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A group of motorcyclists were out on a ride in Michigan on Sunday, August 10, when a dog suddenly ran into the road causing a motorcyclist to hit it, according to WNEM. Both the motorcyclist and the dog were killed as the result of the accident.

Animals are unpredictable; however, unleashed dogs have the reputation of chasing vehicles. This reputation, and the potential results should an animal run into the road, is important to remember when riding a motorcycle.  This "Special Riding Situation" is just one of the areas covered in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) Basic Ridercourse™ Rider Handbook .

MSF recommends that should a motorcyclist encounter an animal they should slow down, downshift, then accelerate past the dog. Should a motorcyclist encounter a larger animal such as a deer, the situation would be different as these animals tend to "wander" about. The results of hitting a larger animal can be the same, according to MSF, as hitting another vehicle. They recommend stopping and waiting until the large animal has left the road.

Another unexpected circumstance motorcyclists may incur is wind, air turbulence and the vacuum effects around large vehicles.

Wind - MSF recommends that when wind is a problem either as steady wind, strong wind or gusty wind that motorcyclists adjust their paths by pressing on the appropriate handgrip to prevent the possibility of moving out of the lane position. Vacuum effects can happen when a motorcyclist is either passing, or being passed by a larger vehicle. This is especially of concern when the wind is blowing from left to right.

Emergency and Maintenance Issues - These issues may involve tire failure as well as others.   

• Tire failure - Tire blowouts are rare with tubeless tires. A tire may overheat and fail should it be underinflated. According to MSF, before beginning a trip, motorcyclists should check tires when they are cool. Should a tire fail, MSF says, "...hold the handgrips firmly without fighting the steering. Avoid shifting and braking until speed is under control. If traffic permits, slow gradually and pull off the roadway. If braking is necessary, use the brake on the wheel with the good tire."

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Tire Guide says that depending on the cause of the failure, motorcyclists may feel a vibration or sluggish handling. In their "Tire Tips" MIC recommends:

• Maintain proper air pressure
• Regularly inspect tires
• Buy the right tires for the bike
• Have tires professionally installed
• Avoid sharp objects and slick surfaces

"Whether a motorcycle accident is the result of trying to avoid an animal or the result of tire failure, there may be cause to take legal action," says Collier County Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. "Dogs must be under the control of their owners at all times. Florida law does not permit owners to let dogs run freely. Should a dog run freely and cause an accident, the dog's owner can be found responsible. Also, should a motorcycle accident be the result of tire failure, then that failure may be due to faulty manufacture or there may be other responsible parties. Seek the advice of an Experienced Florida Tire Defect Lawyer."

Naples Motorcycle Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.