7 Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Top causes of motorcycle accidents

How to Prevent a Mishap on a Bike

We know that riding a motorcycle can be dangerous; you’re much more exposed than those enclosed in a car or truck.  Today, the Car Crash Captain is looking at the top causes of motorcycle accidents, and what those on two wheels and those with four wheels need to pay attention to so nobody gets hurt.

Safety While Riding a Motorcycle

Depending on the statistic, roughly half of motorcycle accidents are the fault of the rider and half are another motorist (some stats put this at 60% other motorists and 40% riders).  Sometimes it’s just the rider losing control, sometimes it’s a negligent motorist, sometimes it’s all parties not paying enough attention.

Whether you’re driving a car, a truck, or riding a motorcycle, be aware of these causes of motorcycle accidents.

Left Hand Turns – Turning left means you’re crossing an oncoming traffic lane.  The majority of fatal motorcycle crashes are because a car or truck turns in front of the motorcycle because they “didn’t see them coming.”  Motorcycles are harder to see, so take a second, third, or fourth look before making that left-hand turn.  For those riding, pay extra attention if an oncoming vehicle is about to turn left.

Lane Changes – Due to the smaller footprint that a rider and the motorcycle make, they fit into that blind spot more easily.  If you’re riding on two wheels, get out of that blind spot quickly.  If you’re driving a vehicle, remember SMOG – Signal, Mirror, Over-the-Shoulder, Go.  Many drivers skip looking over the shoulder where they would have seen the biker and cause a collision.

Open Doors – Cars parked along the side of the road may swing their door open and cause a collision (this is especially a problem with bicycle riders as they tend to ride closer to the edge of the lane).  Just like the previous three scenarios, it’s easier to see an approaching vehicle than a motorcycle, so look another time to be safe.

Speeding – One of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents and car accidents is people simply going too fast.  If you have 10 miles to drive, driving 50 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone only saves you 5 minutes.  It’s almost never worth the risk.  Besides, being pulled over and written a ticket is going to take much longer than the 5 minutes you were hoping to save.

Distracted Driving – Talking, texting, snapchatting, even applying makeup, eating, or fiddling with the radio – they’re all forms of distracted driving.  Be aware of other drivers and if their actions seem “off” give them a little more room and don’t put yourself in danger.

Driving Under the Influence – We shouldn’t really even need to talk about this.  It’s just a bad idea no matter how “sober” you might feel after drinking.

Road Conditions – A small patch of gravel, a branch, a pile of leaves, or a pothole might not be a big deal for a car (other than the potential for some mechanical issues).  But it’s one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents because if you lose traction with one of the two wheels, you’re quite likely to wreck.

Herbert Law Group Works with Motorcycle Accident Victims

When you’re riding on two wheels, and you’re the victim of someone else’s negligent driving, you shouldn’t have to face off with the insurance companies by yourself.

Let Herbert Law Group do the hard legal work for you.  You focus on healing from your injuries.

Before we can help, though, we need to know what happened.  Call our office at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and let’s have a free conversation about what happened.

Don’t Ignore Motorcycle Road Rash Injuries

Road rash after texas motorcycle wreck

Road Rash is a Common Injury in a Motorcycle Crash

Riding leaves you open to all sorts of injuries that those traveling in passenger vehicles don’t have to worry about.  While we tend to focus on the big issues – like broken bones and traumatic brain injuries – road rash can get ignored or brushed aside.

Scraping along the pavement, however, opens up the skin and can cause gravel, debris, and dirt to be embedded in the tissue.  It can seem minor, but these injuries can end up causing big problems down the road. The Car Crash Captain has the details on what to know about when dealing with road rash after a motorcycle accident.

Road Rash Varies in Severity

If you crash on your bike, there’s very little chance that you won’t slide across the pavement.  The protective gear that’s worn can determine the extent of the road rash suffered.

Similar to sunburns, there are three stages of road rash.

A first-degree road rash damages the epidermis, the outside layer of the skin.  It’s more superficial than anything, and should heal completely if treated quickly and properly.  In the less severe cases, there’s minimal bleeding.

Second-degree road rash goes a little deeper.  Not only is the outer layer of skin torn, but the other layers are as well.  This can result in much more bleeding, but with proper care the injury should still heal – albeit they will take longer than the first-degree road rash.

Third-degree are the most serious.  The road rash breaks through all layers of skin and tendons or muscle are exposed.  Significant bleeding occurs, and even with proper treatment scarring is inevitable.

How to Treat Road Rash

No matter what severity, road rash should always be treated at the hospital following a wreck.  This ensures that proper care is received, and there is a history of medical treatment that can be easily cited if insurance companies aren’t playing nice with your settlement.

First-degree should only need light cleaning to remove any dirt or debris.  Sanitized and wrapped in a bandage to help keep the area clean.

Second-degree will need more extensive treatment, but it will largely look the same.  Some of the deeper lacerations or gashes might need to be stitched closed.

Third-degree need to be cleaned and stabilized, but ultimately may end with skin grafts to help them heal without major disfigurement.

Complications that Can Arise

No matter what degree, improper treatment can lead to infection.  If that occurs, then major medical issues can arise including infection or blood poisoning.  Untreated, these can be fatal.

Even when the infections or sepsis (also called blood poisoning) are caught and treated, they can still lead to furthering complications.  Those complications can lead to other illnesses, or in some cases amputation is necessary to remove the limb that is too badly damaged.

Herbert Law Group Helps You Recover

Most insurance companies will offer a settlement that covers everything you can see at the moment.  If you have hospital bills, damage to your motorcycle, and lost wages, they’ll quickly tabulate them and offer the settlement.

What they’re hoping for is that you will accept the settlement offer, but then if future complications that arise, you are stuck paying for them yourself.

That’s why you need Herbert Law Group on your side.  We know what you need to fully heal, and we’re ready to go to court when necessary to argue on your behalf.

If you’ve been in a motorcycle wreck, whether your injuries were “only” road rash, or something more, then we should talk about what happened.  Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you for a free initial consultation.

Crashed While Speeding: Now What?

Motorcycle wreck while speeding

A Motorcycle Wreck While Speeding Isn’t a Deal Breaker

While riding on two wheels it can be tempting to test the limits of the bike.  How fast can you go?  How quickly can you speed up?  How much wind can you feel in your face?  The reality is that if you crash while speeding, it might be harder to recover damages; even if you’re the victim.

But it might not be impossible.  The Car Crash Captain has some details on what to consider, and how this could all play out.

Texas is a Modified Comparative Negligence State

Most states follow a modified comparative negligence stance when it comes to victims and what restitution they can seek.  Because some of these terms and laws can get a bit confusing, you want to have a personal injury lawyer, like Herbert Law Group, on your side.

In Texas, the rule is called proportionate responsibility.  What it boils down to is that if the victim is partially at fault, their compensation will be reduced proportionately.  So, if you’re riding your motorcycle and you’re speeding, then another vehicle turns in front of you causing you to crash into them, you could be found to be partially at fault.  Suppose it is determined that you are 25% at fault and the other driver is 75% at fault – you may only be able to collect 75% of the compensation that would otherwise be awarded to you.

How to Prove Fault

Because your compensation can be reduced, it’s important to know how to prove that you weren’t at fault.  Perhaps you were speeding by only one or two miles per hour over the speed limit – you’re still speeding and could have your settlement reduced.  But would those two miles per hour really have changed anything?

  • Eye witness testimony is valuable to dispute claims of excessive speed or reckless driving.
  • Accident reconstruction can help determine the extent that speeding played a part in the wreck.
  • Traffic laws can be used for and against your case.
  • Video evidence can be pulled from dash cams, helmet cams, and even privately or publicly owned surveillance equipment.

Your motorcycle crash attorney will know the best course of action to figure out which method of proving, or disproving, fault is going to be the most effective.

Arguing for Compensation from Insurance

Regardless of who is at fault, the fact remains that you were injured in a crash, and you need a settlement to ensure you’re going to be able to heal.  There are ways your attorney can help to show that even if you were speeding, the crash was bound to happen because you weren’t at fault.

The primary method is going to be showing that the other party’s negligence was the primary cause of the crash.

Arguing that speed did not significantly contribute to the crash, and other factors were more critical will help too.

It may be required to challenge the speed evidence.  Perhaps the only “evidence” was a witness that said it “looked like” you were speeding.

There are numerous ways to ensure that you’re being treated fairly.  These aren’t done sneakily or by twisting the truth, they’re done by proving you were injured and need to be made whole again regardless of other circumstances.

Herbert Law Group Helps Motorcycle Crash Victims

Proving negligence can get tricky sometimes.  And that’s exactly why Herbert Law Group helps motorcycle accident victims.  Many people automatically assume the rider was to blame, and not the motorist.

If you’ve been injured, you have one goal: to heal.  So, let’s take the stress of dealing with insurance companies and the legal system off your plate.  Call Herbert Law Group at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.  We’ll chat about what happened, and see how we can help.

How Safety Gear May Influence Your Motorcycle Accident Case

safety gear and motorcycle protective clothing accident lawyer Texas

Safety Gear Can Change Sentiment

We all know the importance of staying safe on the roads.  For those who travel on two-wheels, equipment and gear can be the difference between walking away, minor injuries, serious injuries, or death.

But often that safety gear can do even more than you realize.  If you’re wearing all of the right protective gear, and you’re properly trained riding a modern bike, but you’re still injured in a motorcycle accident, your claim could work out better than expected.  The Car Crash Captain explains.

Using the Right Safety Gear

Staying safe while riding requires understanding how traffic is moving, proper handling of your own motorcycle, and also wearing the proper safety gear.

Safety gear essentially boils down to clothing.  Riding in shorts and a t-shirt do little to protect the rider from scrapes, burns, lesions, broken bones, and more.  Instead, the proper gloves, jackets, and even body armor will ensure that minimal damage is done to the rider in the event of a wreck.

Check out our previous blog post on protective clothing to see what you should be paying attention to.

Helmets and Proper Usage

In addition to clothing, one of the most important pieces of safety gear you can own (and use) is the helmet.  Keep in mind that not all helmets are created equal – some will provide adequate protection, while others will do little more than provide a complete motorcycle rider look.

In the US, helmets that will meet the top safety standards are those that are DOT approved.  In fact, to be street legal they have to meet the DOT approval.  You can read all about the DOT approved helmets on our DOT helmet blog.

Other Protective Gear

There is one last piece of protective gear that many people tend to overlook.  Fortunately, it’s built into the best helmets on the market, but some helmets don’t include it.

We’re talking about eye protection.  When you’re whipping down the road at 35 miles per hour, or more, it doesn’t take much to cause some extensive damage to the eye.  A wayward bug, a falling leaf, or even a spec of dust may irritate just enough to start the cause and effect to lose control of the bike.

Learn about eye protection on our previous post where we weigh the pros and cons of different forms of eye protection.

Bike Modifications

There are, just a few more aspects of safety gear that we should go over.  Often motorcycles come with minimal amenities.  Just like cars have different trim levels, your bike may have come as more-or-less a bare bones model.  There are modifications that can be done to upgrade to a safer ride.

One of those is adding crash bars.  These things help to provide a little buffer in the event that you do wreck, and can stave off some of the more serious injuries.  Learn more about those crash bars and other safety gear in our post from 2023.

Herbert Law Group Helps with Your Motorcycle Accident Case

This is all important, and that safety gear can reduce the injuries sustained, but how does that help if you’ve been in a wreck and you’re seriously injured?

Often, insurance companies can try to play games with the claims.  It’s not legal, but they can throw things out there like, “Well, if proper gear had been worn, the bones wouldn’t have broken, our settlement offer reflects that.”

Of course, they’re usually sneakier about it.  When you do wear the proper gear, and the injuries are still severe, we can argue that you did everything right, but you’re the victim of another driver’s negligence.  Your settlement can increase, go more smoothly, and ultimately, you’re on the road to recovery sooner.

Let’s find out what happened.  Call our offices at 214-414-2808, or fill out our contact form, and we’ll have a free conversation and determine a plan of action.

How Cultural Stereotypes Affect Motorcycle Accident Bias

Motorcycle accident bias texas motorcycle wreck

Motorcycle Accident Bias Can be a Problem

That’s certainly quite the mouthful of a title.  However, if we break it down, we can see there are a number of moving parts to this idea; many of them lead to motorcycle accident bias in the courtroom and in other legal situations.  We experience it every day, so let’s check out how the Car Crash Captain explains what’s going on here.

What Cultural Stereotypes Surround Motorcycles?

When you think of a biker, what comes to mind?  Most likely you have two images.

You think of the big bad biker riding a Harley Davidson.  A no-nonsense attitude, handlebar mustache, and a vest with a bunch of patches on it that you have no idea what they mean.  He would never wear a helmet in a million years.

Or, you think of a younger guy on a street bike that can go from 0 to 100 in under 3 seconds.  Probably wearing some protective gear (or maybe just a hoodie), and a helmet with a tint so dark you can’t hardly shine a light through it.  You hear him coming from a mile away as him and his buddies “race” through the city.

Of course, neither of these groups represent the majority of motorcycle riders.  They’re just two categories of riders.

How do these Stereotypes Influence the Public?

It doesn’t help that the stereotypes are perpetuated and often depicted poorly by the media.

TV shows and movies show both stereotypes in a poor light.  One is an outlaw, bent on doing whatever he pleases with no regard for authority.  The other is a street-racing punk, whipping through traffic and breaking all sorts of traffic laws.

The news doesn’t make things much better.  Nobody is going to click and read a story about a middle-aged man who carefully rides his motorcycle to work each day so he can ease congested traffic, save money on gas, and find a better parking space.  Reports like that from 2013 of a group of bikers chasing down a Range Rover in NYC do, however, get a lot of attention.

As these stereotypes are perpetuated, it puts a bad taste in the public’s mouth.  Suddenly ALL riders are seen as terrible people that break the laws.  And if they’re in a motorcycle wreck, well, it was probably their own fault… right?

This Leads to an Influence on Insurance and Juries

Since insurance companies, judges, and juries are all human beings, they have likely been subjected to the poor depiction of those who ride motorcycles.  Even though their jobs are to come into this as unbiased as possible, it’s hard to shake those cultural stereotypes that have been perpetuated for years.

If you’ve been in a motorcycle wreck in Texas, even if you were following every law, it’s automatically assumed that you were speeding or otherwise riding carelessly or recklessly – even though that wasn’t the case.

Insurance companies may more quickly deny a claim, juries may need extra convincing that you’re an upstanding citizen and a safe rider, and overall, it’s a harder fight to show that you were innocent and are the victim.

How Herbert Law Group Helps Overcome Motorcycle Accident Bias

That’s why you need Herbert Law Group on your side.

We have handled a lot of cases that involve motorcycle wrecks.  We know how to show that you weren’t riding dangerously, and we know how to show that your needs are way higher than what the insurance company settlement is likely to be.

Long before you’re in a wreck, know that Herbert Law Group has your back.  Also, get some sort of helmet-cam or handlebar cam.  It’s much harder to refute video evidence if it comes down to that.

If you have already been in a wreck, or your loved one was killed in a wreck, then we should talk immediately.  Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch for a free conversation to find out exactly what happened.

6 Strange Factors that Cause Motorcycle Wrecks

Strange factors motorcycle wrecks in texas

Motorcycle Riders Have to be Extra Cautious

We know that riding a motorcycle carries more risk than driving in other motor vehicles.  And it’s pretty clear that being extra diligent, and riding as though you’re invisible are the best ways to avoid wrecks, it’s also important to know that there are some strange factors that can lead to a motorcycle wreck.  Often, these aren’t even concerns for other motorists, but those on two wheels need to pay attention.

Let’s check in with the Car Crash Captain and discover the top 6 strange factors that can lead to a Texas motorcycle wreck.

Strange Factors that Cause Bike Wrecks

Before we get into this, we have to remember that these are the rare causes; the strange factors.  Still, the number one cause of motorcycle wrecks is inattentive drivers (usually turning left in front of a motorcycle they “didn’t see”).

Unsecured Loads from Other Vehicles

When we think of unsecured loads, our minds will generally go big.  Remember on the movie Final Destination when the logs come tumbling out of the logging truck?

In reality, unsecured cargo is more likely to fly out of the back of a pickup truck.  Often, it’s when someone is moving across town and they pile as much into the back as possible, throw a small little bungee cord on it, and call it good.  But even more likely is trash that’s in the back of a truck blowing out and causing a biker behind them to lose control.

Grass Clippings or Leaves on the Roadway

When you’re cruising in your car, you probably don’t think twice about some grass clippings that a mower has thrown into the street.  In the fall, if there’s a little pile of leaves, no big deal.

On two wheels, however, those become huge deals.  Grass clippings and leaves are slick – almost to the point of being as slick as hitting a patch of ice.  It only takes a split second to lose control.  While an experienced rider may be able to quickly avoid the situation, if they’re on a busy road avoiding the grass may lead to colliding with a vehicle.

Animal Carcasses from other Wrecks

Animal strikes are rare, but what’s even weirder is hitting an animal that has already been hit.  A living animal can at least get out of the way on its own, and while it’s up and about it’s a little easier to see.

However, when the animal has already been killed, its lower profile means it’s harder to see.  Similar to hitting those grass clippings or leaves, hitting a dead animal can cause wheels to break free from their traction, and the rider can lose control.

Speeds of Greater than 30 Miles Per Hour

Interestingly enough, most bike wrecks don’t happen at high speeds.  It’s true that higher speeds lead to a greater risk of a fatal accident, but that doesn’t mean fast equals crash.

In fact, a study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the majority of motorcycle wrecks happen at 29.8 miles per hour.  Meaning that speed to be the cause of the wreck is actually quite rare.

Of course, high speed wrecks are what make the news and usually result in loss of life – which is why they seem to be much more of a problem.

Road Striping

We usually see the lines on the road as there for our safety.  They help us know which lane is which, if we have to turn or go straight, or give us a marking before which we are supposed to stop.

Those same lines, however, can become incredibly slick if they’re wet, or if the weather gets really hot.  In a car, it’s no big deal if one wheel slips a little bit on a slick bit of road striping.  In a motorcycle one wheel slipping can mean the rider loses control of the entire bike.

Herbert Law Group Works with Motorcycle Accident Victims

Even if strange factors weren’t the cause of your motorcycle wreck, if you were the victim, we should have a chat.  Most insurance settlements won’t take into account all of the factors, and you may not be offered the compensation you truly need and deserve to heal.

Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch with for a free initial conversation.

The Legal Impact of Helmet Laws in Texas

Texas Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Should Helmets be Required for Motorcycle Riders?

The debate on whether or not helmets should be required for all riders isn’t a new one.  Some say helmet laws will do wonders to help save lives, reduce economic impacts, and encourage safer riders.  Others say helmet laws only infringe on personal freedoms, and do little other than allow the government to have more control over our lives.

Let’s dig in as the Car Crash Captain lays out what the arguments for, and against, these helmet laws are, and see what we can do to make the roads safer for everyone – regardless of how many wheels their vehicle has.

Variations of Helmet Laws by State

Each state gets to make their own rules on whether or not they want to require helmets for all riders, some riders, or no riders.

States like California and New York have universal helmet laws.  They require all riders and passengers to wear helmets at all times.

States like Iowa and New Hampshire have no helmet laws.  Passengers and riders can choose to wear a helmet, but they’re not required to do so.

Some states, like Texas, have partial helmet laws.  In these states only those who do not meet requirements must wear helmets; the rest get to choose if it’s right for them or not.

Legal and Ethical Dilemmas of Helmet Laws

The evidence for wearing helmets is overwhelming.  Study after study and report after report show that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the probability of being critically injured or killed in a motorcycle wreck.

Those who want to see helmets required for all riders and passengers cite sources like the CDC, where reports show that when universal helmet laws are instated, fatal motorcycle wrecks decrease by 30%.

Despite the abundance of evidence that helmets save lives, personal freedom still reigns supreme.  Many states that don’t have universal helmet laws give the choice back to the people.  Adults have the right to choose if they’re going to take the risk, or not.

Of course, the mandates and laws go beyond merely a personal choice.

Healthcare costs for treating traumatic brain injuries after a motorcycle wreck are substantial.  Even with medical insurance and healthcare coverage, costs are often passed on to the tax payer – more people being treated for preventable injuries means that others are subsidizing care for those injured in an otherwise preventable manner.

Even with insurance, the economic impact extends to the other insurance holders.  More claims mean rates go up for everyone.  With a universal helmet law, rates could go down for everyone as overall fewer claims and less severe injuries means lower expenses for the insuring company.

How Texas Handles Helmet Laws

In Texas there are two factors that would mean you have to wear a helmet while riding.  Those under the age of 21, and those who don’t have adequate insurance to cover motorcycle accident injuries, must wear helmets at all times.  For those over age 21 and have the proper insurance, the choice to wear a helmet or not resides with the rider.

If you were to wreck in a state that required a helmet, and you weren’t wearing a helmet, your overall settlement could be reduced as you were negligent in your conduct.

However, in Texas, if you’re following the laws (and circumstances surrounding the wreck), your compensation might not be affected by the choice not to wear a helmet.  This does get a little murky, however, since Texas follows the comparative negligence rule – if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault you can’t recover damages.  If you’re found to be less than 50% at fault (but more than 0%) your compensation is reduced.

Herbert Law Group is Here to Help You

Whether you’re wearing a helmet or not, being involved in a motorcycle wreck is going to have long-lasting and wide-spread impact on your life.  The last thing you, or your loved ones, want to do is wonder if a helmet law would have prevented the wreck, reduced injuries, or otherwise changed the outcome.

What you do want is justice.  You want things to move quickly, to progress without delay, so you can get back to living your life.

That’s where Herbert Law comes into play.  We’ll work out the legal stuff, you work on healing from your injuries.  First, though, we need to talk about what happened.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll have a free talk to figure out the next steps.

Adequate Protective Clothing Saves More Lives

safety gear and motorcycle protective clothing accident lawyer Texas

Protective Clothing Helps Riders Recover Faster

All the protective clothing can’t prevent all the injuries a motorcycle rider is likely to sustain after being involved in a wreck.  However, there is a lot of evidence that shows the right protective clothing will be a great benefit to riders.

Aside from a DOT approved helmet, what should riders, and prospective riders, be looking for?  What’s going to be the best to help reduce their injuries, and let them recover faster?  The Car Crash Captain, a motorcycle wreck lawyer serving the Dallas area, has the scoop.

Just How Beneficial is the Right Protective Clothing?

Even when the head is protected, the rest of the body can be subject to injuries that can cause long-term or permanent disability.  Wearing the right clothing, however, can reduce that risk.

A study published in 1986 showed that when a motorcyclist wears the proper protective clothing, the average hospitalization is 7 days shorter, and disability from work or school is 20 days shorter.  Furthermore, the incidence of permanent physical defects is reduced by 40%.

Pretty solid numbers showing that to really be protected while riding, the proper clothing is essential.

What Protective Clothing Should I Wear While Riding?

Aside from the helmet (read about what kind of helmet will actually protect you), there are items that will help keep you a little better protected while you ride.

  • Gloves – Gloves are generally considered to be gear for cold weather riding.  However, they serve a bigger purpose than just keeping your hands warm.  If you wreck, your instinct is to put your hand down to stop the fall; moving at high speeds can tear skin off the hands easily if you don’t have proper gloves.
  • Boots – While open toed shoes allow for nice airflow, they don’t do much to protect against anything.  Solid riding boots provide rigid support and a protective layer against whatever they come in contact with.  Even something as mundane as accidentally leaning against a hot pipe can cause injury if you aren’t wearing the right footwear.
  • Motorcycle Pants – Have you ever fallen while wearing shorts?  Even at walking speed you can skin your knees up pretty badly.  Imagine how badly skinned up you’ll be on pavement moving at 40 miles per hour.  At the very least a thick pair of jeans should be worn, but there are specialty riding pants that are designed to protect the body – with extra padding at high impact spots.
  • Jacket – A t-shirt won’t protect you against anything.  But even a light jacket won’t do much if you’re scraping along the highway.  Motorcycle jackets have thick material and padding on elbows, shoulders, and more.  Just take care when riding in the summer to avoid overheating (learn how to avoid heat related injuries while riding).
  • Body Armor – Wouldn’t it be something to see someone ride down the road in a full suit of knight’s armor?  Imagine the sparks if they wrecked.  Alas, we’re actually talking about motorcycle riding armor.  These lightweight shirts, jackets, and vests are made with high-density foam and carbon fiber to reduce injury upon impact with a hard surface.

Does Herbert Law Group Help Motorcycle Accident Victims?

Herbert Law Group has an extensive history of helping accident victims, including those who were riding motorcycles.

If you, or a loved one, were injured in a motorcycle accident, then we should talk about what happened, and find out how we can maximize the settlement you’ll receive.  Insurance companies are hoping you will overlook many of the costs so they can pay out a lower amount.

We’ll help you receive a settlement that actually covers your losses.

Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll have a free conversation about what happened and make a plan of action going forward.

Three Amazing Motorcycle Road Trips for this Year

Motorcycle Road Trip

Aching to Hit the Open Road?

There’s just something freeing about hitting the road on a motorcycle.  The views are spectacular, and you can’t get that 360-degree view in a car the same way you can on two wheels.  With all of the outstanding places across the country, where are some of the best roadways?  We’ve come up with a handful of ideas to get you thinking.  Keep reading as the Car Crash Captain takes you on a road trip.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Running between Natchez, Mississippi and Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway is 444 miles of uninterrupted road trip greatness.  There are a number of factors that make this particular stretch of road some of the best for cruising.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Why it’s Great – No commercial vehicles are allowed on the parkway.  This means you don’t have to worry about big trucks or commercial busses.  Though, you may run into the occasional maintenance vehicle helping to keep the state parks looking beautiful.  The majority of the parkway is also controlled access.  No stop signs or cross traffic to worry about.  With beautiful views the entire way, you’re not contending with man-made devices – it’s nearly all trees, farmlands, and the occasional body of water.

When to Go – Because it’s running through the south, where the humidity and temps can get high, the best times to visit are April, May, and June and then September and October.  In the spring you’ll see plenty of blossoms, in the fall the leaves are changing colors.

No matter when you ride the Natchez Trace, there are numerous historical spots to stop along the way to learn about the history of the area.

Going to the Sun Road Montana

In Northern Montana, just below the Canadian border, Glacier National Park hosts some of the most amazing mountains around.  Crystal clear waters, winding mountain roads, and snow-capped peaks are all ready for exploration.

Going to the Sun Road Montana

Why it’s Great – Immersed in the wilderness, it’s hard to find anywhere that looks more untamed than Glacier.  The scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road winds up and up the mountains, passing by waterfalls, wildflowers, and vistas.  The ride tops out at Logan’s Pass at 6,646 feet of elevation.  With plenty of spots to stop and take in the views, and the windy roads, this 50-mile trip will take all day.

When to Go – The only time to go is in July to September.  Earlier in the year the pass is still covered in snow, later you risk getting caught in a snow storm.

Plan early, as vehicle passes to Glacier Park are limited due to its popularity.

Mad River Loop Vermont

New England is home to a number of different back highways that make for great rides.  However, the Mad River Loop is often considered to be one of the best.

Vermont Road Trip

Why it’s Great – The 66-mile loop takes only 1.5 hours to complete, if you don’t stop.  It can be done as just a part of the day, instead of taking the entire day.  Traveling through Camel’s Hump State Forest you encounter east coast scenery like no other.

When to Go – Summer and fall have the best chances for pleasant weather.  In the fall, as the leaves turn colors, your ride will be cast in an orange and golden glow.

The Green Mountain State is heavily wooded in most areas, and can have some wild weather.  Even summer rides might be rainy and cool so be prepared.

Herbert Law Group Wishes You Safe Road Tripping!

No matter where you ride, pay attention and be safe on the roads!  On a motorcycle you’re harder to see, and have a higher risk of being involved in an accident.

If you are the victim of a motorcycle crash, Herbert Law Group is here to help you find the justice you deserve.

Let’s find out what happened, and see how we can help.  Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch with you shortly for your free initial consultation.

The Economic Impact of a Texas Motorcycle Wreck

Texas motorcycle wreck lawyer economic impacts

The Impacts Extend Beyond the Involved Parties

Whenever there is a wreck, there will be economic impacts.  Many of them are experienced by the two parties involved in the accident (read more about economic and noneconomic damages), but there are others who will feel the effect of a motorcycle accident too.  Let’s check in with the Car Crash Captain and learn about the economic impacts of a motorcycle wreck.

Economic Impacts Felt by Involved Parties

The most immediate economic impact will be felt by those going through the tragedy.  Most of these can be assigned a dollar amount, but some are much harder.  How do you put a dollar amount on learning to live without a husband, mother, or child?

  • Medical Costs – Nearly every accident will have some sort of medical costs.  These can range from a simple exam, to ongoing costs that will last the rest of the victim’s life.
  • Lost Wages – When you’re laid up in the hospital, you can’t work.  If you can’t work, you can’t make money.  Lost wages can be calculated simply by multiplying how much work was missed, by the victim’s salary.
  • Property Damage – There will be damage to the motorcycle.  There will also be damage to the at-fault driver’s vehicle.  Damage can extend to other vehicles as well, and even roads, signs, landscaping, and buildings.
  • Disability Costs – A severe accident can result in long-term disability.  The costs of remodeling a home to account for a wheelchair can be high.

Economic Impacts that Extend to Everyone

Aside from the immediate costs associated with the wreck, the economic impact may ripple throughout the community, and even into the rest of the country.

  • Insurance Premiums – Insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums.  When they have to pay out large claims, they offset that loss by raising premiums for everyone.
  • Legal Expenses – Legal fees can pile up.  While most personal injury lawyers charge on a contingency basis (that means the victim doesn’t pay until the case is won or settled), those expenses still rise.  There are costs associated with running the court system as well.
  • Emergency Responder Costs – Accidents require emergency personnel.  These first responders get paid, and the equipment they use is expensive.  Taxpayers pay for these things, and when more are necessary, taxes may rise.

Herbert Law Group Helps Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you’re the victim of a motorcycle accident, you’re not going to be too worried about the economic impact of your wreck.  Your first, and for now your only, concern is to heal from the injuries you’ve sustained.

That’s why Herbert Law Group is here.  We’ll take the economic worry off your shoulders.  We negotiate hard, and we fight for you.  In the end, your settlement will be the maximum that is legally allowed – and the economic impact on you should be lifted.

It all starts with a phone call.  Let’s find out what happened, and see how our expert motorcycle accident lawyers can help.  Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll reach out to you.