Harley Davidson’s New Electric Motorcycle
Anyone that knows motorcycles has heard the name Harley Davidson. Founded in the early 1900s, Harley Davidson was one of the few motorcycle companies to survive the great depression and has overcome numerous challenges throughout the years to become the most recognized name in motorcycles in the United States today. Harley Davidson strives to keep up with emerging technologies, and has recently unveiled a new electric motorcycle. Electric Motorcycle Events The company will be introducing the new electric motorcycle to consumers through a series of events at select Harley Davidson dealerships across the country and into Canada. Called “Project LiveWire,” the events will give customers a chance to ride the new motorcycles and provide feedback. The company has not yet announced when or even if the motorcycles will be for sale, but expects to acquire information from the Project LiveWire events that will fuel future changes and innovations. Electric Motorcycle Features Although electric motorcycles are not a completely new concept, the idea is removed from the traditional idea of Harley Davidson’s loud, gasoline powered motorcycles. The new electric motorcycle is quiet, and has a unique sound that is very different from the drum beat that is ordinarily associated with Harley motorcycles. The “LiveWire” prototype runs on rechargeable batteries, which can save consumers money, but presents a few challenges. LiveWire Challenges The current LiveWire prototype can only go about 50 miles before requiring a charge. At this time, charging the electric motorcycle takes a few hours. Before the electric motorcycle can go to market, charging stations would have to be installed across the country to allow customers to fuel up as needed. This challenge has been the greatest drawback to the project so far. Project Live Wire Feedback Many customers of Harley Davidson enjoy long distance touring and have admitted that the bike would not be an attractive purchase unless it could drive much longer on a single charge, charge more quickly, and have convenient spots to charge when traveling. The company has announced the target market for the new electric motorcycle as younger, urban professionals that will not need to travel far during each excursion, but this may cost Harley Davidson sales to the existing customer base. Customers are divided on the difference in sound from older models, with some preferring the new purr and others favoring the louder gasoline powered sound. The electric motorcycle has a faster initial pick-up, which is a quality that most consumers enjoy. Many are excited at the prospect of such a renowned company as Harley Davidson joining the foray into alternative fuel sources for motorcycles. Sources: http://project.harley-davidson.com/...
read moreEjection Injuries
Being ejected from a motorcycle can cause serious injuries or death. Since motorcycles have no seatbelts, roof, or doors to contain occupants, nearly any motorcycle accident can result in ejection injuries. Riders without helmets are much more likely to sustain fatal injuries during accidents that result in ejection than riders that wear helmets. Causes of Motorcycle Ejection The proportions of some motorcycles add a greater risk of ejection than others. If a rider attempts to stop too quickly, the bike may do a “brake dive,” and eject the driver and possibly passengers over the handlebars. This is somewhat common with inexperienced riders, and should be thoroughly explained to beginners before the first ride is ever taken. Coming suddenly to a halt to avoid hitting objects in the road or other vehicles may also cause motorcyclists of all experience levels to be ejected from motorcycles. Other scenarios that may result in a rider being ejected from a motorcycle include: A car or truck pulling out in front of a fast moving motorcycle A driver opening a door in front of a moving motorcycle Adverse weather conditions throwing off the balance of the motorcycle Potholes or debris on the road Uneven pavement and loose asphalt Being rear-ended by a larger truck in which the driver cannot see the motorcycle Motorcycle Ejection Injuries When drivers and passengers are ejected from a motorcycle, it is unfortunately the head and neck that usually bear the brunt of the impact. If there are objects in the way such as telephone poles or other vehicles, motorcyclists may collide with these objects and sustain serious ejection injuries. Back and spinal cord trauma are also common ejection injuries, as the spine often becomes compressed during the ejection impact. Any part of the body may become injured during a motorcycle ejection, depending upon the way that the rider falls. Injuries that may be sustained during a motorcycle ejection include: Broken bones Lacerations of varying degrees Severe foot and leg injuries Amputations Traumatic brain injuries Paralysis injuries Concussions Eye and facial injuries Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Many ejection injuries are the result of negligence on the part of other drivers that fail to see motorcycles and make sudden moves. If ejection injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver, motorcycle accident attorneys may be able to assist patients or their loved ones in recovering compensation from the driver that caused the accident. Motorcycle accident attorneys may assist in recovering compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Sources: http://www.nhtsa.gov/PEOPLE/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/safebike/anatomy.html...
read moreSpinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine. Spinal stenosis can develop following nearly any kind of spinal injury from a motorcycle accident, especially compression injuries. The symptoms of spinal stenosis often worsen over time if treatment is not administered, and can include severe pain and coordination problems. If spinal stenosis has developed in the wake of a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone’s negligence or misconduct, spinal stenosis attorneys may be able to provide assistance for recovering compensation from the responsible party. Spinal Stenosis Causes Any trauma to the vertebrae or spinal cord has the potential to cause spinal stenosis. In a motorcycle accident, the spine is often compressed or injured. Injuries to vertebrae or discs can alter the alignment of the spine which can allow shifts that result in spinal stenosis. This condition may not be immediate, but can develop over time, especially as a result of other injuries. Spinal Stenosis Symptoms The narrowing of the space between vertebrae, the spinal canal, or the nerve root canals stemming from the spine can put pressure on different nerves and the spinal cord. This can cause pain and nerve complications in nearly any area of the body, depending on which nerves are affected. This can also affect the natural coordination of the body and lead to balance problems, possibly causing further injury if not treated or accommodated. Symptoms may continually worsen until treatment begins, and generally start out mild. Symptoms that may develop as a result of spinal stenosis include: Arm pain and numbness Leg pain and numbness Constant cramping in different body areas Incontinence Problems with bowel control Spinal Stenosis Effects Patients that have developed spinal stenosis as a result of a motorcycle accident may miss work or even lose employment as a result of the coordination complications and severe pain that are common symptoms. Treatment may include risky and costly surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. It may take time to diagnose spinal stenosis, during which patients may endure pain, suffering, mental anguish, and financial hardship. Spinal Stenosis Attorney A spinal stenosis attorney is familiar with the symptoms and life altering effects of spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis lawyers understand that patients may lose wages due to the condition, and may have to continuously manage pain. Spinal Stenosis attorneys have extensive medical knowledge about the condition and can help patients successfully recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering that was caused by a motorcycle accident. It may be complicated to show how spinal stenosis was caused by a motorcycle accident; spinal stenosis lawyers can help patients obtain the documentation and expert testimony necessary to prove this claim. Sources: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Spinal_Stenosis/ http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00329...
read moreParalysis Attorney
Motorcycle accidents nearly always result in injuries to the motorcyclist. Many of these injuries are severe and may cause brain trauma, paralysis, and even death. A majority of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are caused by the other driver. Paralysis attorneys may be able to assist victims that have been paralyzed as a result of a motorcycle accident in recovering compensation for medical costs and other damages. Paralysis Attorney Assistance A paralysis attorney has experience with paralysis injury cases and can assist victims in proving that injuries were caused by the negligence of another. Paralysis attorneys will advise victims on the information that will be most helpful to the case. This may include accident reports, medical reports, witness testimony, and expert testimony. If the accident was caused by faulty equipment on the motorcycle or other vehicle, a paralysis attorney may be able to assist with gathering information about the specific mechanism failure. Paralysis attorneys may also be helpful in finding qualified experts to testify on the victim’s behalf. Motorcyclists are often blamed for accidents based on the perception that motorcyclists are reckless. A skilled attorney will help to provide evidence that will display how the accident was truly caused. Motorcycle Paralysis Injuries Motorcycle injuries that may cause paralysis include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Traumatic brain injuries may cause paralysis in different areas of the body depending on the area of the brain that was injured and the extent of the damage. Brain injuries may also affect cognitive functions to varying degrees. In some cases, the family of the victim may seek legal recourse if the victim has been incapacitated. Paralysis attorneys may be invaluable to family members that are unsure of what steps to take following a motorcycle accident that has caused paralysis. Spinal Cord Injuries Injuries to the spinal cord are typically classified as either complete or incomplete. Complete spinal injuries affect nerves below the point of injury so that both sensory and motor functions are disabled. Incomplete spinal injuries may have varying effects on the sensory and motor function below the point of injury and may result in paralysis to one or more limbs or body areas. Recovering Compensation Paralysis injuries have a severe impact on a victim’s life. Victims usually lose employment and must cover medical costs associated with the injuries. Future medical expenses, alone, can total millions of dollars. A Sports and activities that were previously enjoyed may be impossible for patients to participate in following a paralysis injury. A paralysis attorney can help patients recover costs for these expenses and lost wages, and may also be able to help recover costs for pain and suffering. Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsMotorcycleSafety/...
read moreNeck Injury
Neck injuries are often sustained in motorcycle accidents. The limited range of motion caused by neck injuries can be life altering. Patients may require lifelong pain management programs and costly therapy sessions to combat the effects of neck injuries. Neck injury lawyers may provide patients with advice and assistance for recovering these costs if the accident was caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person. Neck Injury Types Motorcycle accidents can cause damage to the bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or muscles of the neck. This damage can be permanent and lasting, and can inhibit a patient’s ability to control head and neck movements and even hold their head up. Patients may also experience swelling and bruising that can affect breathing. Due to nerve connections, patients may experience pain not just in the neck but in the jaw, ears, back, arms, hands, and fingers in some cases. Neck Injury Impact Due to the pain and mobility restrictions of neck injuries, patients may not be able to work or participate in hobbies and activities. If neck injuries cause permanent disabilities, patients may need to rely on others to help with grooming needs and daily tasks. This dependence can cause patients emotional distress that requires additional treatment. Treatments and Therapy Treatment for neck injuries often involves a combination of drug therapy, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques. Drugs may help to reduce swelling which can assist with range of motion. Drugs may also be given to help combat the pain of neck injuries. Physical therapy may help patients to regain some range of motion, as well as prevent dangerous muscle atrophy and tendon shrinkage. Relaxation techniques and massages can help patients rest strained muscles, especially following therapy sessions. Surgery Most neck injuries do not require surgery, but surgery may be necessary if other treatments are unsuccessful. Surgery is typically only done in cases where there is spinal cord compression or herniated discs. Surgeries on the neck may be risky and can further limit range of motion, in some cases. Emotional Therapy Emotional distress can cause patients to clench up in the area of the shoulders, which can further aggravate neck injuries. Emotional therapy may help patients to eliminate some of this harmful stress and work through the emotional trauma of surviving and being disabled by a motorcycle accident. A neck injury lawyer may be able to help patients include the cost of emotional therapy when seeking compensation. Neck Injury Lawyer A neck injury lawyer understands the profound impact that neck injuries can have on a patient’s life. Neck injury lawyers are experienced with the different types of neck injuries, and can help patients gather medical records, accident information, and expert testimony if necessary to prove neck injury claims. Neck injury lawyers may help patients recover damages for pain and suffering as well as medical and emotional therapy costs. Sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1342401/?page=1 http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/motorcycle_html/appa.html...
read moreSpinal Injury
Spinal injuries are an unfortunately common result of motorcycle accidents. Spinal injuries can cause patients to lose sensory and motor functions, which can severely impact the patient’s ability to complete daily tasks and remain gainfully employed. Patients may also suffer emotional consequences from the decrease in independence and the inability to participate in favored hobbies and activities. If a motorcycle accident spinal cord injury has been caused by the recklessness of another driver, a spinal injury attorney can help patients to hold that driver liable. Types of Spinal Injuries Damage to the spinal cord may be “complete” or “incomplete”. Complete spinal injuries disable both sensory and motor functions below the point of injury on the spine. Incomplete spinal injuries may disable some functions below the point of injury, but may leave others intact. Incomplete spinal injuries can vary in severity. Spinal Injury Complications Spinal injuries may cause the following issues: Complete or partial paralysis Respiratory complications Loss of bowel and bladder control Sexual dysfunction Loss of feeling in different body areas Inability to walk Involuntary muscle twinges Inability to use one or both arms Preventing Spinal Injuries In the past, it was thought that a helmet would cause more damage to the spine in a motorcycle accident, however studies have shown this to be untrue. Helmets protect the upper spine as well as the head in many accidents. A proper motorcycle jacket may also provide valuable support for the spine. Spinal Injury Attorney Spinal injury attorneys have a well rounded knowledge of the causes and impacts of spinal injuries, and can provide patients with advice and assistance for seeking compensation for motorcycle injuries. Whether the party at fault is the manufacturer of the motorcycle, distributor of motorcycle protective gear, or another driver that caused a motorcycle accident, a spinal injury attorney can help patients to recover compensation. Spinal cord lawyers may help to obtain payment for pain and suffering as well as medical costs. In some cases, the party at fault may also be ordered to pay punitive damages to the patient as an additional penalty to discourage similar actions in the future. Sources: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/motorcycle_helmets_reduce_spine_injuries_after_collisions_helmet_weight_as_risk_to_neck_called_a_myth...
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If you are looking for an experienced attorney who is passionate about helping motorcycle accident victims and their families rebuild their life, please call me:
Brian T. Wilson
Board Certified
Civil Trial Attorney
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