A Motorcycle Accident can be Fatal; Here’s what you should Know

Did you know that the majority of motorcycle riders that get in wrecks have less than 5 months riding experience?

If this is your first summer riding, it’s important to pay extra attention, and be diligent to know just how you can avoid a wreck that could potentially claim your life.

If a tragic accident does occur, and you (or your loved one that was riding) are injured or killed, there are a handful of expectations.  We’ll lay out what you need to know, and what you can expect from your motorcycle accident lawsuit.  But first, let’s look at the statistics of who is the most at-risk on the road.

Motorcycle Rider and Accident Statistics

The median age of riders comes in right around 50 years old; the riders most likely to be in wrecks are 16 to 24 years old.

• Younger riders are generally less experienced.  If you’re young and riding, be safe and don’t take those risks that seem like a good idea.

9 out of 10 motorcycle riders that are involved in wrecks taught themselves how to ride.

• Take a class or two.  It could save your life.

Two-thirds of motorcycle wrecks happen because of an inattentive motorist; usually at an intersection.

• Weather and road conditions make up less than 5% of wrecks; the average bike wreck happens at speeds less than 30mph.

The bulk of seriously injured, or killed, riders have these three things in common:

• They happen in urban areas.
• They’re not wearing the proper safety gear.
• 90% of fatalities happen to men.

What’s our takeaway?  More men ride than women, men take bigger risks, and the majority of wrecks are due to other motorists not paying attention, followed closely by inexperienced riders.

What Happens if I’m in a Motorcycle Wreck?

If you’re the victim of a motorcycle wreck, you need a motorcycle accident lawyer.  There are a number of factors to take into consideration after your wreck, and we want to make sure that you receive the compensation that you need in order to recover from your injuries.

Compensation can include:

• Covering property damage: your bike was wrecked, it should be replaced.
• Covering medical bills: you were damaged, you need professional medical attention.
• Covering future medical bills: not all injuries heal cleanly, medical bills can last years.
• Covering missed work: without working your income is gone, you still have bills to pay.
• Covering therapy or mental health care: emotional trauma can last for decades.
• Covering home modifications: if you’re confined to a wheelchair, you’ll need accessibility.
• Covering loss of consortium: the death of a loved one is hard; it’s going to take a while to recover.

There are so many factors that the insurance companies will hope you don’t consider.  And without fully understanding what goes on after these accidents, you might miss something.

What we need from you is proper prior planning.

Make sure you wear the proper safety gear.  Safety gear drastically cuts down on your risks of injury or death.

Make sure you have a camera going.  Video evidence will go a long way toward a beneficial settlement.

Make sure you know what not to do after a wreck.  Disrupting the process can cause delays or denials of claims.

Immediately after the wreck, we should talk.

Contact Herbert Law Group for your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Herbert Law Group has helped a lot of bikers recover compensation after their wreck.

It all starts with a simple phone call.  Let’s learn what happened, discover what you need, and see how we can help.  There’s no obligation, no commitment, just a conversation.

Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you.

Why so Many Wrecks are Frontal Collisions

There are 241 motorcycle crashes every day in the US.  About 14 of those riders sustain fatal injuries.

With three quarters of the motorcycle crashes being deemed as head-on, or frontal, collisions, it’s no wonder that so many bikers die from these wrecks.

But what causes them?  Why are so many wrecks in this category?  Let’s take a look at what we know about motorcycle wrecks, and how they occur.

Why Motorcycle Wrecks are Deadly

There are two big reasons on why there are so many bike wrecks, and what makes them deadlier than other motor vehicle accidents.

Motorcycles are less than a quarter the size of a passenger vehicle.  They’re simply harder to see, especially when an inattentive motorist isn’t specifically watching for them.  They’re easier to miss in a blind spot, and when a driver doesn’t see them, he or she pulls out too close.

The reason they’re deadlier is pretty clear.  While helmets and other safety gear go a long way to keeping the rider safe, no amount of padding will help in a major wreck.

The Most Dangerous Parts of the Road for Bikers

There are some parts of the road that are just more dangerous for those on two wheels.  Intersections are one of them; and a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle does not count toward the high number of frontal collisions.

So where do these head-on motorcycle crashes happen?  5 places are more dangerous:

Rural Roads – Rural roads are usually narrower and windier than urban roads or highways.  These curves can cause drivers to veer into oncoming traffic.

Distracted Driving – Not exactly a place, but when a driver is distracted (usually staring at their phone) they may cross the center line and into the path of a motorcycle.

Construction Zones – Narrow roads and hazards around mean that sometimes a motorist will swerve to avoid an object, but strike a motorcycle rider instead.

Speeding – Areas that are prone to speeding, such as straight stretches that come up to a curve, can result in a deadly collision.

Weather – The vast majority of fatal motorcycle wrecks happen when the weather is nice (riders tend to not want to ride in the rain or snow).  But weather can cause mishaps.

Narrow and winding roads are problem spots.  Motorists and riders must pay extra attention in these areas.

How to Avoid a Motorcycle Crash

We know the dangerous areas, and what to watch out for.  So how do we avoid a major motorcycle wreck?  It’s pretty similar to any other driving; make sure you’re being safe.

Don’t Tailgate – Keeping a bit of distance allows everyone time to react properly if something goes wrong.

Slow Down – Speed kills.  Staying with the speed limit means you’ll have more time to react in an emergency, and you will be less likely to wreck.

Pay Extra Attention – Motorcycle season is when the weather is nice.  Make sure you’re paying extra attention for bikers, and any other motorist that may be driving erratically.

When everyone takes an extra second to ensure it’s safe, then everyone gets to enjoy the road while being safe.

Herbert Law Group Helps Victims of Motorcycle Crashes

By their very nature, motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.

When that happens, you need a Texas motorcycle lawyer on your side that can help you recover for damages that will fully compensate you for your losses.

That’s where Herbert Law Group comes in.  With the experience and knowledge to get results, we are on your side.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch to see how we can help you after a wreck.

Stay Safe While Riding in Construction Zones with these 3 Riding Tips

Riding season and construction season overlap.  When that weather is nice, the road crews are out there fixing up the roads, and you’re out there on your bike enjoying the sunshine and freedom of two wheels.

Unfortunately, construction zones end up being a hazardous place.  Not just for workers, but motorists; especially those on motorcycles.  Without the balance and protection that a car provides, you and your bike have to pay extra attention.

Know the Laws of Riding in a Construction Zone

Double Penalties – Work zones in Texas come with double penalties if you’re caught speeding.  The reason isn’t to bilk you out of your money.  The reason is that people tend to whip through these areas without regard to the workers’ safety.  By doubling up on the penalty, it encourages people to slow down.

Slow it Down – When you’re in construction zones, slow it down.  You will have more time to react to hazards and complications, and if things do go wrong, you’re less likely to suffer fatal injuries.

Know the Hazards to Watch for in Construction Zones

Workers – We don’t really want to call a construction worker a hazard, but sometimes the workers are in the wrong too.  Be aware of who is around, and watch in case they enter your lane unannounced.

Equipment – Road work requires a lot of heavy machinery.  Sometimes it’s parked in the wrong place; sometimes the operator swings it into the lane you’re riding in.

Loose Materials – Materials being used for construction can spill or become scattered. 

Gravel and Debris – Gravel, dirt, and asphalt is used in road construction.  Take care if it’s in your lane.

Water – When the road is uneven, water can puddle up.  Even the smallest amount can cause you to hydroplane.

Keep an eye out for extra hazards, going slower than normal can help you react in time to avoid them.

Know the Road Transitions in Road Construction

There are some conditions that aren’t exactly hazards.  They’re just the process of updating and fixing the road.

Grooved Pavement – When a road is resurfaced, the top layer of asphalt is ground off.  The underlying layer has grooves in it to give a textured surface that the new layer will adhere to.  This grooved pavement can tend to push your tires around quite a bit.

Uneven Lanes – It’s usually not possible to fix the entire road all at once.  So it’s done one lane at a time.  The lane that has been ground off to allow a new layer of asphalt will be lower than the other.  If you have to cross, know that it will be uneven.

Loose Gravel – Different from the hazard of gravel that was spilled, sometimes gravel stays on the road for a little while (i.e. when chip-sealing a surface). 

Herbert Law Group Helps Motorcycle Wreck Victims

When you’re out riding, you know the risks.  There are a lot of other motorists on the road, and often they don’t watch out for those on two wheels the way that they should.

Compound that with the hazards of riding in construction zones, and summer-time riding can be dangerous.

If you, or a loved one, have been involved in a motorcycle wreck that resulted in injury or death, then we should talk about what your options are.

Get in touch with Herbert Law Group by calling us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.  There’s no obligation, our first priority is to see if we can help.

How to Care for Texas Motorists Regardless of Wheel Numbers

Warm weather means that there are more bikers on the road.  That’s why May, often considered to be the beginning of riding season, is deemed to be Motorcycle Awareness Month, or Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

It’s now that we pay extra attention to how we drive, who we share the road with, and understand the most dangerous parts of the drive for those on two wheels.

Texas Department of Transportation – Share the Road

TxDOT has a motorcycle safety slogan – “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles.”  You may have heard other variations such as “Look Twice Save a Life” or “Share the Road – Drive Aware – Ride Aware”.  All are imparting the same information.

Motorcycles are hard to see.  So every motorist is encouraged to take extra precautions; especially during the warmer months where more riders on the road.

Difficulty seeing them, combined with complacency among many drivers, leads to thousands of crashes each year.  Many of those crashes cost the bikers their lives, or they sustain serious injuries that will forever change how they function and live.

Pay Special Attention at Intersections

Most motorcycle accidents take place at intersections.  When vehicles cross another lane of traffic, there’s always a risk.

That risk is compounded when drivers fail to see an oncoming motorcycle.

Motorcycle awareness is all about making sure that oncoming traffic lane is perfectly clear before you turn left.  Without looking twice, you may not notice the motorcycle, and accidentally turn in front of him or her.

Motorcycle Accidents Have a High Risk of Injury or Death

Because helmets aren’t always required here in Texas, the risk of serious head trauma is significantly heightened.

But head trauma isn’t the only injury a biker can sustain when in a wreck.  Broken bones, lacerations, and back and neck injuries can happen even at relatively slow rates of speed.  The human body, without proper safety gear, is no match for metal vehicles or asphalt pavement.

The risk of accident with serious injuries is only compounded in the mornings and evenings, when rush hour traffic causes more congestion, drivers that may be road raging, and people intent on getting home from work (or to work) as quickly as possible.

Contact Herbert Law Group after a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle awareness is important to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents on Texas roads.  However, the sad truth is that those numbers likely will never get to zero.

If you, or a loved one, have been involved in a motorcycle accident that caused serious injury or death, then it’s time to speak with the bike wreck experts over at Herbert Law Group.

With significant experience, Zach Herbert, Brandon Lavery, and Kaitlyn Moreno know what has happened, and what it will take to make sure that you’re fully compensated after the wreck.

Simply fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch.  Or give us a call at 214-414-3808, and we’ll have a conversation on how Herbert Law Group can help reduce your stress, and get you on the path to healing faster.

When Riding You Need to Know where Safety Is

As long as the weather is nice, it’s riding season.

As a rider, you have to be diligent to make sure that you position your motorcycle properly, to ensure maximum safety.  Yeah, other drivers need to be attentive and watch out for bikers as well as other motorists, but if history has shown us anything, that’s not really happening.

As a motorist, watch out for those on two wheels.  It takes one extra second to save a life.

When you’re riding, safety is all about motorcycle positioning and being able to escape a potentially deadly situation.  Here’s how you can position yourself, and your bike, to ensure you come out alive.

Divide the Lane into Three Parts

On a motorcycle, you have three choices when it comes to the lane that you’re riding in.  You can position yourself on the left third, the middle third, or the right third.

Here’s a hint: never use the middle third unless necessary.  This is where cars and trucks drip oil, and where a lot of debris on the road gets pushed to.  So, avoid the mid where the hazards are.

That leaves you with the choice of the left third, or the right third.  Often, the right is going to be your best spot for safety, as it’s the farthest from oncoming traffic as possible.  But there are other considerations to be aware of.

Consider the Intersection where You’re Stopping

When you’re coming to an intersection, it’s important to pay attention to what goes on at that intersection.  Are there multiple lanes going in either direction?  Will oncoming traffic turn left in front of you (or do they have to turn only at a green arrow)?  Can side traffic turn right on red?  What sort of buildings, sidewalks, or obstructions are there just off the side of the road?

Depending on which way you’re moving, and which way the other traffic will be required to move, determines if you want to be in the left third, or the right third.

Remember, the middle third is almost never desirable.

Consider Traffic and Patterns

Motorcycle positioning is largely determined by the other traffic on the road, and where they’re most likely to go.

Are you in the inside lane, with heavy oncoming traffic?  Then the right third will likely be the safest spot.

Are you in the outside lane, with traffic merging into your lane?  Then the left third will likely be the safest spot.

Is traffic dense or sparse?  Are you coming to an intersection first, or one of many in a long line of vehicles?  Is there one vehicle behind you, or many?

Unfortunately there are so many options and variables, that motorcycle positioning isn’t a clear answer in every single situation.

Determine the Best Escape Route

No matter which third you decide to ride in, there’s one important factor at all times: is there a way out?

Can you quickly maneuver your bike out of harm’s way?  Can you jump off and move to safety if you can’t ride there?  Are there other vehicles, or immovable objects, blocking your path to freedom?

Always be ready to divert your course to avoid a wreck.

Talk to Herbert Law Group: Texas Motorcycle Lawyers

If you have been injured in a motorcycle wreck, no matter which position your motorcycle was in, you need to speak with an attorney that knows the laws.

Herbert Law Group has helped hundreds of individuals receive the compensation they need to fully heal from their wreck.  All we need to do first is have a simple conversation to see if, and how, we are able to help.

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

Insurance will Deny, Delay, Diminish, or Deflect Your Claim

Insurance companies are just that: companies.  Their primary goal is to make money to make sure their shareholders or members are happy.  If that means bilking you out of your rightful claim, they will do everything they legally (and sometimes illegally) can do in order to diminish the amount they pay out after a motorcycle wreck.

What can you do to combat this and ensure that you’re fully compensated for your losses?  First of all, you can enlist the help of Herbert Law Group.  With our experienced legal team, we make sure that you’re not stressing over what you legally are entitled to.

Long before the wreck, though, make sure to keep these points in mind.

An Insurance Company will Flat Out Deny Your Claim

The number one way that an insurance company will try to weasel their way out of paying for a claim is to simply deny that your loss is covered.

The way that they do this is often to get you to admit to something, anything, that can be used against you.  If you’ve been in a wreck, don’t ever agree to be on a recorded line.  If you admit to something as simple as, “I may have been going a few miles per hour over the speed limit” you set yourself up for your claim being denied.

An Insurance Company will Diminish Your Claim

Often the full extent of your loss won’t be known for a while.  Your injuries may not present themselves right away, or your doctor may have to monitor you for a while to ensure no lasting effects come up.

The insurance company doesn’t want to pay out any more than the bare minimum.  To diminish the severity of your claim, they will offer a lowball settlement that might look good at first, but will be far from good when it comes down to it.  These settlements can include coverage for your property loss (fixing or replacing your busted up motorcycle), paying your initial medical bills, and maybe a thousand or two thousand dollar for pain and suffering.

An Insurance Company will Delay Your Claim

After your wreck, it’s important to get things taken care of as quickly as possible.  There are two big reasons for this: witnesses and evidence are harder to analyze the longer the time passes, and Texas has a two year statute of limitations.

The insurance company is counting on witnesses forgetting key information, evidence that wasn’t taken into account right away is lost, forgotten, or overwritten (images and video are only kept for so long on security cameras), and eventually the statute of limitations will run out.  A motorcycle wreck lawyer will help keep things moving, and even push for bad faith if the insurance company isn’t doing their part.

An Insurance Company will Deflect Your Claim

There are a lot of issues and moving parts to a motorcycle wreck claim.  Sometimes they get downright confusing.  Something the insurance company will use against you.

Here’s a way that it often works.  The insurance company claims they need your medical records so they can verify that you did indeed seek treatment.  But what they don’t tell you is that you’re giving them all of your records.  So, when they see that you injured your arm in the wreck, but you also had surgery on that same arm years earlier (maybe from an old sports injury), they can deflect and say that the injury wasn’t from the wreck, but rather from that old injury.

Herbert Law Group will Defend Your Claim

Insurance companies need to make money.  Unfortunately, they will often tread on the people they are there to help, in order to post a profit for that quarter.

When you have suffered a loss, you need someone on your side.  You need a motorcycle wreck attorney in Texas that knows the law, understands what to fight for, and how to help you receive compensation that fully covers your losses.

If you fill out the contact form on our site, or give us a call at 214-414-3808, we can get started with your free initial consultation to see how we are able to help you heal.

Know the Dangers, and Avoid a Motorcycle Wreck

As spring picks up, and the weather gets nicer, more and more people will be out enjoying the open road on their motorcycles.

Since motorcycles are harder to see than a passenger vehicle or a truck (that’s why we recommend using hand signals and making sure your headlights are functioning properly) it’s important that we all do our part to avoid a collision with a motorcycle rider.

To avoid those collisions, we should know the top causes of motorcycle wrecks.

Left-Hand Turn Causes Motorcycle Wrecks

Nearly half of fatal motorcycle wrecks are when another motorist turns left in front of them.  That whole part about being harder to see is even more dangerous when other motorists simply don’t pay attention.

If you’re in a car: look three times before you turn.  If you’re on the motorcycle: assume that the turning driver isn’t going to see you and be prepared to take evasive action.

Road Hazards Cause Motorcycle Wrecks

There are a lot of things that a car can simply run over, that a motorcycle isn’t going to be able to overcome.  The shortlist of road hazards includes:

• Sticks and leaves
• Gravel
• Edge breaks (where pavements meet and are differing heights)
• Smooth surfaces (even painted lines count)
• Puddles
• Potholes

Experienced riders know these dangers and take action to avoid them.  But even the most experienced riders can miss the dangers on occasion.

Speeding, by any Motorist, Causes Motorcycle Wrecks

Speed kills.

Whether you’re on the bike or in the car, excessive speeding increases the chances of a fatal accident exponentially.  The rider usually fares worse than those in a vehicle simply because of the lack of a protective cage around him or her.

Slow it down, be aware, and don’t take stupid risks.

Lane Splitting Can Cause Motorcycle Wrecks

Lane splitting isn’t legal in Texas… but it’s not explicitly forbidden either.  Take a look at our previous blog about lane splitting for the details on that one.

Lane splitting certainly helps traffic to keep flowing, and frees up space when vehicles line up at intersections.  But there are dangers and risks to lane splitting, and the action has led to a number of motorcycle wrecks.

Impaired or Distracted Driving Causes Motorcycle Wrecks

Drunk driving deaths have decreased since the 1980’s.  But distracted driving deaths have increased now that most of us carry little computers around in our pockets.

Neither riders nor drivers have any excuses for driving impaired or distracted.  We’re in a world where calling for a ride home is a matter of a few clicks on the phone, and a rideshare driver will pick you up.

Unfortunately, distracted and drunk driving will likely continue as long as we have vehicles.

Come to Herbert Law Group to Find Justice after Your Motorcycle Wreck

Even if your wreck wasn’t in the top causes of motorcycle wrecks, we want to speak with you!

It’s likely that after your motorcycle accident, the insurance companies aren’t playing nice.  That’s why personal injury lawyers are here.  We want to help you collect the settlement that you need and deserve.

Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.  We’re ready to have a conversation to see how we can help you.

Five Ways to Ensure Your Motorcycle Wreck Settlement Doesn’t Derail

Your motorcycle wreck settlement is designed to ensure that you have the proper funds to take care of all expenses related to the wreck.  In order to do that, there are a few procedures that you should follow so that you’re not left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.

Before we dive into this thing, however, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.  If you’re looking to get rich off a settlement by “suing the pants off the other guy,” then this isn’t the right fit for you.  The goal here is to make sure you’re taken care of; not that you’re rolling in the dough.

Herbert Law Group is here to help you get compensated when you’ve suffered a loss.  Here’s how we do that.

1 – Make Sure You Get a Police Report

One of the best ways to prove that you were not the at-fault driver is to have an official document stating what happened.  The police will show up to nearly every accident out there; especially a motorcycle wreck where an injury occurred.

However, they don’t automatically send you a copy of the police report.  You will have to request the document, and most precincts require you to go in to pick up the report (they’re not going to email or mail it to you).

2 – Document, Document, Document

Document everything.  Get pictures, videos, witness statements (and their contact information).

If you’re wondering what you should do after a wreck, and how to gather the right documentation, check out our previous posts.

• What to Ask Witnesses
• How to Document an Accident
• How to Win a Motorcycle Accident Case

Each of those posts offers some insight on how to document your accident and other tips you should follow after the wreck.

3 – Get Checked out by a Doctor

Don’t wait until there’s some pain.  Don’t put it off and claim, “It’s not that bad.”  Don’t skip it entirely because you’re tough and it’s just a little bruising.

Go see the doctor.  Get checked out.  Get that official medical exam on the record.  It might not hurt now, but when the adrenaline wears off, it’s going to hurt.

If you want to show that you’ve been injured in a motorcycle wreck, you need more than just your word that you’ve been injured.

4 – Follow the Doctor’s Advice

When you see the doctor they will give you advice on how to heal quickly and efficiently.  As well as prescribe some medication that is going to get you through the healing process.

If you ignore the doctor’s advice, and your condition gets worse because of it, you’re going to have a bad time.  Furthermore, if you get prescribed pain medication, and you don’t follow the advice on how to use those meds, it’s very easy to get hooked on pills.

Follow the doctor’s advice, and go back for your follow-up visits when they come up.

5 – Enlist the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer

Before you talk to insurance companies.  Before they reach out to you.  Before you make any statements on what happened, talk to Herbert Law Group.

The attorneys in our office have seen a lot of cases.  They know how to maximize your motorcycle wreck settlement so that your needs are entirely taken care of.

Herbert Law Group is Here to take away the Stress

You heal best when you have less stress.  Science tells us that.

Dealing with insurance companies that are insistent on low-balling the settlement offer makes your stress levels go up.  Experience tells us that.

Enlisting the help of Herbert Law Group to handle your motorcycle wreck settlement reduces stress and lets you focus on healing.  Our previous clients tell us that.

Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.  We’ll have a no obligation conversation to see how we can help you maximize what you need to help you heal.

How to Ensure that Your Settlement isn’t Derailed

There is so much on your mind after getting into a motorcycle crash here in Texas that it’s hard to keep track of what you have to do and what you shouldn’t be doing.  Because we work as motorcycle crash lawyers serving the Dallas area, we want to make sure it’s as simple as possible for you.  Let us take the stress off your plate, while you focus on healing.

When it comes down to it, there’s one major issue that a lot of accident victims mess up on.  It’s a simple one to avoid, but you have to be aware of it before you get in a wreck.

After Your Texas Motorcycle Crash Make Sure You Don’t…

… give more information to the insurance companies than necessary.

It seems like a simple concept, but these companies are not on your side.  Their goal is to minimize the payout, hope you take a quick settlement, and then keep collecting premiums.  Here’s how this might look.

You’re in a wreck where you’re pretty banged up.  Maybe even a broken bone or two.  The at-fault driver’s insurance company calls you, and rattles through their disclosures.  One of those is that you’re on a recorded line.

As they ask what happens, they slip in a little sneaky.  It sounds like small talk, but the representative asks how you’re doing.  If you mention anything along the lines of “I’m not too bad.” Or “Could be worse” or even “I’m fine.” They will use this against you later.

At the time of the accident, you have a ton of adrenaline going through your body.  That adrenaline numbs the pain, and it makes serious injuries seem a whole lot less serious.  But as the adrenaline wears off, you’re going to start noticing just how severe your injuries are.

If you have told the insurance company that you’re fine, but before anything is settled, you try to make a bigger claim, it will come back to bite you; they will use your own words to minimize the claim.

After you have been in a Texas motorcycle crash, don’t give any information to the insurance companies that isn’t absolutely necessary.  Really, you should just tell them that you’re working with Herbert Law Group to ensure proper settlement.

Other Ways to Help Your Motorcycle Crash Settlement

There are a few other points that you should pay attention to after your motorcycle wreck.  Of course, if you’re being taken to the hospital by ambulance, many of these might not be feasible.

• Before riding, make sure you have at least one camera going.
• After the wreck, get contact information and statements from any witnesses.
• Take pictures of the wreck area. You may want to do a video and explain what happened from your vantage point.
• Don’t diminish the severity of the wreck, or admit any fault.
• Have Herbert Law Group on speed dial.

Come to Herbert Law Group for Support

Here at Herbert Law Group, we see a lot of Texas motorcycle wrecks.  We know how to deal with the insurance companies, and we know what to watch out for when they try to pull a sneaky on us.

If you have been in a wreck on your bike, then we should talk.

Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you for your free, no obligation, get-to-know-you call.

Increase your Visibility with Hand Signals

Motorcycle technology has come a long ways.  Better lights mean that your bike is easier to see on the roadway.

There are still plenty of people out there that don’t pay enough attention though.  And motorcycle wrecks remain a big concern for those who ride.

If you have been in a wreck on your motorcycle, you need to talk with one of the bike wreck pros at Herbert Law Group.  We’ll help you navigate the tricky waters of your claim so that you don’t have to stress about it.

How to Increase Your Visibility While Riding

There are a few ways to make sure that other motorists see you when you’re out riding.

One of the best ways to ensure that you are seen is to make yourself highly visible.  That means wearing bright colored clothing with plenty of reflective properties.

Of course, I don’t know of a single clothing manufacturer that makes leather jackets in neon yellows, pinks, and reds, so perhaps we should stick with something a little simple: like making use of hand signals when riding.

Using signals is required when riding.  But most motorcycles come equipped with turn signals, brake lights, and all the other safety features.  Now, if one of those happens to not be working, you are required to use your hand signals.

There are standards for these signals; however, some states don’t require them to be done exactly this way.

Left Turn: Left arm extended, palm open facing down.

Right Turn: Left arm out at a 90 degree angle upward, closed fist.

Stop: Left arm out at a 90 degree angle downward, palm open.

These signals were designed for those riding bicycles, where the motorists would almost always be to their left.  Instead of using the right hand, which might not be seen, the cyclist would use the left to ensure better visibility.

But on your motorcycle, that’s not really the case.

While you certainly can use the official hand signals, it’s much easier to motion with your arm and hand which direction you plan to go.  Simply put your left arm out when turning left and your right arm out when turning right.

The Human Eye is Attracted to Movement

Throwing an arm out and pointing the direction that you intend to turn isn’t going to increase your size very much.  That arm would easily be looked over just as easily as you are looked over when riding your motorcycle.

However, the motion, going from arm on the handlebars to arm pointing out, will attract the eyes of fellow motorists.  It’s not expected, and so when you bring the arm up, people are more likely to see you.  Ideally they see you and make sure to not cause a motorcycle wreck.

Come to Herbert Law Group with Motorcycle Wreck Issues

Unless you’re going to struggle to maintain control of your bike when signaling, there’s little reason not to throw out a hand signal.  It could save your life.

There will always be those inattentive drivers though.

If you happen to be involved in a wreck, we should talk about your options.  Herbert Law Group can handle your settlement issues, so you don’t have that stress.  All you have to focus on then is healing from injuries.

Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site.