What are Traumatic Brain Injuries and What are My Rights?

One of the most common injuries from a motorcycle wreck is the traumatic brain injury (TBI).  But what exactly is that?  How does it affect your quality of life?  What are your rights if you’re the victim of a wreck that results in this common injury?

The Car Crash Captain has some information for us, and encouragement for anyone who is suffering from a TBI, as well as the family that often has to care for these victims.

What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries during a Texas Motorcycle Wreck?

More importantly, can wearing an appropriate helmet prevent a TBI?

The answer is, yes, a proper helmet will reduce the risk of suffering from a TBI if you’re involved in a motorcycle wreck.  It’s not guaranteed to always stop it, but it can help lessen the effects; the next section will get into what the different kinds of TBI are, and how some aren’t as severe as another.

Essentially, TBI’s all have the same cause.  The difference is how “big” the impact was.  Any time you hit your head, there’s the potential for a TBI.  The harder you hit, the more severe the injury.  This is because your brain is essentially floating around in your skull.  When you bonk it really hard, the brain can move and bump into the inside of the skull.

Just like any other part of the body, the harder you hit it, the more damage it will do.

What are the Different Kinds of Traumatic Brain Injury?

If I smack my arm, it might sting a little, or it might turn red, or it might bruise, or it might break.  If you bonk your head, the same things can happen; from mild to severe, TBI’s run the gamut of severity.

• Headaches are the mildest TBI, they will often clear up within hours.
• Concussions are loosely considered bad headaches; they can take days to heal as the brain has suffered a bit larger of a blow.
• Contusions are like concussions, but when there is bleeding involved.  Generally, it’s when the brain hits hard enough to cause a bruise.
• Coup-Contrecoup injuries describe the location of the injury.  If you hit the front of your head, and the brain slams forward and is injured right behind where you hit; that’s a coup injury.  If your brain hits the front, then slams back to the opposite side, that’s a contrecoup injury.
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries are almost always deadly.  These happen when the brain bounces around inside the head with no exact location; instead with widespread damage.

Yes, there is some overlap.  You can have a contusion contrecoup injury, as one describes the location and the other describes the process.

The bottom line is that any head injury that’s the result of a motorcycle wreck can be defined as a traumatic brain injury.  The big differences are the severity.  The compensation you receive will depend on the extent of the brain damage.

Which leads us to our next question.

Can a Person Recover from a TBI after their Motorcycle Wreck?

Based on the loose definition, everything from a headache to massive bruising, the answer is that you certainly can recover from mild TBI.  Most people who suffer from severe TBI – those that don’t succumb to the injury and pass away – have lifelong effects that can severely hinder their quality of life.

While headaches and concussions may heal, there can be lasting effects.  Some physical, and some mental lasting effects are:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Migraines or chronic headaches
• Nausea
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Agitation
• Memory loss

Often these symptoms will require a major change in lifestyle, and in some cases an ongoing caretaker may be required for the remainder of the victim’s life.

Herbert Law Group Specializes in Helping Motorcycle Wreck Victims

If you suffered from a TBI, and you required a caretaker, would you be able to argue with the insurance company to pay out what’s necessary to cover all of those expenses?

Would your loved ones understand what’s necessary so they didn’t feel the financial pinch while you’re recovering?

That’s why Herbert Law Group helps motorcycle accident victims in Texas.  These matters can be complicated, and take a long time.  This piles up stress on top of an already stressful situation.

Don’t worry, we are here for you.  Let’s talk about what happened, and see how we can argue for a settlement that will cover all of your needs.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site to get started.

How to Protect Against Financial Disaster

If you have ridden for any period of time, you have likely had at least one close call.  Statistically speaking that close call is probably someone turning in front of you.  Motorists can, in a sense, become blind to motorcycles because they’re not looking for anything other than cars and trucks.

The problem isn’t as much that someone’s negligence has wrecked up your bike and put you in the hospital.  The problem is that state minimums might not be enough to cover all of your expenses.  To make matters worse, when there aren’t assets to collect, you may be out of luck.

Let’s take a look at how the Car Crash Captain sees these situations play out.

What Happens if You’re in a Wreck that isn’t Covered?

Here’s the scenario: you’re hit by another motorist who does the right thing and stops.  Your brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle is destroyed, and you’re in the hospital with severe injuries.  That other driver has insurance, but it’s just the state minimum coverage.  Currently, in Texas, that’s $30,000 per person for injuries (a total of $60,000 per accident) and $25,000 for property damage.

That means their insurance company will pay you up to $25,000 to replace the motorcycle that was destroyed… a brand new motorcycle that you just paid $45,000 for.

And their insurance will pay up to $30,000 for medical bills.  But if you’re in the hospital for a week, and your injuries require surgery, rehab, and more, you’re going to blow on past that limit quickly.  Your  medical bills could soar past $100,000, and they could keep going as rehab, physical therapy, and chiropractor visits continue for years to come.

What happens when the other driver’s insurance stops paying, and they have no assets to cover your expenses?

Understanding how Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works

Insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist (UM), and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.  If you don’t want it, you can save a few bucks on your premiums, but you have to specifically decline it… something nobody (especially those on a motorcycle) should do.

When someone hits you, and they don’t have insurance (an uninsured motorist) or their insurance maxes out before your medical bills are completely paid for (an underinsured motorist), your insurance will kick in and make up the difference.  Since it’s pretty cheap to increase these amounts (usually just a few dollars per year to double your coverage), it’s generally recommended that you max out these amounts.

Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you’re on the right track.

But that still leaves the issue with your motorcycle.  That insurance will cover the rest of the damage too, right?  Maybe.  UM/UIM, with most insurance companies, does not cover personal property; it only applies to medical bills and injuries.

To make sure that your motorcycle is fully protected, you need to opt for uninsured property damage (UMPD) coverage.  This will pay out in the event that the negligent party’s insurance isn’t sufficient to completely pay for the damage they did to your ride.

Whew, that sounds exhausting.  Your insurance agent should be able to clear these things up for you.  If you have multiple motorcycles, vehicles, houses, ATV’s, and more, it might be worthwhile to look into an umbrella policy that can wrap all those things up into one.

Your Biggest Mistake as a Motorcycle Rider

So, what’s that mistake we’re talking about?  What’s the biggest mistake motorcyclists make?

It’s thinking that when they get hit, the other party will have sufficient coverage to take care of the damage to property and body.

In reality, minimum coverages are so low (some states are even lower than Texas limits) that many accidents exceed those limits.

The second biggest mistake that motorcyclists make is not protecting themselves with the right coverage for when the at-fault driver’s insurance stops paying out.

Visit with Herbert Law Group to Collect What you Deserve

Insurance companies are designed to collect as much in premiums as possible, and to pay out as little as possible.  Sometimes they need a little extra encouragement to do the right thing.

That’s why you need a motorcycle accident attorney on your side.  Like those found at Herbert Law Group.  We have helped a lot of motorcycle accident victims in the DFW metroplex collect the compensation that they deserve to sufficiently pay for the financial loss they suffered in an accident.

Have you been in a motorcycle wreck?  Was a loved one killed in a motorcycle wreck?  Let’s chat about it and see how we can help.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.

Nearly All Fatal Motorcycle Wrecks have One Thing in Common

Riding a motorcycle is dangerous.  But it’s a danger that many accept because being on two wheels offers a bit more freedom than being enclosed in a box.  You can, however, mitigate that danger by using the proper safety gear.  In fact, better safety gear means you reduce your risk of being involved in one of the many fatal motorcycle wrecks that occur every year.

Let’s check in with the Car Crash Captain, to see what many of these wrecks have in common, and how you can survive a potentially lethal wreck.

Safety Gear While Riding Your Motorcycle

There is a lot of gear that you can wear while riding.  From armored clothing, to helmets, to gloves; this gear is specifically designed to help keep you safe while riding.

But that gear only does so much good if you’re wearing it.

Having the proper safety equipment, and using it, is the best way to ensure that you won’t end up a statistic on the NHTSA website.

Lack of Helmet Use Accounts for 41% of Fatal Motorcycle Wrecks

Our bodies aren’t nearly as resilient as the movies like to imply.  We can take quite a bit, but when it comes down to it, we’re really just fragile skeletons wrapped in muscle.  Our command center is right up at the top; we have to protect that brain to ensure that we can continue to function.

Scott Pohl died in a motorcycle crash a little over a decade ago.  He had only recently started riding, and the mandatory law requiring helmets in Michigan was just lifted.  A risk-taker he loved the thrill found with the dangers of riding helmet-less; a motorist in an SUV didn’t see him, and that risk caught up to him.

In September, 2022, a wreck in South Carolina claimed the life of a passenger.  Two motorcycles were involved in a collision with each other.  While all involved suffered injuries, the passenger on one of the bikes died at the hospital; she was not wearing a helmet.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though.  Here’s a wild tale of how a helmet saved a life.  Summer of 2021, in Brazil, a biker was attempting to avoid a bus that turned in front of him.  Laying the bike down, he slid under the bus and his head went beneath the rear wheels.  The bus driver reacted quickly, slamming on the brakes.  While the man was dragged for a bit, he was able to walk away from this potentially fatal wreck.  There’s a short video in the news article.  Warning: it’s intense but not graphic.

The bottom line is that when you risk it, and you don’t wear a helmet, the odds of dying in a crash go up considerably.

If Your Loved One Died in a Fatal Motorcycle Wreck

Fatal motorcycle wrecks are hard to process.  Things are even harder when your trauma, as the survivor, is all interior.  The insurance companies won’t recognize your pain and suffering, and their settlement offer will likely be little more than replacing the motorcycle and covering funeral expenses.

That’s where an expert motorcycle wreck attorney helps you.  We have the experience to understand what you’re going through, what your loss actually entails, and how to pursue justice for you and your loved one that was killed.

Let’s get started with a phone call to see if we are a good fit.  Call 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch.

Motorcycle Wrecks are Most Common in these Circumstances

Whether you ride because you love the freedom, the sound of the bike, or the ease of transportation, motorcycle riders all have one thing in common: motorcycle wrecks happen because they might as well be invisible to other motorists.

Despite campaigns, grim tales, and pleas from the biking community, those with four wheels are just less likely to watch for those with two wheels.  That means when you get on your motorcycle, it’s important to pay extra attention.

The Car Crash Captain lines up 5 areas where anyone riding should pay extra attention to avoid a wreck.

Motorcycle Wrecks Cause Thousands of Deaths Every Year

In 2020 there were over 5,500 motorcycle fatalities representing 14% of all traffic fatalities.  There are many factors that led to this high number (the highest total number since 1975, when data was first tracked).  Regardless, it’s imperative for bikers to be on alert.

Head On Collisions

74% of motorcycle vs car crashes were head on collisions.

Since a motorcycle is harder to see, a passenger vehicle may fail to pay enough attention when passing another vehicle.  The oncoming traffic lane looks clear, but a biker is coming.

Along those same lines, winding rural roads and construction zones may cause a four-wheeled vehicle to cross the center line to straighten their travel or give wider clearance for construction debris.

On two-lane roads, be vigilant to watch for motorists who may cross the center line.

Road Hazards

Road hazards include anything that’s in the road that shouldn’t be there.

That means everything from potholes, to wet pavement, to animals can be a road hazard and ultimately lead to two wheels giving way, where four wouldn’t have a problem.

When riding, stay back far enough to avoid debris.  Often a car can pass right over it, but a motorcyclist would need to swerve.

Left-Hand Turns

Similar to the head on collision, the left-hand turn deals with motorists not paying enough attention.

Left-hand turns cross the oncoming lane of traffic.  There might appear to be a break in traffic, so the passenger car makes their turn.  But if they didn’t take the time to really look, they miss the motorcycle coming their way.

Stationary Objects

A significant number of motorcycle fatalities occur when a rider hits a stationary object.

Often this is due to the motorcycle going at excessive speeds, but it does occur when another motorist changes lanes and forces them off the road.

Stationary objects include guard rails, trees, fire hydrants and more.  When riding next to another vehicle, be aware if they look as though they will change lanes, and always give yourself an out.

Distracted Driving and Driving Under the Influence

While drunk driving instances have diminished over the years, there are still a lot of deaths from those driving impaired.  In fact, Bankrate tells us that someone in the US dies from a drunk driving accident every 52 minutes.

If you’re riding, you know not to be distracted or drunk.  But what about other drivers?

Pay attention to how they are acting, if they seem impaired or distracted, keep far away from them and call them in to law enforcement if possible.  Your call may save a life.

Visit with Herbert Law Group if You’ve been in a Motorcycle Wreck

Motorcycle wrecks almost always end in injury or death.

Any crash where someone is injured or killed, is going to put the insurance company on high alert.  Their goal is to settle as quickly as possible before the victim understands the true extent of what happened.

That’s where Herbert Law Group comes in.  We have seen plenty of motorcycle wrecks, we know the process, and we know what it’s going to take for you to heal completely.

Let us take the stress of insurance away.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch.

Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle this Winter

Unless there’s some ice on the road, a great rider doesn’t slow down just because there is cold weather.

As we progress through fall and into the winter, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing the right clothing while you ride.  Then, when you’re warm and toasty, you can think clearly and have the dexterity necessary to maneuver out of those dangerous situations.

The Car Crash Captain has rounded up four cold weather essentials to keep you safe and riding all year round.

Cold Weather Clothing for your Motorcycle

There are a ton of great brands out there.  Choose your favorite, and keep warm on a bike as the cars around you keep their heaters blasting.

Heated Winter Gloves – As technology progresses, one of the most amazing inventions are heated clothes.  Sure, they’ve been around for a while.  But they’re much more efficient with rechargeable batteries.

Heated gloves will ensure that your fingers stay toasty warm.  Warm fingers mean that you have the dexterity necessary to operate your motorcycle safely.  Of course, heated isn’t a requirement, but make sure you have something with a good shell (leather is always a great option) that will block the wind and keep the heat in.

Moisture Wicking Base Layer – When you’re all bundled up, there’s a chance that you might get a little too warm.  When you start to sweat, your clothing gets wet.  Wet clothes can be a disaster if they’re not the right kind of clothes.

Moisture wicking means it moves the moisture away from the body.  You don’t want cold damp clothes if the temperatures drop even more.  A good base layer is your first line of defense against this.  Multiple layers help to keep you from overheating by allowing some to be removed.

Full-Face Helmet – No matter when you’re riding, summer or winter, a full-face helmet is your best bet for protection on your motorcycle.  With a visor that closes, and vents that can be manipulated, you can keep as warm, or as cool, as necessary.

In the event of a crash, the full-face helmet is going to provide maximum protection to some of the most delicate parts of your body.

Neck Protection – Neck protection isn’t about armoring up your neck.  It’s about protecting it from the wind and possibly the rain.

With a good helmet and a good jacket, you have two means of keeping the warmth in.  But then there’s the neck, an opportunity for all that hard earned heat to escape.  While you can wrap a scarf around there, a neck gaiter is going to be a more secure option.  There are plenty to choose from, including many that are windproof and water resistant.

Visit with Herbert Law Group if You’re Injured

Winter is a dangerous time to ride.  There are more obstacles on the road, visibility is reduced, and people aren’t paying nearly enough attention to those on two wheels.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle wreck, or if your loved one was killed while riding, then we need to have a conversation.

Motorcycle wrecks can be complicated.  Many insurance providers, courts, and juries don’t fully understand what it means to ride a motorcycle.  A lot of them have the wrong impression that bikers are just out there being dangerous and stupid.

Herbert Law Group has your back.  But first we need to get to know you, and see if we can help.  It just takes a quick no-obligation conversation.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.

4 Ways to Get what you Deserve after a Motorcycle Wreck

After a wreck, the insurance company is likely to offer a settlement that’s incredibly low.  Sometimes their initial offer is so low it would be a funny joke… if the stakes weren’t so high.  A personal injury claim is one thing, but what if you need to maximize your property damage claim after a motorcycle wreck?

You have to prove the amount of your loss.  Often insurance adjusters will greatly diminish the value of your equipment so they don’t have to pay out as much.  The Car Crash Captain lays out four steps to making sure that your claim is paid to a maximum.

4 Ways to Maximize Your Property Damage Claim

Let’s be clear up front, this isn’t a way to manipulate the system.  This isn’t a method to receive a million bucks when your bike is only worth a thousand.  This is to ensure that you’re not out a financial loss if you have to replace the motorcycle you know and love.

Ensure Proper Motorcycle Valuation

There are numerous ways to value your property.  Insurance companies will take the quickest and easiest, but most of them don’t fully understand how this valuation process works.  This is especially true if you have upgraded and customized your bike.

Keep good track of how much the parts cost for your motorcycle, and how much time you have invested installing them.  This valuation will be critical to recover if you have an adjuster that doesn’t understand you need compensated for both the parts and the time you put in.

Always Use OEM Parts

If your motorcycle wasn’t a total loss (check out our previous blog about determining a total loss), you have the right to replace OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts with other OEM parts.  There are some body shops that will try to reduce costs by using aftermarket parts; make sure you specify that you want original parts replaced with original parts.

Some auto body shops will always use OEM parts, others will use after market unless you request otherwise.

Be Willing to Stand up for Yourself

Years ago I had recently tinted the windows on my car.  After I was in a collision that totaled the vehicle, I sent in the receipt for window tinting; somewhere around $250.  The insurance company raised the amount they would pay for the car by $80.  I knew there was no way the window tinting depreciated that much in a matter of a few months, and I argued that I’m suffering a financial loss due to no fault of my own.  We went back and forth, and settled on an increase of $200.

If I hadn’t stood up for what I knew the value of my vehicle was, I would have received less than what my vehicle was actually worth.

Have Two Numbers in Mind

We know what our motorcycles are worth.  The insurance company is very likely going to make an initial settlement offer that’s much lower than what we feel will reasonably replace a damaged or destroyed bike.  To combat this, one of your best negotiation tools is to have two numbers in mind.

Being well prepared to show the value of your motorcycle and the amount of loss is key here.  Then, you can approach the situation like this.  Suppose your bike is valued at $40,000.  But the insurance company is only offering $25,000.  You prove that the value is $40,000 and then say that you’re willing to accept $35,000 (or whatever number you feel is still fair) so this process doesn’t get dragged on any longer than necessary.

Come to Herbert Law Group for Personal Injury Help

When you’re dealing with a motorcycle property damage claim, there’s not a lot that a personal injury attorney can help you with; calculating replacement costs is fairly straightforward.

But if you have been injured in that wreck as well, then you absolutely need a motorcycle wreck attorney on your side.  You have more important things on your plate (like recovering), so let the experts at Herbert Law Group handle that for you.

Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch shortly.

How Slipped Disc Injuries Happen during a Bike Wreck

Back injuries are common after a motorcycle accident.  A slipped disc not only causes intense pain, but can result in complications for years to come.

Today we’re taking a look at the slipped disc, what causes it, and how the recovery process looks.  If you have been in a bike wreck, you need the Car Crash Captain on your side to ensure you get compensated for all of your financial losses.

What is a Slipped Disc?

A slipped disc is a catch-all term for damage to the discs that cushion the bones in your spine.  These discs are made up of a soft inner portion, and a tough outer ring that holds all that inner stuff in.  Injuries can cause the inner stuff to poke through the outer stuff.

A slipped, herniated, or prolapsed disc causes pain and discomfort and often requires surgery to fix it.

These cushions pad the bones of the spine so they don’t bump against each other, or scrape when you bend and twist.

How does a Slipped Disc Occur in a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents put your body through a lot of trauma.  You bend and twist in ways that your body isn’t used to, or simply cannot handle.

When you slam into a vehicle or the pavement, the discs in your back go through a whole lot of pressure.  Just like other parts of your body, too much pressure causes bruising, swelling, and tearing.

As that disc bulges, it can slip – break free from that outer ring – or pinch the nerves in your back.

The result in both instances is a lot of pain, numbness, and discomfort.

What is the Recovery Process for a Slipped Disc?

Depending on the severity of your slipped disc, there are a few options that your doctor will discuss with you.

In some instances, the disc can heal all on its own.  If it hasn’t torn through that outer ring, then it’s likely that it can heal without too much intervention.

If the pain is intense, often traveling down the spine into the legs and feet, your doctor may perform steroid injections to help decrease inflammation and encourage the disc to heal.

In many instances, however, there is too much damage to the disc and surgery is required.  The surgeon will repair the disc, and then you’re on a long road to recovery with minimized movement until your back is strong again.

Herbert Law Group Helps Motorcycle Accident Victims

After a motorcycle wreck, insurance is there to pay for any financial loss you incur.

The problem, however, is that most people don’t know the full extent of their financial losses.  These things can take years to fully heal.  And in instances like a slipped disc, further surgery might be necessary in the future.  Insurance companies are counting on the fact that you won’t realize that you need more than just today’s hospital bills covered.

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

With an expert team of attorneys, we know just what to look for, and can argue for a more substantial settlement that will fully compensate you for your losses.

Let’s get to know each other, and find out how we can help you.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch soon.

Fall is Coming and so is the Rain

As the weather starts to cool, we start to see some rain coming down.  It’s not that fall is especially rainier than the rest of the summer, but rather the cooler weather means the streets stay wet longer, and the risks while riding increase.

From slick streets, to diminished visibility, to cooler weather; the fall can be an exciting time to ride your motorcycle, but it takes a little extra precaution to ensure that you don’t become the victim of a motorcycle crash.

Today, the Car Crash Captain lays out a handful of tips so you can stay safe on two wheels, even if you’re caught in the rain.

How to Stay Safe on your Motorcycle in the Rain

When it’s pouring down rain all day long, most riders aren’t going to venture out.  It’s just not a whole lot of fun to get soaked to the bone.  But we can’t always tell when that rain is going to come out of nowhere.  Sometimes you just get caught in the rain.

When that happens, these 5 tips will help ensure you get home safely.

Brighten things Up a Bit – We don’t just mean use your headlights, that’s kind of a given since the bulk of motorcycles on the road today don’t get the option to turn the headlights off.

No, we mean in regards to your clothing.  When it’s raining, it’s harder to see.  Dark clothing blends in with the background much more than brighter clothing.  So opt for those yellows, oranges, and pinks so you’re able to stand out and be seen.

Slow things Down a Bit – Just like any accident prevention tip, slower is less lethal.  The bulk of deaths on American roads happen at higher speeds.  It’s just simple physics.

When it’s raining or wet outside, slowing down can mean two things.  First, you’re able to react much faster in the event that another driver does something stupid.  Second, you’re able to recover much better if you happen to lose control.

Smooth is Your Friend – Nobody likes riding on bumpy roadways.  But when it comes to a smooth ride, we’re not talking about the terrain.

Instead, we’re talking about your movements.  Keep them nice and fluid (no pun intended; well, a small pun intended).  Ease on and off the throttle, on and off the brakes, lean sparingly so if you hit a slick spot you don’t end up on your side.  You get it.

Puddles are Not Your Friends – Puddles are fun to splash in when you’re a kid.  If you’re on a bicycle and you want to spray water all over, then by all means zip right through them.  Even small puddles if you’re driving on four wheels aren’t an issue.

Busting down the roadway on two wheels can mean losing control after hitting something unseen beneath the surface.  We actually have a short video of what can happen if you go through a puddle.

Walk… er, Ride, the Line – When the conditions outside aren’t great, it’s best to play it safe.

On wet roadways, modern tires are really good at shedding water out of the way.  You can actually see the result when you’re following someone; that line where they just drove will be the driest (and often the least slick) spot.  Put your wheels in those wheel lines, and ride the line.

Get in Touch with Herbert Law Group if You’ve been in a Wreck

Following safety tips when riding a motorcycle means that you’re less likely to be involved in a wreck.  But it doesn’t mean you’re always going to be safe.  There’s one thing we can’t account for.

We can’t prevent other motorists from acting negligently.

If that happens, and you’re the victim of a motorcycle wreck, then you need an experienced motorcycle attorney from the Dallas area to help you receive financial compensation, so that you can heal.

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

Medical Bills Pile up, How are they Paid After a Wreck?

If you’re involved in a motorcycle wreck, it’s very likely that you’ll end up with some medical bills.  Broken bones occur in the majority of bike wrecks, and healing can take weeks or months.

But what happens when those bills just keep coming and your settlement hasn’t been figured out yet?  How do you pay the medical bills when you don’t have an income?  The Car Crash Captain explains some of your options.

Your Insurance Should Cover Some of the Bills

Before you hop onto the motorcycle for the first time, make sure that your insurance is up to the task of taking care of your medical needs.

What’s that entail?  It means checking with your agent to see if you have not just medical coverage, but a personal injury protection (PIP) rider on it.  This type of no-fault coverage means your bills are handled regardless of who is determined to be the at-fault party.

Medical payments on your regular auto insurance often only cover $2,500 or $5,000 of your bills (depending on your limits).  If you’re seriously injured, you’ll use that up in the ambulance ride alone.  You need something more to ensure you’re not left struggling.

There are Settlement Loans Available

There are companies out there that provide loans that pay out your settlement before you actually receive the settlement.

These are generally not recommended!

There are a lot of issues with this type of loan (it’s kind of like a payday loan).  They often come with high interest rate, and your settlement isn’t guaranteed.  In the unlikely event that something falls through, you’re still on the hook to repay the loan.

Let Your Personal Injury Lawyer Negotiate with the Hospitals

Your personal injury lawyer is here to help with all aspects of your recovery.  After a motorcycle wreck, quickly get copies of medical bills to the offices of Herbert Law Group.  We’ll figure it out, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure you are taken care of.

Regardless of whether or not you’re struggling to pay your hospital bills, we need these records to ensure we are maximizing the settlement from the insurance company.

Get in touch with Herbert Law Group After a Motorcycle Wreck

After a motorcycle wreck, you have injuries that you need to focus on.  You don’t need to focus on dealing with bills, insurance agents, or any of that other stuff.  Your primary concern: heal completely.

Let the professional motorcycle wreck lawyers over at Herbert Law Group handle the paperwork for you.  We work toward a larger settlement than you can achieve on your own; one that will fully compensate you for your losses.

Plus, we take that entire burden off your plate.  How much better does it get than that?

Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch soon to have a free conversation with you to ensure that we’re a good fit.

Know your Coverage Before you Ride

Those who know, know.  That feeling you get when you’re on two wheels.  It’s that feeling of the wind in your face, the open road, and the freedom that comes from being on a motorcycle.

If you keep up with the stats, you also know that there are a whole lot more accidents when you’re on a bike.  Motorists just seem to ignore the fact that when the weather is nice, motorcycles are on the road.  Instead of looking three times to save a life, those habits of complacency fall into place.

Insurance is required for all motorists in Texas.  That includes those on a motorcycle.  But is your coverage enough?  Here are a few points you should talk over with your provider, to make sure all of your bases are covered.

Don’t Go with the Minimum Insurance Amount

Texas requires you to maintain insurance coverage of 30/60/25.  That means you’re covered up to $30,000 for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per wreck, and up to $25,000 for property damage.

But consider the last time you went to the doctor and got out of there without being charged a thousand bucks, or more.  If your wreck hurts someone, and they end up in the hospital for an extended period of time, that bill is going to quickly exceed those minimums.

When purchasing your motorcycle insurance, opt for more than the minimums; it usually won’t cost much more to be protected.

Understand Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

UI/UIM coverage protects you in case you’re the victim and the other party doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance.

You know that idea about being injured and in the hospital for an extended period of time?  If the other driver has the minimum coverage, your bills might exceed the limits on their policy.  If they don’t have any assets, you’re stuck footing that bill.

UI/UIM coverage will kick in to pay those bills if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident.

Ask about Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage

Suppose you’re hit by an uninsured driver, and your motorcycle is destroyed.  Your UI/UIM will cover your medical bills and replace your damaged property, right?

In many cases, it will not.

Some insurance companies lump property damage into their UI/UIM coverage, but many do not.  They have an entirely separate policy for this.  If you want to make sure that your body and your property are protected in the event of a motorcycle wreck, talk to your insurance agent about uninsured motorist property damage protection.

The Difference between Collision and Liability Insurance

Many people just know if they have full coverage or liability only.  But do you know the difference and what they mean?

Full coverage is broken into three parts: collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and liability coverage.  Each one protects you and your property in a different way.

Collision coverage is designed to reimburse you for your losses if you hit another vehicle or object.  Just think of it as if you are driving, and you collide with someone or something, your collision coverage protects you from substantial financial loss.

Comprehensive coverage protects you from things outside of your control: vandalism, hail damage, flooding, animals, and more.  If you can’t comprehend why this would happen to you, comprehensive should cover it.

Liability insurance protects you from being sued by the other party.  If you are the at-fault motorist, and you damage someone else’s vehicle or hurt them, you shift the liability from yourself to your insurance company.

If it’s clear as mud, your insurance agent should be able to explain the differences even better.

Find the Discounts before Applying

Before you hop on your motorcycle, check into what sort of discounts your insurance company provides.  Some will offer a homeowner’s discount, a safe rider discount (especially if you have taken a riding class; something that studies show prevents wrecks), claims free discounts, and more.

Every company is different with what they offer, but find out what you could be eligible for; taking a class could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.

Talk with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Herbert Law Group

If you’re just enjoying a nice ride, and someone else hits you, their insurance company is probably not going to play nice.

Being hit on a motorcycle almost always results in injury.  Filing a claim against the offending party’s insurance will bring on stress while you’re trying to heal from those injuries.

Leave that stress to the motorcycle accident attorneys at Herbert Law Group.  We’ll negotiate the settlement so that you receive the compensation you need to fully heal.

It all starts with a phone call to see how we can help.  You can call us at 214-414-3808, or if you fill out our contact form, we’ll get in touch with you.  Remember, it’s a free conversation to see if we’re a good fit.