Motorcycle Crashes Increase in Warm Weather

Nebraskans, along with people all over the country, are seeing a rise in headlines about motorcycle crashes as the warm weather increases motorcycle traffic out on the highways and byways.  In Nebraska a motorcyclist was killed, and passenger possibly killed or injured, in April after a fiery motorcycle accident involving a pickup truck in Omaha, Nebraska; in early May a motorcyclist  was critically injured in west Omaha after an accident with a vehicle; in late May a motorcyclist was killed in a motorcycle crash with a car that turned left in front of his motorcycle; in June a motorcyclist  was killed after he lost control and crashed in Papillion, Nebraska.  These are just four of other motorcycle crashes that have occurred in Nebraska in 2016, and unfortunately more will surely follow.  When one sees headlines for motorcycle crashes words like “killed,” “fiery,” “critical,” are often involved due to the intrinsic dangers and seriousness of motorcycle accidents with riders having less protection than when seat belted in traditional vehicles.  A federal government study found that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die in an accident than passenger vehicle drivers!

One of the things riders love about motorcycles is the freedom felt on the open roads with the wind blowing through their hair (or motorcycle helmets), but what brings this sense of euphoria and freedom also amplifies their lesser protection in the instance of an accident.  Motorcycles are harder to see than traditional vehicles, so motorists must always be aware and on the lookout for motorcycles, while motorcyclists must constantly be aware that they may have to engage in defensive driving out on the roads.  Motorcyclists also are at more risk by things on the roads such as potholes, objects in the road, or wet roads, making them even more at risk and vulnerable.  It is key that motorcyclists engage in motorcycle safety courses before heading out on their motorcycle, and it is also vital that all motorists, motorcyclists and more traditional motorists follow the laws and stay on constant alert.  Distracted driving puts everyone on the roads in danger, but motorcyclists who fall victim to a crash with a distracted driver have even higher stakes in that they are more likely to be maimed or killed.        

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an accident, please contact Inserra & Kelley Law Offices as you may be entitled to compensation.  Inserra & Kelley’s attorney, Craig Kelley, is a motorcycle enthusiast and advocate for motorcyclists out on the roads of Nebraska and Iowa.         

Bicycle Tragedy in Kalamazoo Lesson for Summer

It is peak bicycle riding season and in Kalamazoo, Michigan FIVE bicyclists were slaughtered by a pickup truck, while FOUR more were seriously injured.  The bicyclists were part of a group five miles into a 28.5 mile ride on June 7, 2016.   In this tragedy brought on by a careless, reckless driver people lost their spouses, parents, their grandparents and families lost their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends. Nine people had no chance of escaping this horrible crash from behind by a pickup truck that they could not have seen coming.  The driver from Battle Creek, Michigan now faces five charges of second degree murder after acting in “wanton and willful disregard of the likelihood that the natural tendency of his actions would cause death or great bodily harm and, as a result, did kill and murder” five individual lives from 42 to 74 years of age.  He also faces charges due to the four survivors he seriously injured and was denied bond.   

A reckless action like this puts bicyclists in fear all over the country, from individual cyclists to groups.  Groups are valuable for the sport due to the invaluable teaching occurring within them such as proper bicycling etiquette, proper handling techniques, and other essential skills.  Bicyclists share a real camaraderie as they share their passion for the sport and the advancing of safety laws all over the country.  Bicyclists around Kalamazoo spoke to reporters about their feelings of being betrayed, targeted, and not counted as important.  A church nearby posted the words, “WE SEE YOU, WE LOVE YOU.”  Such statements implore motorists to be alert when driving and be on the constant lookout for those legally on the roads who are harder to see than the average vehicle, including bicyclists but also motorcycles, scooters, runners, and pedestrians.  This world has become a place in which some individuals do not care about others they share the roads with them and a place where people live in a state of constant distraction and carelessness.  Please remember to be on the lookout for others and put yourselves in their shoes and the shoes of those who love them.    

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of an accident, please contact Inserra & Kelley Law Offices as you may be entitled to compensation.  Inserra & Kelley’s attorney, Craig Kelley, is a bicycle enthusiast who started a Chain Gang group in Omaha, Nebraska.  He is active in advocating and defending bicyclists of Nebraska and Iowa.         

Hearts out to Nebraska family suffering after alligator attack

Nebraskans are reeling today after learning that fellow Nebraskans are hurting deeply in Orlando, Florida after an alligator attacked and carried away their two year old child while vacationing and enjoying the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Seven Seas Lagoon.  Our hearts, thoughts, and most importantly, prayers, are going out to this family.  We are in awe of the father’s bravery in giving all he had to save his young son from the nearly seven foot long alligator, according to witnesses in the area.

The resort where this devastating attack occurred is an upscale luxury resort and the Sheriff has stated that there have been no reports of problems with alligators in this area in the recent past.  As officials there do everything they can for this boy and family, Inserra & Kelley implores everyone to pray for this family, and also to take care and be as safe as possible enjoying summer vacations with loved ones.