Daytona Beach Bike Week opens with a fatal motorcycle crash.

David Crider, 32, a landscaper from Deland, Florida, was killed in a motorcycle crash Wednesday night after his motorcycle struck a pickup truck making an illegal left turn in front of him. There are reports that Mr. Crider may have been speeding at the time of the crash. However, in general, it is common for cars and trucks to cause deadly accidents with motorcyclists, but the riders generally pay the highest price.

This unfortunate accident only reinforces the need to protect yourself while riking. You cannot always control the careless behavior of other vehicles that may drive recklessly.  It is wise to ride as though the other driver is going to make a "bonehead" move. 

My advice, as a motorcycle crash lawyer for 37 years, is to protect yourself with proper safety gear and have adequate insurance in case you are seriously injured.  In Florida the other vehicle driver does not need to carry insurance to pay for your medical bills and loss of income, whether you are on a motorcycle or in a vehicle.

Hopefully, the Daytona Beach Bike Week of 2009, will not see anymore fatal accidents but statistics prove this is highly unlikely. In 2006, a reported 27 fatal motorcycle accidents occurred.

Be prepared and realize it's a jungle out there.

My heart goes out to Mr. Crider's family and his loved ones.

Here are my other blogs and info that may be of help.  

Not quite the "Top Performer", Suzuki's GSX-R1000 motorcycle is recalled. Don't be misguided again!

Suzuki's GSX-R 1000 is under voluntary recall.

Don't be tricked by Suzuki! Suzuki GSX R-1000 motorcycle recalled. 

I don't sell insurance: I "sell" being protected

Heads up to everyone on the roads in and around Daytona Beach 

Motorcycle riders need to protect themselves NOW more than EVER

Haven’t motorcycle riders got it tough enough? What do you think?