries share similar emissions regulations. It is likely that this temporary suspension of sales is aimed at giving BMW the opportunity to identify and rectify the issue across all existing inventory before resuming sales.

 

At present, the extent of the issue and which motorcycle generations it impacts remain uncertain, although sales of all new and used or all generations have been halted. Notably, the BMW CE 04, being fully electric and devoid of an emissions system, remains unaffected by the stop-sale directive.

 

As BMW works toward a resolution for this matter, it is unknown if dealer inventory will undergo necessary corrections or how any inventory solution would look. However, no official announcement has been made regarding the status of motorcycles currently owned by consumers.

 

The Motorcycle Lawyer is monitoring BMW of North America for further information and updates.

 

 

 

 

 

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Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

 

Attorney Jason Waechter, and everyone at The Motorcycle Lawyer, are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Diangelo Alexander.

 

If you or someone you know has any information that may lead to the whereabouts of Diangelo Alexander, please reach out to the authorities immediately. Together, let's bring him home safely.

 

Jason, The Motorcycle Lawyer - Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for Justice and Safety on the Roads.

 

Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers understand the complexities surrounding such cases and are ready to offer legal assistance to the family and loved ones during this difficult time.

 

 

Jason The Motorcycle Lawyer reminds everyone that one of the biggest accident threats to motorcycles is when an oncoming vehicle turns left directly into the motorcycle's lane, leaving no options for the biker to escape. Keep your eyes open and watch for motorcycles.

 

U.S. Senate honors 50 years of Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)

Published August 1, 2023 9:05 AM EDT - The Motorcycle Lawyer

News

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) Government Relations has been working with U.S. Senate Motorcycle Caucus members and staff to introduce a resolution in July recognizing the MSF for 50 years of safety education. This type of resolution is a form of commemorative legislation.  It is a way for congress to give recognition to something a congressperson or senator feels is important. 

 

“I have always said there is no better way to go from point A to point B than by motorcycle,” says Michigan Senator Gary Peters. “As co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus and a lifetime rider, I am proud to have introduced this resolution recognizing 50 years of rider safety education by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and the important work they have done to make our roadways safer for riders and drivers across Michigan and the United States.”

 

Key elements of the proposed resolution include:

- In 1973, the MSF began creating the first motorcycle rider safety training curriculum in the United States;

 

- 10,000,000 motorcyclists have taken the Basic RiderCourse taught by MSF RiderCoaches in the last 50 years;

 

- 46 states and the armed forces use MSF curriculum as their motorcycle license waiver course;

 

- Nearly 10,000 RiderCoaches teach Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum at 2,700 training sites across the United States;

 

- The MSF meets the needs of motorcycle riders by continuing to create courses for the most popular bikes on the road and on the trail, including the hands-on Adventure Bike RiderCourse and the DirtBike School courses, that enable motorcycle riders to get the most out of their bikes.

 

 

Jason, The Motorcycle Lawyer - Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for Justice and Safety on the Roads, would also like to recognize the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for its great work over the last 50 years and Michigan’s own Gary Peters who has been an advocate for Michigan motorcyclists for almost as long.

 

Jason, The Motorcycle Lawyer reminds everyone that one of the biggest accident threats to motorcycles is when an oncoming vehicle turns left directly into the motorcycle's lane, leaving no options for the biker to escape. Keep your eyes open and watch for motorcycles.

 

Missing Motorcyclist Alert: Ohio Man Reported Missing While Riding Motorcycle on I-75 in Michigan - Reports The Motorcycle Lawyer

Published July 25, 2023 9:03 AM EDT

News

MONROE COUNTY, Mich. (The Motorcycle Lawyer) - Authorities are seeking the public's help in locating 36-year-old Diangelo Alexander, an Ohio man who mysteriously disappeared while riding his motorcycle back home from Michigan.

 

According to Toledo police, Alexander was last seen around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, traveling southbound on I-75 near exit 26 in Monroe County.

 

The missing motorcyclist was riding a distinctive blue and white motorcycle with Ohio plate number KNT63.

 

Desperate to find him, his loved ones describe Alexander as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds.

 

As the search intensifies, authorities and concerned citizens are urged to report any relevant information to Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.

 

Attorney Jason Waechter, and everyone at The Motorcycle Lawyer, are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Diangelo Alexander.

 

If you or someone you know has any information that may lead to the whereabouts of Diangelo Alexander, please reach out to the authorities immediately. Together, let's bring him home safely.

 

Jason, The Motorcycle Lawyer - Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Fighting for Justice and Safety on the Roads.

 

Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers understand the complexities surrounding such cases and are ready to offer legal assistance to the family and loved ones during this difficult time.

 

 

Jason The Motorcycle Lawyer reminds everyone that one of the biggest accident threats to motorcycles is when an oncoming vehicle turns left directly into the motorcycle's lane, leaving no options for the biker to escape. Keep your eyes open and watch for motorcycles.

 

How do I treat a dark traffic signal at an intersection? Knowing the answer can prevent an accident - Says Jason The Motorcycle Lawyer

With all the intense storms we've seen pass through Michigan recently, we thought it a good idea to put out a PSA on traffic signal outage and how to legally approach and pass through the intersection.

 

Question: How do I treat a dark traffic signal at an intersection?

 

Answer: When a signal at an intersection loses power and there are no other traffic control devices (e.g., stop sign, yield sign, temporary signal, temporary sign) or police officers present at that intersection to provide direction, the intersection will be treated as a four way stop. 

 

MCL 257.649 requires a driver approaching an intersection with a traffic control signal that does not clearly indicate the right of way or is malfunctioning to treat the intersection as a four-way stop by doing the following: 

 

Stop at a clearly marked stop line, or, if there is no clearly marked stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. 

Yield the right of way to all vehicles in the intersection or approaching on an intersecting road, if those vehicles create an immediate hazard when the driver is moving across or within the intersection.

 

Exercise ordinary care while proceeding through the intersection. 

The “four-way stop” rules do not apply to the following:

 

An intersection that is controlled by a traffic control signal that is flashing yellow unless certain events occur, including, but not limited to, activation by an emergency vehicle.

 

A traffic control signal that is located in a school zone and is flashing yellow only during prescribed periods of time.

 

 

 

Remember to use extra caution at traffic signals that have lost power and/or are not functioning properly as other drivers may not understand the rules or may not be paying attention and could run the intersection without stopping at all.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice without consulting with a licensed attorney. This is not intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney. The law is subject to frequent changes and varies from one jurisdiction to another. Some of the information on this site may be deemed attorney advertising in some states. No attorney-client relationship is formed nor should any such relationship be implied. Past results are no guarantee of future results.

Michigan’s Hands-Free Cell Phone Law Explained - The Motorcycle Lawyer

Michigan’s new hands-free cell phone law will be activated on June 30, 2023. That means on June 30, 2023, the new law is in effect. Jason Waechter, THE Motorcycle Lawyersm, explains Michigan Compiled Law, MCL 257.602b “Reading, typing, or sending text message on wireless 2-way communication device prohibited; use of hand-held mobile telephone prohibited.”

 

What Can’t You Do Now?

The new hands-free law pertains to “operating” a motor vehicle while holding a phone is now in effect.  Basically, just holding your phone while behind the wheel is an infringement.  There are even more serious penalties if you violate the following:

You can NOT send or receive telephone calls;

You can NOT send, receive or read text messages;

You can NOT access, read or post on social media;

You can NOT view, record or transmit video;

You can NOT dial a number by hand;

You can NOT type an address into GPS or a navigation feature;

 

Visit Our Full Article on Michigan's Hand-Free Law - Click here.

https://www.motorcyclelawyermichigan.com/Michigans-Hands-Free-Driving-Law

 

 

Jason The Motorcycle Lawyer reminds everyone that one of the biggest accident threats to motorcycles is when an oncoming vehicle turns left directly into the motorcycle's lane, leaving no options for the biker to escape. Keep your eyes open and watch for motorcycles.

 

Ann Arbor Settles Motorcycle Pothole Injury Lawsuit for $99,000

Published: Jun. 23, 2023, 1:03 p.m. - The Motorcycle Lawyer

 

ANN ARBOR, MI — The city of Ann Arbor has reached a settlement in yet another lawsuit related to a street pothole. City Council voted on June 20 to approve a $99,000 payout to Christine Harris, who suffered injuries in an accident while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle that hit a pothole.

 

According to Harris' complaint, the incident occurred in May 2019 on southbound Pontiac Trail near Moore Street. She alleged that the city's negligence in properly maintaining the roadway led to the accident.

 

During the incident, Christine Harris was traveling with her ex-husband, Kenneth Harris. They realized they were going the wrong way on a one-way street, attempted a U-turn, and hit a pothole, causing the motorcycle to tip over and severely injuring Christine's ankle, as stated in court records.

 

Initially, the city denied responsibility and contested the case in court. However, the City Council has now decided to settle the matter for $99,000 without admitting liability, as per the approved resolution.

 

The city attorney's office provided counsel on the matter through a confidential memo dated May 30.

 

This marks at least the third instance in the last year where Ann Arbor has agreed to significant settlement payouts in cases involving potholes. In March, the city approved a $15,000 payout to a jogger who claimed injury from stepping in a pothole on Brooks Street. Last August, another claimant received $24,500 after being injured in a pothole incident on Sunset Road.

 

Christine Harris filed her lawsuit in March 2020 at the Washtenaw County Circuit Court. Initially, the city tried to invoke governmental immunity and have the case closed, but Judge Tim Connors denied the motion, stating that there were sufficient questions about the city's liability. The city then appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, which upheld the lower court's decision in January, stating that the city's motion was rightly denied.

 

While the city contended that it was unaware of the specific pothole in question, evidence submitted by the plaintiff indicated progressive deterioration of the roadway over several years. Nevertheless, the city maintained that the road was reasonably safe for public travel.

 

City Council took action on June 5 by approving a nearly $4 million project to repair the bumpy southern stretch of Pontiac Trail, along with Swift, Moore, and Wright streets.

 

As of now, neither Harris nor her attorneys have provided further comments on the settlement of the lawsuit.

 

One of the biggest accident threats to motorcycles is when an oncoming vehicle turns left directly into the motorcycle's lane, leaving no options for the biker to escape. Keep your eyes open and watch for motorcycles.

 

"Look Twice, Save A Life" Kicks off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Michigan

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is urging drivers to be more vigilant and “Look Twice. Save a Life.” as the state enters Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. The campaign, which began on May 2, is aimed at reducing the number of crashes between motorcycles and passenger vehicles, which typically spike during the warmer months.

 

According to state records, Michigan saw 1,716 crashes involving motorcycles and passenger vehicles between May and September 2021. These accidents resulted in a record 120 fatalities and 407 serious injuries. Most of these incidents occurred on weekends when motorcyclists are more likely to be out on the roads.

 

In light of the alarming statistics, Benson is calling on motorists to exercise extra caution when navigating roads alongside motorcycles. Given the smaller profile of motorcycles, drivers should take an extra look before making a turn or pulling out onto the road. This simple step could mean the difference between life and death.

 

The Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund of Michigan pays for the “Look Twice. Save a Life.” campaign every spring. The fund is supported by a fee of $2.50 for every motorcycle endorsement renewal in the state. However, Benson noted that the campaign is more than a slogan and stressed the importance of motorists taking it seriously.

 

Motorcycle accidents are not unique to Michigan. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle deaths have reached their highest level nationwide since 1975. As such, drivers across the country should take extra care to share the roads safely with motorcyclists.

 

Holland township motorcyclist killed in crash with car

Holland, MI - On Friday, April 28th, a tragic collision between a motorcycle and a car occurred on Riley Street at 132nd Avenue in the busy Holland area, resulting in the death of a 28-year-old Holland Township man. According to Ottawa County sheriff's deputies, the motorcyclist was heading east on Riley Street while a westbound Volkswagen Passat driven by a 68-year-old Holland Township woman attempted to make a left turn onto 132nd Avenue, turning in front of the motorcyclist. The Passat driver remained unharmed, while her 64-year-old male passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital.

 

One of the biggest accident threats to motorcycles is when an oncoming vehicle turns left directly into the motorcycle's lane, leaving no options for the biker to escape. Keep your eyes open and watch for motorcycles.