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.

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.