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I’ve been on two wheels most of my life.

My first motorcycle was purchased as a freshman in college for the sole purpose of affordable transportation. For a few thousand dollars, I was able to get around town and to and from school. Rain or shine, summer or winter, I soon found myself experiencing more than just getting from one point to the next, and before I knew it, I was hooked on what I came to call “clearing my head time.” Forty years and over 500,000 miles later, I am still enjoying each ride as if it was my first time.

There is something about being in the wind, experiencing every aspect of the world around you and engaging all your senses, that allows you to clear out the clutter of your mind space. I have never found that same experience in a cage and behind a windshield. When I ride, I am fully present, fully awake, and in touch with the world around me—alone in my thoughts, finding a peace I couldn’t find anywhere else.

Over the past 40-plus years, riding became something deeper for me than just getting me from one place to another. It became central to my physical and mental health. It heightened my senses. On the bike, you don’t just ride—you experience the road and environment. You are hyper-aware of everything around you. You anticipate what might be coming up in front of you, looking for little escape routes to take in an emergency. It is more than just operating a vehicle; you see and feel every aspect of the world around you—sights, smells, sounds—all racing into your senses as you ride. When you ride, you learn to read every inch of the road, to anticipate the unexpected, and to stay calm under pressure. You don’t just watch the cars in traffic around you; you feel it. That kind of awareness doesn’t end with the ride. It continues with me in every aspect of life and helps me be a better person and a better lawyer.

More Than a Motorcycle – It’s a Perspective

There is a sense of community among bikers. Riding down the road, we wave at one another as we pass in opposite directions. A little wag of the hand indicates that we are all connected as we ride. That community is not reserved for only the bikers. I am often approached by strangers when I stop for gas or at a restaurant who just want to ask questions about where I am coming from or where I am going. Sometimes I will challenge the person to guess what I do for a living. I get answers ranging from law enforcement to stuntman, but no one ever guessed I was an attorney. That was important to me because I don’t just represent bikers—I am one.

I know what it’s like to be judged for how you look or dress. I’ve seen how insurance companies, other drivers, and law enforcement write off riders, assuming that they are reckless and always at fault, no matter the facts. I have been there. I have had to lay down my bike to avoid being hit. I have been run over from behind by a careless driver on a cell phone. When I talk to my clients, I don’t need them to explain to me what it feels like because I’ve been there. I know the difference between laying your bike down to avoid death and losing control, the difference between recklessness and a survival decision, and navigating improper road construction and equipment failure instead of rider negligence.

That lived experience is why clients trust me. I’m not learning about the motorcycle world through their case—I live in it. And that means I know how to fight for you, not just as a legal matter, but as someone who’s been where you are.

Fighting the Bias Against Motorcyclists

Too often, motorcyclists are blamed for accidents without any proof. When a rider goes down, the damage is more than just physical; it’s missed paychecks, surgeries, emotional stress, and a life flipped upside down. When this is your situation, you need someone who doesn’t need to be convinced of your story—someone who already lives it.

I ride because it’s in my blood. I practice law for the same reason—because I believe in standing up for riders when no one else will. When the system tries to silence you, I make sure you’re heard—in court, in settlement talks, and everywhere justice is on the line. This is more than a profession for me—it is a way of life shared with my fellow brothers and sisters who ride the road.

FAQs

Is it better to hire a motorcycle lawyer who rides?

Yes. A lawyer who rides understands what you face on the road, from blind spots to evasive maneuvers, and how those realities impact a crash. They can speak the language of motorcyclists in the courtroom and explain your actions in a way that resonates with judges and juries.

How does my riding experience help in a motorcycle injury case?

Experience adds credibility. It helps with accident reconstruction, assessing rider behavior, and countering insurance claims that try to paint bikers as reckless. A lawyer who’s been there can explain the “why” behind your decisions in a way that others can’t.

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle crash?

If you’re able to:

• Move to a safe spot
• Call 911 and report the crash
• Take photos of the scene and your injuries
• Get contact information from witnesses
• Identify anything that may have caused the crash
• Provide only relevant identifying information to law enforcement
• Avoid making statements guessing at what you experienced and stick only to facts
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay; adrenaline hides injuries
• Don’t give a recorded statement to insurance until you speak to a lawyer

Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

It depends on your state’s helmet laws and the circumstances of the crash. You might still be entitled to compensation, especially if the other driver was at fault. A motorcycle lawyer can help assess your rights and build your case.