Tips from a Texas Motorcycle Injury Lawyer

Texas motorcycle injury lawyer

If you’ve Been Injured, Keep this in Mind

Riding is exhilarating.  Those who ride love the feeling of the open road because it’s just that much more open when you’re on two wheels.  A fun ride in the evening, a morning commute, or a cross-country trek can quickly go from exhilarating to debilitating when you have to deal with negligent motorist.  And if that does happen, you will want a Texas motorcycle injury lawyer on your side to help you navigate the tricky legal waters ahead.

There are, however, a few things that you can do to ensure a settlement after a motorcycle crash goes as smoothly as possible.  Let’s check out what the Car Crash Captain has to say on the matter.

Six Factors after a Texas Motorcycle Wreck

There is a lot that you can do after a wreck, but if you’re laid up in the hospital, there is a lot more that you simply can’t do.  These points to ponder are in no particular order, they’re all equally important.

Preserve Evidence

If you’re picked up by an ambulance and hauled off on a stretcher, you’ll have trouble preserving the evidence at the scene of the wreck.  So, what does it actually mean to preserve evidence when you’re limited in such a way?

It means to make sure that all medical bills are safely stored.  When you do have your bike repaired (or replaced) keep all of the repair estimates.  Make sure everything is done in writing and not verbally.  Any correspondence with the insurance companies especially should be backed up with written evidence.

Communicate Carefully

That brings us to the next tip from your Texas motorcycle injury lawyer: talk sparingly with the insurance companies.  Yes, you are going to have to file a claim and you will have to give them some information.  However, they’re not going to be on your side – these companies want to make money and pay as few claims as possible.

Before disclosing any information, and especially don’t say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, tell them that you’re working with Herbert Law Group to make sure that all is sorted out appropriately.

Consult with a Texas Motorcycle Injury Lawyer

We have to get to know you, and find out what happened, before we can be of help.  That’s why we offer a free initial consultation.  We’ll learn what happened and assess what we can do to help.

Even if you choose a different attorney, legal representation will make your claim a whole lot smoother.  Motorcycle attorneys know the intricacies of the law and understand how to fight for your rights.

Understand the Time Limits

You don’t have to file your claim immediately, but you can’t sit around forever trying to decide if you want to file a claim.  Texas has a two-year limitation to file your personal injury claim – that sounds like a long time, but if you’re in the hospital and working through rehab, that time is going to go quickly.

There’s another time limit to be aware of too.  Insurance companies will often pressure you to make a quick decision to accept their settlement offer.  They might even go as far as saying it’s only available for a limited time, or you have to accept it by a certain date before the amount is reduced.  You shouldn’t feel pressured; and your Texas motorcycle injury lawyer can help you handle these situations.

Consider Long-Term Consequences

When you are involved in a wreck, there are aspects of your claim that are easy to see and easy to handle.  If it costs $10,000 to replace your bike, then you deserve $10,000.  If you cut your arm and it takes 6 weeks to heal, then you know that in six weeks you should be mostly back to normal.

But motorcycle wreck injuries are rarely as simple as a cut on your arm.  They take time and they have long-term effects.  If you break your leg in 10 places, you likely won’t walk “normal” ever again.  How do you seek compensation for walking with a limp for the rest of your life?  It starts with using a great motorcycle attorney.

Prioritize Your Safety

Long before you get in a wreck, prevent the injuries before they happen.  We have written extensively on the proper safety gear you should wear, why it’s important, and how many lives it has saved.  Make sure you’re taking care of yourself, because a negligent motorist sure won’t!

Learn about Motorcycle crash bars, or gear for riding in the heat, or the proper motorcycle helmet.

Talk it over with Herbert Law Group

We are here to help you deal with the challenging aftermath of a motorcycle wreck.  We know it may end up being a long recovery, and we want to make sure you’re compensated for the wreck.  We’ll work hard to ensure you get what you deserve.

It all starts with that phone call.  Let’s talk about what happened, and find out the best path to recovery.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site to get things rolling.

Resources for Justice after a Texas Motorcycle Accident

Texas motorcycle accident lawyer

You Don’t have to Go it Alone

Texas has plenty of wide-open spaces for riding.  From the vast expanses out west, to the DFW Metroplex, to the hill country near Austin, you have options for your rides to explore and feel the wind in your face.

As you know, riding comes with some risk.  You don’t have the protection afforded by a passenger vehicle or a truck.  Combine that with a smaller size that people often aren’t watching out for, the risks of being injured, or killed, in a Texas motorcycle accident are considerably higher than in a car.

Let’s take a look at what the Car Crash Captain has to say about why you would want a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer on your side if you are injured in a wreck.

The Road to Recovery: Why You Need a Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Specialized Knowledge – There are four main areas of law.  Those four areas can be further divided into several dozen sub-categories.  Even then, you can specialize in those sub-categories.  For instance, personal injury lawyer encompasses a whole lot including dog bits, slip and fall, medical malpractice, and motor vehicle wrecks.  With an attorney that specializes in car, truck, and Texas motorcycle accidents, you know you’re getting an attorney that knows what’s up.

Comprehensive Investigation – There’s more to any wreck than meets the eye.  Traffic cams may have caught your wreck on camera, there are expert and eye witness testimonies that need reviewed, accident reports must be scoured, and more.  An experienced Texas motorcycle accident lawyer will know all the steps to build you a strong case.

Insurance Company Negotiations – Dealing with insurance companies is overwhelming, to say the least.  The adjusters, however, will likely try to minimize your claim – or deny it altogether.  With a lawyer on your side, however, we can use the evidence from a comprehensive investigation, along with the knowledge and expertise that comes with dealing with a whole bunch of these claims, so that you get powerful negotiations on your side.

Litigation Expertise – Most cases will settle out of court.  The insurance company doesn’t want to use resources fighting a claim when they know it’s easier to pay what they should be paying.  But sometimes these things get escalated.  A skilled Texas motorcycle accident lawyer is ready to take your case to trial if the insurance company won’t pony up the settlement you need to fully recover.

Herbert Law Group is Your Advocate for Justice

There are some myths out there about personal injury lawyers – often seen as ambulance chasers just out to make a quick buck.

The issue is that the lawyer is on your side!  We fight for the victim because insurance companies are big, they’re powerful, and they are counting on you not understanding your rights.  We know the law, we know your rights, and we know that you deserve more.

If you have been injured, or a loved on was killed, in a Texas motorcycle accident, then we need to talk about what happened.  Let’s get to know each other so Herbert Law Group can help you be compensated for what happened.

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

Loss of Future Earning Capacity After a Texas Motorcycle Crash

Future Earning Capacity Texas Motorcycle Crash

Understanding Compensation for your Motorcycle Crash

After any wreck, there are a whole bunch of unknowns.  After a Texas motorcycle crash, those unknowns are only compounded.  The severity and impact of the wreck go far beyond the crash itself.

How long will it take to heal?

When will I emotionally recover?

Will I be able to return to work?

Will I still have a job after I recover?

These questions, and more, will go through any victim’s head as they try to figure out what happened, what went wrong, and what to expect going forward.  Let’s take a look at what the Car Crash Captain has to say about motorcycle crashes in Texas, and the loss of future earning capacity.

What is Loss of Future Earning Capacity?

Texas does not cap the amount you can recover for economic damages – these are damages that can be tallied and accounted for.  Some of those damages are the amount of income you lose out on because you’re not able to work.  That can be if you are out of work for a week, a month, or the rest of your life.

Future earning capacity is your capacity to earn money in the future.  As many financial advisors will tell you, your ability to earn money is your biggest asset, and it is likely into the millions of dollars.

Future earning capacity is not the same as future earnings.  Future earnings are what you will actually earn in the future assuming that you maintain the same income.

How is Future Earning Capacity Calculated?

If you make $50,000 now, and you are 20 years from retirement, it’s reasonable to say that your future earnings should be $1 million.  But earning capacity is a bit different.  Earning capacity has to account for additional training, promotions, job changes, experience, skill, and more.

Medical specialists will have to weigh in.  How impaired are you?  Is it likely that you will recover and return to work?  In what capacity?  These professionals will give their expert opinion on the long-term consequences of your injuries.

Vocational trainers may need to weigh in as well.  If you worked a manual labor job, and you lost the use of a leg, you aren’t going to be able to go back to that same job.  Can you train for a new job?  Will you be able to work in the same industry but in a different capacity?  How will being back in the workforce bode with your injuries?

There’s a whole lot to look at when we’re dealing with future earning capacity – something that an expert Texas motorcycle crash lawyer can help with.

Other Compensation You Deserve after a Texas Motorcycle Crash

It’s not just about your earnings, either.  There’s a lot that is going on with these crashes.

You have medical expenses, lost wages while you’re in the hospital, you have out-of-pocket expenses, damaged property that you need compensated for, and that’s just the expenses we can tally up.

What about damage to your emotional well-being?  There’s pain and suffering to be accounted for.  The reduction in your quality of life (and the loss of enjoyment of life), and a whole lot more.

It’s hard to wrap your mind around the overall consequences of this wreck – not something that you should even have to consider when you’re trying to heal from injuries.

Why You Need Herbert Law Group After a Wreck

Herbert Law Group is here to help make sure that you’re not overlooked.  Insurance companies want to write a quick check (usually way too little to fully cover what you need) and clear the wreck off their books.

And they do that, with a lot of people who don’t fully understand just how expensive it’s going to be.

We’re offering an alternative.  Don’t worry about any of the financial impacts.  Just focus on healing from your injuries.  We’ll take care of the legal stuff and the insurance companies as we work toward getting you the maximum compensation to help fully take care of you financially.

Let’s talk about what happened.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the online contact form and we’ll reach out and have a conversation about how we can help.

A Motorcycle Claim is Different than a Car Wreck Claim

Texas Motorcycle Claim accident lawyer

Understand the Nuances of a Texas Motorcycle Claim

Even though the outcomes are similar, a motorcycle claim is different than a car wreck claim.  Sure, you’ve suffered injuries and had your property damaged in both, but there are some key differences that mean you will want to have a great motorcycle crash attorney on your side.

Let’s take a look at those differences, and let’s see what the Car Crash Captain has to say about them.

Passenger Vehicle Wrecks vs. Motorcycle Wrecks

Leading up to, and after, the wreck there are some variations we need to pay attention to.  Both motor vehicle operators, and motorcycle riders, will fare better when everyone pays more attention.

Visibility Factor

Because motorcycles are smaller, they’re naturally harder to see.  Combine that with the rise in distracted driving (largely due to cell phone use in the last decade or so), and motorcycles often go unnoticed.  Motorists must pay attention and look for motorcycles; riders must be vigilant to watch out for those who aren’t paying attention.

Protective Factor

There’s no protective cage around a bike.  A slow speed collision that would damage a vehicle, but otherwise leave occupants unharmed, crushes legs and knocks riders to the ground.  These injuries have long-lasting effects.  There are ways to help protect yourself on a motorcycle.

Stopping Factor

If you’re following another car too closely, you might be able to slam on your brakes if they have to stop short.  If you’re not quick enough, you rear-end them and likely only minor injuries ensue.  If you’re following a motorcycle too closely, they stop faster than a passenger car.  It’s harder to avoid a collision, and bikers can get crushed between two vehicles.

Injury Factor

A minor collision on a motorcycle can end up causing major injuries.  Even those “minor” collisions can result in a fatal accident for the motorcycle rider.  Remember, proper protective gear can minimize injuries.

Insurance Factor

Because those injuries are often more severe – resulting in a lifetime of disability or an early death – they tend to be larger claims when filed with insurance companies.  The company that has insured the at-fault driver will fight harder to minimize a large claim, often trying to deny it on a technicality.  Motorcycle riders need to be diligent to make sure the insurance company doesn’t “trick” them into something that can be used against them.

Herbert Law Group Factor

When claims involve a serious injury, and because the insurance company is going to want to minimize or deny the claim, it’s important to have a Texas motorcycle lawyer on your side.

With the power of an attorney, you can focus on healing from your injuries.  You don’t have to worry about those insurance companies, righting for what you deserve, or accidentally slipping up and saying something that could affect your claim.

All you have to tell them is, “I’m working with Herbert Law Group, you can direct inquiries to them.”

We’ll take care of the rest.

Of course, we need to get to know you first.  We need to know what happened, how it happened, and discover how we can help.  Let’s start with a free phone call.  Just dial 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll start the process.

Three S’s to Understanding a Motorcycle Claim

motorcycle claim texas personal injury lawyer

Motorcycle Claims are Different than Auto Claims

No matter how you look at it, if you’re injured in a wreck, you need a Texas lawyer to help you navigate the tricky waters of negotiating a settlement.  What many people don’t realize, is that a motorcycle claim is going to be quite a bit different than a car claim.

Let’s take a look at how the Car Crash Captain describes the three S’s that differentiate personal injury claims that resulted from a motorcycle wreck versus a car wreck.

Three Differences between the Two Wrecks

There are, of course, more than just three differences when handling a motorcycle claim.  These three, however, are the biggest that can end up having a big impact on your settlement offer.

Severity of the Injuries

Without that cage of protection around them, motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable than those riding in cars.  Even when you’re traveling at lower speeds, the risk of severe injury is present.

This can be confusing to adjusters that don’t understand riding a motorcycle.  The immediate response is that a low-speed wreck shouldn’t cause injuries that are that severe.  Therefore, they feel that you are lying about the wreck.  This immediate bias can put a damper on the resulting settlement negotiations.

The best way to combat this is to immediately go in for a medical exam.  Make sure that everything is well documented.

Scrutiny by Legal Experts

There is a bias that makes adjusters think that you may be lying about your wreck, and that comes from a lack of knowledge and understanding.

There is also a bias that comes from a stereotypical prejudice.  Some bikers ride fast, take risks, and give a bad name to the entire community.  But they are just a small percentage of those who legally ride and are safe riders.

But that stereotype can filter over to your situation.  The result is that your case is given extra scrutiny; almost as though they are looking for a way to dismiss your claim and “punish” you.  Having a great Texas motorcycle wreck lawyer on your side lets you push back just as hard.

Span of Time until Settlement

Because of these biases, your settlement might not happen as quickly as you hoped.

With the pushback because of the extra scrutiny, and the skepticism caused by your severe injuries, the adjusters and insurance company will try to drag things out in the name of being “thorough.”  In reality, their goal is to make you desperate to accept any settlement offer that comes your way.

Your best recourse is to get the ball rolling with Herbert Law Group.  With experience dealing with motorcycle claims, we can help get you the settlement you need and hasten the process.

Herbert Law Group Knows Motorcycle Claims

How does it all work?  How do you get started with Herbert Law Group on your motorcycle claim?

It all begins with a simple phone call.  We have to get to know you, find out what happened, and then discover how we can help.

Let’s start with a chat.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch for a free initial consultation.

Tips for Going on a Group Motorcycle Ride

Group Motorcycle Ride Texas lawyer

How to Prepare for a Group Ride

On two wheels is one of the best ways to see the sights.  Uninhibited views, wind in your face, and the freedom that comes with a motorcycle ride all make the experience even better.  To really enhance your ride, team up with a group of other riders and hit the open road together.

Today, the Car Crash Captain lays out a few tips to stay safe on a group motorcycle ride.  Being prepared is the best way to prevent accidents and injury; knowing what to do if something does happen can minimize the fallout.

Before You Hit the Road on a Group Motorcycle Ride

Before you hit the open road, no matter if you’re riding with a group or going solo, you need to double check your bike to make sure it’s all working properly.  Even those going on a road trip in a passenger car should check things over.  The quick inspection list includes:

  • Brakes
  • Lights
  • Battery Connections
  • Fluids/Oil
  • Tire Pressure
  • Anything That Has Given You Issues in the Past

Missing something that’s an issue could result in you being stranded on the side of the road, or, worse, involved in a serious motorcycle accident.

When you’re riding in a group, you want to make sure you know the riding skills of the other riders.  Skill level largely defines where bikers will be in the group.  A pre-ride meeting will also include topics like:

  • Stopping Places
  • Hand Signals
  • Who’s Bringing What

Everyone should carry basic emergency equipment with them.  But you can designate certain group members to carry anything extra that might be important when riding together.  Including things like road flares, extra water, flashlights, etc.

While You’re on Your Group Ride

Now you’re ready to hit the open road on a group motorcycle ride.  Everyone knows their role, and what to do in all situations.

The most experienced riders go first, and last, in the group.  Least experienced go second.  The rest of the group staggers themselves so they have plenty of room to react, but not so much room between them that another motorist can slip in and split up the group.

When you’re out, take a lot of breaks.  See the sights, taste the cuisine, throw a rock or two into that pond.  Enjoy the time.

If you’re falling behind, or if the rest of the group is more skilled than yourself, know when to throw in the towel.  Know that you can break off and head home if you feel uncomfortable.

When You’re Done with a Group Motorcycle Ride

After the ride, reconvene with the rest of the group.  Discuss what you loved about the trip, what you didn’t, and what you can do better in the future.

It’s all about communication when you’re doing group rides, so make sure everyone is heard.

Know when to Call Herbert Law Group

Of course, if something bad does happen on the ride, you know who to call.

Along with your insurance and registration, keep a copy of our contact information.  Then, even if you’re injured, those ensuring your bike makes it back to safety will find the information that you want Herbert Law Group dealing with your Texas motorcycle accident.

Make sure the card includes our phone number, 214-414-3808.  And if you need to contact us now, you can even get in touch through our website contact form.

Motorcycle Crash Bars Prevent Serious Injury

Crash bars motorcycle wreck lawyer in Texas

How Proper Equipment can Reduce Injuries

The other day I was driving down a fairly heavily trafficked street.  I noticed a motorcycle behind me; he wasn’t driving recklessly (aside from not wearing a helmet), and was keeping a safe distance back.  As I approached an intersection, cars were backed up more than usual, and I hit my brakes firmly.  It wasn’t a sudden stop, but faster than usual.

I heard a loud scraping sound and what sounded like something shattering.  A glance in my mirror showed the biker on the ground behind me.  Traffic stopped, I quickly pulled over, and helped the rider move his motorcycle off the main road and onto a side street.  He was shaken up, one arm had bad road rash, but otherwise no serious injuries.

It turns out that he hadn’t expected traffic to stop like it did, and wasn’t paying close enough attention.  Braking hard caused him to lay the bike down.  Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved, and his motorcycle suffered what appeared to be merely cosmetic damage.

The incident could have been a lot worse.  His heavy, Harley-style motorcycle had crash bars that protected his legs, and other motorists stopped in time preventing further collisions.  Let’s see what the Car Crash Captain says about riding with the right safety equipment installed.

What are Crash Bars Anyway?

Crash bars attach to the sides of the motorcycle, beneath the fuel tank, and in front of the feet (see the images on this page for those visual folks).  They can come with the bike, or can be added on afterward.

These simple metal devices are sturdy and solid, and serve an important purpose to protect the rider.

Motorcycle wreck lawyer Dallas

Why Are Crash Bars Important?

Crash bars protect against three issues that arise during a wreck.

Protect the Rider – When a bike goes down, the rider goes down with it.  Often the motorcycle will land on top of the rider and crush a leg between the heavy piece of equipment and the road.  Crash bars keep the bike up off the roadway just a bit, so the leg doesn’t get smashed.

Protect the Motorcycle – Crashing on a motorcycle is going to cause damage.  Proper crash bars can mean the difference between cosmetic damage, and something much more serious and costly.

Protect Others – When a biker wrecks, the pieces of bike can hit other vehicles.  Crash bars provide structural integrity to the motorcycle, and reduce impact on the road.  This means less debris flying off into traffic and posing hazards to others.

Other Safety Gear to Consider

Keep in mind that while crash bars are a great way to reduce the impact, they’re not designed to take the place of other proper safety equipment.

Clothing – Wearing a motorcycle jacket (one that is abrasion resistant), the individual in the story at the beginning of this blog would not have had a severely scraped arm.

Helmet – A full helmet that is DOT approved should be worn at all times.  One that covers the entire face is especially protective.

Colors – Brighter clothing is easier to see.

There are plenty of other safety tips and gear, we have talked about them in our post about staying safe while riding.

Dallas lawyer motorcycle wreck

Come to Herbert Law Group after a Motorcycle Wreck in Texas

No matter how much safety gear you have, there will always be other motorists out there that aren’t being safe.

If you have had the unfortunate circumstance of being in a motorcycle wreck due to someone else’s negligence, we should talk about how to make sure the insurance company is paying you what you deserve.

Call Herbert Law Group at 214-414-3808, or fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch.

5 Motorcycle Myths that Cause More Harm than Good

Motorcycle myths to dispel texas motorcycle attorney

Motorcycle Myths Abound; Here are a Few to Dispel

There’s nothing wrong with a nice ride.  There’s a feeling you get on two wheels that you simply can’t get on four.  Over the years, however, certain myths have popped up that don’t seem to go away.  Well, it’s time to dispel these popular myths that actually make riding more dangerous.

If you have been injured, or a loved on has been killed, in a motorcycle wreck, then it’s time to talk with the Car Crash Captain.  Yes, he handles motorcycle wrecks as well.  Visit our contact page to fill out the form, or call us at 214-414-3808.  Our first goal is to have a conversation to see how we can help.

Motorcycle Myths we Can Say “Goodbye” To

There are plenty more motorcycle myths out there.  These are just a few of the most popular and why they’re not actually true.

Loud Pipes Save Lives

By design motorcycle pipes face backward.  That means the majority of the noise put out by a loud bike, shoots behind the motorcycle.  There may be a few times when a motorcycle is loud enough to alert another driver to their presence, but in these situations they are likely so close that the other driver already knows they are there.

Loud pipes aren’t the answer to being noticed.

Motorcycle Helmets Break Necks

The idea here is that when you put more weight on top of your head, it means it puts your neck through more stress in the event of an impact.  The myth, however, is that the added 3.5 pounds isn’t enough to really cause much harm.  In fact, modern DOT approved helmets are designed in such a way to absorb the shock and lessen the strain on the neck.

Impacting the ground at speed means energy has to be transferred somewhere.  In a vehicle it’s into the crumple zones, but on a motorcycle it’s in the protective equipment.

A Helmet Usually Doesn’t Help

As long as we’re on the topic of helmets, let’s tackle a big myth that a helmet isn’t usually necessary.  This motorcycle myth comes from the idea that the bulk of those who survive wrecks, do so with serious injuries to their arms, legs, and backs.  It’s a case of we don’t see what’s not in front of us.

The truth is that studies show there would be significantly more fatal motorcycle wrecks if helmets were not worn.

Don’t Crash; Lay it Down

It’s possible that 50 or 60 years ago, you could slow a motorcycle much faster by laying it down and letting it slide instead of applying the brakes.  It’s also possible that many people think by laying the bike down, they can “slide” out of the way of a collision.

What happens, however, is that the metal on roadway doesn’t slow down.  It skids across the top.  And now, instead of being up higher, where you have a chance of being thrown clear of the other vehicle, you’re sliding underneath it.  Let the tires and anti-lock brakes do the work to get rid of the most speed before impact.

A Helmet Blocks Your View

Back to helmets for a minute before we’re done.  The safest helmet is one that not only covers your head, but your full face too.  That face shield will save you from losing half of your face to the pavement if you’re thrown off face first.  While it might diminish your view a small bit, it’s not going to be enough to have an effect.

If you need some in-your-face (no pun intended) evidence of why full face helmets are important, do a quick search on what the helmet looks like after a wreck.

Let Herbert Law Group Help with Your Wreck

Motorcyclists are often hit by inattentive motorists.  If that has happened to you, and you were injured in the crash, then Herbert Law Group would like to help you receive a settlement that will cover your expenses.

Let’s chat about it.  Just call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.

The Best Way to Reduce Motorcycle Injuries and Fatalities

Texas motorcycle injuries lawyer

Deadly Motorcycle Wrecks Have Risen

Motorcyclists make up about 3% of the traffic on US roads.  They contribute to 14% of all traffic fatalities.

It’s certainly not difficult to see why.  With little to no protection around the rider, even a minor fender bender can turn deadly very quickly.  Combine that with the fact that motorists don’t pay enough attention (and actually can become “blind” to bikers) riding is incredibly dangerous.  One of the big issues, however, is that fatal motorcycle wrecks could be reduced easily.

Let’s take a look at what the Car Crash Captain says about riding and its risks.

Using this Piece of Equipment Lowers the Risk of Dying

In 2021, the latest year statistics are available, 65% of motorcycle riders wore DOT-compliant helmets.  That number is slowly rising over the years, but still a long way from the 100% that would help to save many more lives.

Studies consistently show that wearing a helmet improves the odds of not dying in a wreck by 37%.  If we do the basic math using the numbers we know and understand, we can quickly determine how many more people would survive these crashes if they wore helmets.

The NHTSA reports that in 2020, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in traffic fatalities.  If everyone wore helmets, using that 37% increase in survivability rate, we can assume that about 2,000 of those riders would still be alive today.

Of course, the math isn’t perfect, but the point is that wearing the right protective equipment means more likely to survive if something terrible happens.

The Two Most Common Motorcycle Injuries

Wrecking on a bike almost always means there will be at least some sort of injury.  The greater the speed, the more likelihood of serious injuries.

Head Trauma – If you wear your helmet, your risk of head trauma is reduced by 70%.  Without helmet use, the biggest risks a motorcycle rider faces are skull fractures, TBI, brain hemorrhaging, and spinal cord injury.

Facial Injuries – When crashing, the head and face usually hit first.  The result is massive injuries to the cheekbones, nose, jaw and teeth, and eyes.

A helmet that covers the whole head, including the face shield, is the best way to avoid these two head and face injuries that show up in the majority of motorcycle wrecks.

Herbert Law Group Helps Motorcycle Crash Victims in Texas

We can work toward 100% helmet usage while riding a motorcycle.  And we can strive to ensure that all motorists are diligent and pay attention to motorcycles on the road.  But no matter how much care you take, as a motorcycle rider, there is always the risk that someone else’s negligence will result in a wreck and serious bodily injury to you.

If that happens, you need to have a motorcycle wreck lawyer on your side to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve from the insurance companies.  They are in the business of collecting premiums, so when it comes time to pay out settlements, they try to minimize that amount as much as possible.

Here at Herbert Law Group, we know what a victim deserves.  We know how to argue for it, so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.

Let’s find out what happened to determine how we can help you.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out our contact form and we will be in touch soon.

Riding Motorcycle in the Texas Spring Weather

Dallas motorcycle attorney riding in the rain spring weather

Safety Tips for Spring Riding in Texas

Spring is underway, and that means more and more bikers will be out on the road.  Whether you ride yourself, or you are sharing the road with a motorcycle rider, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to sharing the road.  That also means knowing what the weather in North Texas can throw at you during the spring months.

The Car Crash Captain has rounded up a few tips to help ensure we all arrive at our destinations safely.  Just remember, if you are injured, or a loved one is killed, you need a Texas personal injury lawyer on your side to ensure you receive the full compensation that you deserve.

What can the Texas Spring Weather Throw at You

Spring in the Dallas area means mostly great weather… with some unpredictable storms mixed in.  Often it’s not a huge deal, but when you’re on two wheels, those storms can be a source of worry.

Be Prepared for Sudden Storms

A lot of our Texas storms are predictable.  We know they’ll come up, and when they should taper down or end.  But sometimes, there are some storms that sneak their way in.  They hit harder than expected, or last longer than we anticipated.

If you’re caught in a storm, it’s important to pay even more attention to traffic around you.  It’s going to take longer for everyone to stop, visibility will be diminished, and hazards could end up in the road.  If it gets too bad, pull off the road and wait it out.  It’s not worth getting to your destination early.

Don’t Discount High Winds

Often storms come in without a lot of rain, but with a lot of wind.  Those gusts can get fierce and end up leading to a variety of problems.

  • Dust storms are nothing to be taken lightly.
  • Downed trees, powerlines, billboards, or other foreign objects could end up in your path.
  • It takes surprisingly small gusts to move a motorcyclist around the road.
  • Wind often precedes rain.

While it might not seem like it, wind can often be more dangerous than the rain.

Hot Days are Common

The cool nights of spring make for some lovely mornings and evenings.  Those cool mornings, however, quickly give way to hot days.

You may bundle up for your morning commute, and when you’re whipping down the road and it’s barely 50 degrees out, it feels good to be completely bundled up.

However, on your ride home, when it’s over 80 degrees, all that extra clothing can quickly cause you to overheat.  Depending on how long your commute is, or if you’re out riding in the afternoon and into the evening to enjoy the nice weather, heat stroke can sneak on in.  Check out our previous blog on how to prevent heat stroke while riding.

Don’t ditch the protective gear, but be aware of your body temperature and what’s going on when it starts getting hot out there.

A Few Tips for Safe Riding

Of course, it’s not all about the weather.  It’s about being able to read the other traffic on the road, and making sure that your riding abilities are on par.

If you took the winter off, do a couple of shorter rides to get your biker legs back under you.  Regain the feel for two wheels, so you’re comfortable out there.

Pay extra attention in the spring weather.  Motorists aren’t used to as many bikes on the road, so they’re not watching nearly as well.

Loud pipes save lives is largely a myth.  Don’t rely on sound alone.

Go through the T-CLOCS list to ensure all is working properly.

And, as always, make sure you’re wearing the proper safety gear.  Many wrecks that end up being lethal could have had a much better outcome.

Herbert Law Group Helps Texas Motorcycle Accident Victims

Whether you’re a novice or an advanced rider, wrecks happen.  And when you’re on two wheels, there’s a high probability that injuries, or death, will be the result.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Texas, and you have been injured, you need Herbert Law Group to help you receive the settlement that you deserve.  A settlement that will cover your expenses and allow you to heal completely.

It all starts with a phone call to see how we can help.  Just dial 214-414-3808, or fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch with you.