Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Motorcyclists in Middletown and Cincinnati Getting Killed Off by Careless Drivers

Yet another biker was killed in the greater Cincinnati Middletown Ohio area as motorcycle  season winds down. This tragic loss of life was caused by carelessness of an auto driver . You can almost bet that they had some distraction or were in a hurry. ( In this case it appears even more grievous.)

You can almost bet that some excuse other than their failure to watch the road carefully will crop up . I've heard too many excuses from negligent drivers, from suggestion of excessive speed to failure to not wearing a helmet by the downed motorcyclist who did nothing wrong..

Gregort Philpot Motorcyclist Killed in Car Motorcycle Crash


Gregory Philpot, age 58 was riding his Harley motorcycle eastbound on Tytus avenue. George Pickett age 38 was driving his Ford Explorer West bound. Philpot drove left of center into the head on path of Mr Philpot. Mr Philpot was thrown from his motorcycle and died at the scene.

                Pickett was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide. Mention was made that he had 19 priors although news reports did not say what for. Source Fox news. For some reason Fox news deemed it important to say Philpot was not wearing a helmet. The helmet did not cause the crash and it is highly unlikely that a helmet would have saved Mr Philpot's life.

Aggravated vehicular homicide usually involves driving while impaired from alcohol or drugs or driving recklessly.there could be a mandatory prison term of at least 2 years.  http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2929.14

Civil Action For Wrongful Death

A civil action is separate from a criminal action. The State brings the charges in a criminal case.  In a civil action the administrator of the estate brings an action for money damages against the defendant. If he had little or no insurance then there is likely to be no money damages to compensate the family for loss of what a father, son, husband provided to his family both financially and emotionally.

Motorcycle riders need to protect themselves with adequate insurance coverage in case of injury or death.I would imagine Mr Philpot left behind a family. Justice comes in the form of criminal and civil remedies. But more importantly there is a family that will never ever be the same again.



Further Reading For Motorcycle injury Rights and Remedies 

 http://www.castellilaw.com/sites/www.castellilaw.com/files/ebook_motorcycle_bible.pdf


By Anthony Castelli Attorney

 

 

 


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Saturday, September 13, 2014

Ridin For Wojo Cincinnati Motorcycle Community at Its Best

I attended the Ridin For WoJo scholarship ride today. I did not ride. I came to meet the people there before they hit the rode. I got to hug Wojo's mom.

Wojo, if you did not know, refers to Marine Staff Sergeant Mark A. (Tony) Wojciechowski. He was killed in action while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces in Iraq on April 30, 2009. He was 25 years old. 

He enlisted at 17 and had an illustrious and highly decorated military career. He was deployed to Iraq twice. He graduated EOD ( Explosive Ordinance Training) with 48 starting in his class and only 9 graduating.

He went to Goshen High School in Clermont County Ohio. A county that has sufferred much loosing young men to the wars fought to defend freedom. They never waiver.

The motorcycle ride was not just a remembrance of  Tony, but a ride to raise money for a scholarship fund for folks related to Veterans going to college. 

Before the ride a prayer was offered and the Star Spangled Banner was sung beautifully. I saw a few tears but mostly there were smiles all around. Amidst what must be great pain there is great joy in knowing these young heros. Remarkable men and women. 

The greater Cincinnati motorcycle community has a heart and soul like no other area that I know. They come together as patriots, that just don't talk, but lay their lives down for all of us. 

I just want to say thanks to all the Veterans and to Wojo's family for keeping us all aware the Freedom isn't Free. It never will be. And that's a good thing. Because Americans will fight harder and longer and do whatever it takes to protect democracy. They come together in Clermont County. A place some call the yellow ribbon capital of the world. 

  





To see some of the photos of this years ride click here Ridin for Wojo








Monday, June 2, 2014

Cincinnati Motorcycle Run Breast Fest Huge Success

      Breast Fest of Cincinnati 2014 this past Sunday was a huge success. The day was beautiful and the motorcycle s and biker came in droves to support wiping out breast cancer. There were over 1500 motorcycles  close to twice as many participants.

Everything was peaceful and upbeat. This biker crew is determined to wipe out breast cancer. Curious was the absence of the media. But no one really cared. The motorcycle brigade was there to enjoy their lifestyle and support a great charity.

This was the tenth year the event was held . It supports people with breast cancer as well as the www.pinkribbongirls.com The bikes were line up totally surrounding the Holy Grail. A police escort got them on their way.


The bikers were in full regalia. Although the day was a scorcher no one cared, but all were greatful  the great weather that would allow them to pursue a day of wind therapy and joy with their friends.

The Breast Fest acknowledged these great motorcycle clubs/groups as assisting in the ride:
American Dawgs  - American Legion Riders  -  Chrome Divas -  Fire and Iron

HOG of Cincy -  Shriners Motor Patrol -  Southern Ohio Bikers

And many more long time friends .

Breast Fest video take Off


For help with car accidents or motorcycle accidents contact Anthony Castelli Attorney for car accidents injury and of course for motorcycle crash help

Friday, May 30, 2014

Breast Fest 2014 One of the Top Motorcycle Events in Cincinnati

Cincinnati has many great charitable motorcycle events and a top one is Breast Fest.This years Breast Fest is the 10th annual. It could have over a 1000 bikes participating. So mark Sunday June 1st, on you calender of motorcycle events to attend.


The proceeds of the ride are used to fight against breast cancer. The beneficiaries this year are the organization pinkribbongirls.org. But breast cancer has a face to it. In fact many faces. There are two ladies that are going to be specific beneficiaries.

Melissa Morrison a 35 year old single mother of two toddlers is one person that will get some much needed assistance.  Her breast cancer was stage 3 and she had 6 rounds of chemo, 31 doses of radiation and 20 Herceptin treatments. In addition she has gone thru 6 surgeries.          


Also Angie Auel, a forty year old mother of three and a school teacher is the other specific beneficiary. In January 2012 she found out she had stage 4 cancer. 
She battles hard everyday.

The ride starts at the Holy Grail Banks 161 Joe Nuxall Way. Registration is at 10:30 and bikes depart at 12:30. The ride ends at McDogs Lakeside saloon 3611 Bevis Way. So even if you can not be in the ride you can come to Mcdogs and join in the festivities and reach into your pocket book to give to a great cause.

There will be live music by Randy Peak, Super Bad and Chuck Brisbin. The guest emcee will be from 96Rock. There will be plenty of food and fun.

History of Breast Fest Cincinnati

Kathy and Dam McCarthy started the  event in 2005. This was to help their daughter's friend  diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 27. They have been organizing the event ever since.

For more information the web site to go to is www.breastfestcincinnati.com

Here is a link to a photo album we took of last years motorcycle breast fest.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Cincinnati Secret Biker Bar - Blue Note Yacht Club Is a Blast

Cincinnati's newest biker bar the Blue Note Yacht Club is not a secret anymore after its grand opening this Wednesday. Owner Doug Gundrum looks like he has got a new hit on his hands.

The Blue Note Yacht Club, with its outdoor bar and great barbecue from Walt's is nested back on River road with a great river view. The grand opening this Wednesday was blessed with  great weather and the band Prizoner, a motorcycle bar band and event staple.

I arrived early coming from a downtown Court appearance and got to spend some time with Doug Gundrum. I learned he owned the west side staple the Blue Note Club when he was 27 years old. And for over 20 years he shepherded a successful night spot featuring live music.

But as times changed Doug "relocated" down on River Road on a large lot that was like a forest. His vision was to build a great atmosphere for the biker community and anyone else that enjoys a beer or two, some barbecue, a river view and great music.

Judging by went down this Wednesday night it looks like he is going to have a huge success on his hands. You can tell the place has the atmosphere of his friendly demeanor. The bar was packed but not crowded. Currently it is only an out door venue. But Doug is working hard to create an inside bar and hopes to be ready when the cold weather comes around again.

Nicole Smith-Korman , former Chrome Dive and and now creator and founder of Throttle Girls turned me on to the fact that it was going to be a rockin good time as the grand opening of the Blue Note Yacht Club was featuring Prizoner and she was rounding up her crew and touting Doug's place as the newest biker bar.

It certainly did not disappoint. As a biker lawyer I love to embed myself in the biker community and try to show up with my Rock Star photographer, Kraig Haplea, to document the motorcycles, the bikers, and the atmosphere of the biker community. I think it goes a long way to dispel the myths about motorcyclists.

Everyone got along and even though it's a bar, it appeared that no one was even close to being drunk. It was a friendly relaxed atmosphere. One of the vendors selling jewelry, Colleen Meth, is a retired police officer.

To give you a taste of the action here are a few pics we took. BTW you can bet I'll be back a time or two. You can meet old friends and make new friends in a super relaxing laid back fun place on the River.

Doug Gundrum and Anthony Castelli



Prizoner



Ready -- May is Motorcycle Month and The Blue Note Yacht Club kicked it off with a great time. I highly recommend you come on down to Cincinnati's newest biker bar that's not a secret anymore.

By Anthony Castelli
Motorcycle Rights and Help

Breaking News Motorcyclist Killed in Car Crash

 
          WDTN news is reporting that a motorcyclist, Paul Estep in Preble County, Ohio was killed when a car went left of center crashing into him.

They describe the crash as happening near Eaton Ohio . Although the facts are sketchy the Ohio state highway patrol is investigating.


How the motorcycle car crash occurred

A car driven by an unnamed driver was heading North on State Route 122. In his direction there were some stopped motor vehicles. The operator of the automobile was not paying close enough attention or was traveling too fast and went left of center instead of gently stopping in his lane behind the stopped vehicles.

The motor vehicle crashed head on into Paul Estep who was riding his motorcycle in the opposite direction. Apparently Paul Estep never had a chance.

Commentary

All to often careless drivers swerve left of center to avoid vehicles in their path. This creates a much greater chance of a deadly car crash. Terrible forces come into play when two motor vehicles heading in the same direction crash into each other. Why don't drivers just slam on their breaks and ride it out.

Or if they try an avoidance maneuver why not go to the right off the roadway. If that done I'm betting loss of life would have been prevented.

One thing I know things will never be the same for the family of Paul Estep. The insurance money they may collect for the wrongful death is of little solace. Families of motorcyclists are destroyed in a blink of an eye because of careless notorcyclists.

By Anthony Castelli Ohio personal injury and motorcycle accident lawyer . He wrote the book on protecting Ohio motorcyclists and their families. You can download the Ohio Motorcycle Bible at      http://www.castellilaw.com/files/ebook_motorcycle_bible.pdf