How Long to Wait Before Hiring a Motorcycle Injury Attorney

Motorcycle Injury Attorney Dallas Texas

A Motorcycle Injury Attorney Will Alleviate Stress

Want to know what causes stress?

There’s really only one thing that does so.  And when you can recognize the factors, you can end up focusing your energy on what really matters and what is really going to help you in the long term.

Stress comes from trying to control events that are outside of your control.  For instance, you have a big ride planned for the weekend, and some thunderstorms roll in.  Or you plan a trip to Six Flags with the family, and your favorite ride breaks down.  Or you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, and you’re struggling to heal from your injuries and also deal with pesky insurance companies that are throwing out a lowball offer.

So, one question remains: how long after your wreck should you wait to hire a motorcycle injury attorney?

The answer is how soon after your wreck do you want to reduce the stress of trying to recover?

A Dallas Motorcycle Injury Attorney Will Handle Logistics

Depending on how severe your injuries were, you may not even be able to handle any of the logistics.  A couple of broken bones will slow you down, being put into a coma will all but stop you.

Your attorney will help reduce your stress by:

  • Explaining the entire process and helping you keep up with the “due dates” and paperwork.
  • Investigate the case, and discover the evidence that shows you were the victim of this crash.
  • Dealing with the insurance companies that often try to “trip you up” and cause you to admit fault.
  • Reduce the likelihood of making a mistake and forfeiting the claim you deserve.

Working on your behalf, you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics of your accident.  That means you can focus on the most important thing you have going: getting better.

Your Texas Motorcycle Injury Attorney Will Negotiate Your Settlement

Let’s suppose you get in a wreck and your bike is destroyed.  You also have some hospital bills that have accumulated.  The damage to your bike is worth $30,000 and the hospital bills are $10,000.  You deserve $40,000 to round things off, right?

Not so fast.  What if your injury results in complications 10 years from now?  What if you can’t find a replacement bike that’s just like the one you lost?  What if you missed a few days of work (or worse, lost your job due to your absence)?

Your motorcycle injury attorney will reduce your stress by:

  • Negotiating a settlement based on your current injuries, and how long they will take to heal.
  • Negotiating a settlement that accounts for permanent injuries that will never allow you to fully heal.
  • Negotiating a settlement that accounts for all medical bills, current and future, including mental health requirements that could pop up in the future.
  • Negotiating a settlement that includes lost wages.

There’s a whole lot more that goes into a proper settlement than what immediately meets the eye.  Using an experienced Texas personal injury attorney, you can be sure you’ll get the settlement you need and deserve.

The Sooner You Seek Help, the More Likely a Positive Outcome Will Be

So, the question remains, “How long should I wait before hiring an attorney?”

The answer is as long as you need to get your thinking straight, but as soon as possible to ensure the case is still fresh.

Your personal injury attorney reduces your stress by:

  • Letting you focus on healing from injuries.
  • Tackling the investigation and evidence quickly so you don’t have to scramble before video is deleted and memories are faded.
  • Getting your settlement paid quickly, so you’re not tapping into your savings trying to figure out how to heal from injuries and make sure you don’t lose the house in the meantime.

Let your attorney have the stress; you have the healing.

Herbert Law Group Wants to Help as Your Motorcycle Injury Attorney

If you have recently been involved in a motorcycle crash, or if a loved one has been injured or killed, we want to help take some stress of your plate.

Simply fill out the contact form on our site, or give us a call at 214-414-3808 and let’s have a free conversation to talk about how you’re doing, and how we can help.

How to Avoid the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents

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It’s Bike Season; Avoid an Accident by Knowing where and Why they Happen

It’s in the news pretty much every day: more fatal motorcycle accidents.

Some are caused by the biker, imprudent decisions that cause an accident leading to injury or death.  But many of these motorcycle accidents are caused because cars and trucks aren’t paying enough attention.  They “don’t see” the biker because they’re not looking for them.

If you ride, then you know it’s dangerous out there.  Here are a few of the most common motorcycle accidents.  Be aware of them so you can be sure to avoid them and possibly save your own life.

Cars or Trucks Turning Left

Anytime someone crosses a lane of traffic, it’s going to be dangerous.  This includes oncoming vehicles that cross your lane in order to get onto a cross street, or those vehicles coming off the cross street (in this case they have to cross a lane and merge into another one).

Now if you have a big semi truck barreling at you, it’s easy to see them and you stop and wait your turn.  But looking at a motorcycle straight on, you hardly see more than the size of the rider.  Cars or trucks either don’t see the biker, or they err on how fast the rider is coming at them.

If you ride: pay attention to vehicles that may end up turning in front of you and be ready to evade.

Crashes while Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is technically only legal in California, Utah, and Montana.  But that doesn’t stop a lot of riders from sneaking to the front of the line.

For most people, it’s not a big issue.  The smaller bike clears up a space for a vehicle, and since a motorcycle accelerates faster than a car they clear out quickly.

But, there’s the danger aspect.  Most cars or trucks aren’t expecting a motorcycle to come up between the lanes.  A door flung open for whatever reason, an attempted lane change, or even just slowly maneuvering around a pothole can cause a wreck.

If you ride: Stick to the lane and follow the traffic flow.  It takes longer, but it’s hard to argue a case where you were breaking the law when injured.

Cornering, Especially at Speed

Modern motorcycles are exquisite specimens of technology.  It’s amazing to see how fast you can go around a corner and maintain complete control.  But it’s not a game, or a competition.  It can end up being deadly if done poorly.

Debris in the road, oil spots, or the unexpected distraction can disturb your concentration and cause you to lose control.  Even spots that don’t seem “that bad” can end up breaking the tire’s grip on the asphalt.

If you ride:  Take unknown corners cautiously so you can get the feel for your bike and the corner itself.

Limited Visibility

A car or truck is bigger than a motorcycle.  They are easier to see, and thus fewer people will pull right out in front of them.

Since a motorcycle is smaller, the bike and rider are harder to see without additional flair.  Black and dark clothes are popular and look awesome, but something a little lighter can mean you’re that much easier to see to a passenger vehicle that isn’t paying enough attention.

If you ride:  Expect that other vehicles won’t see you.  Consider brighter colors like reds and yellows to enhance your visibility.

Herbert Law Group: Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Dallas

No matter how diligently we ride, there are going to be yahoos out there in passenger vehicles that “don’t see” the motorcyclist.

When that happens, their car has a dent in it, and you are left injured or dead.

For those who have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you need the expertise of Herbert Law Group.

Our goal is to alleviate the financial burden, so you can focus on healing.

Let’s chat about it and see how we can help you.  Fill out the contact form, or call 214-414-3808 for your free initial conversation.

How to Avoid Heat Related Injuries While Riding

heat related injuries dallas motorcycle accident attorney

Summer Temps can Quickly Lead to Heat Stroke

It’s hard to see those bluebird skies and not want to get out and ride all day.  But having a good understanding of heat related injuries can mean the difference between a good ride, and one that ends in tragedy.

Heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are just three of the heat related injuries you may experience when you’re not fully prepared for a hot summer ride.  The good news, however, is that proper prior planning can help you get out there in the summer, and cruise to your heart’s content.

When the Dangers of Heat Related Injuries Increases

It’s pretty easy to tell that as the temperature rises, the risk of heat injuries goes up.  But is there a certain temperature at which you are no longer “safe”?

Actually, there is… sort of.  At 93 degrees your body struggles to cool down when exposed to the hot sun.  Even if you’re zipping along on your motorcycle, with the wind rushing at you, it’s this temperature (and higher) that will end up causing the most problems.

The reason: your body continues to sweat profusely.  But if you’re on your bike, the air will evaporate that sweat so quickly, you don’t notice it.  So, in your mind you think “no sweat; not hot”, when you’re actually depleting your water reserves.

But keep in mind, heat related injuries don’t just happen when it’s extremely hot out; they can happen at lower temperatures if you’re not prepared.

The Four Types of Heat Related Injuries

There are four main types of heat injuries; listed here from least concern to most.

Heat Rash – Heat rash is a legitimate rash that occurs on the skin.  Red and raised, it makes it harder for your body to sweat, and makes sweating less effective.

Heat Cramps – Cramps are almost always caused by dehydration.  Higher temperatures lead to faster dehydration.  If you’re on your bike, and muscles cramp up, it’s harder to safely stop.

Heat Exhaustion – Have you ever stood up too fast and you get lightheaded?  That’s an easy one, you sit back down and let your blood catch up.  Heat exhaustion feels like that, but your face flushes, your pupils dilate, it’s hard to breath and you get really dizzy.

Heat Stroke – Many people think heat exhaustion is heat stroke… it can lead to it, but heat stroke is often deadly.  Heat stroke happens with extreme body temperatures (103+), you get dizzy, you get confused, and many victims pass out.

How to Prevent Heat Related Injuries

The only way to make sure you don’t get hit with a heat issue is to prepare beforehand.  Fortunately, there are ways to ensure your safety.

Hydrate Well: You will get dehydrated faster when riding in the heat.  Make sure you’re fully hydrated before, during, and after your ride.  Often that means making more pit stops to cool down and refill your water if you’re on the road for a long time.

Use the Right Gear: There are a number of different cooling apparatuses out there.  Many of them simply use water to help cool you the same way your sweat does; some of them use the latest technology to stay colder.

Cover Up: While it feels great to have the wind whipping in your hair, that same wind is whisking the sweat away from you.  Covering the skin keeps slows evaporation and allows you to stay cooler.

Come to Herbert & Eberstein for Your Motorcycle Accident Advice

We can prepare all we want, but when other motorists aren’t prepared, problems ensue.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if a loved one has been killed in an accident, then we want to speak with you to help you heal.

You can call us at 214-414-3808, or you can fill out the contact form to set up your free consultation.

Motorcycle Riding Tips for Summer 2021

motorcycle accident attorney dallas texas provides motorcycle riding tips

5 Motorcycle Riding Tips for a Safer Riding Season

Summer motorcycle riding season is here.  And that means for the next few months a large number of bikers will be sharing the roads with other motorists.

While those driving cars and trucks must remain vigilant to ensure the safety of those on two (and sometimes three) wheels, it’s also important as the motorcycle rider to keep yourself safe and out of harm’s way.

We have put together some quick tips to make sure you get the best ride each and every time.  Just remember, if you are in an accident, Herbert & Eberstein are motorcycle accident attorneys in Texas and will help you get compensation that allows you to fully heal.

Drink Enough Water

Your mom told you over and over while you were growing up to get enough water.  Your coaches told you to do so while playing sports.  Health coaches, business coaches, and that annoying MLM friend on your Facebook feed keeps telling you as well.  The fact is most of us don’t drink enough water; especially in the summer when it’s hot and we’re sweating.

If you’re wearing your protective gear, you’re going to sweat while riding.  Don’t risk passing out due to dehydration when you’re on your bike.

Keep that Protective Gear On

Speaking of protective gear, it can be tempting to shade a layer or two in the heat of the summer.  You don’t REALLY need that helmet do you?  Or that heavy jacket?  You may stay cooler in the summer without them, but you open yourself up to a lot of hurt if you’re hit by another vehicle.

Learn about what makes a good motorcycle helmet in our previous blog post on motorcycle helmets.

Keep that Protective Gear on Your Eyes

Speaking of protective gear, have you shaded your eyes too?  The sun is pretty bright out there all year round.  But in the summer it’s bright for even longer than in the off season.  One or two instances of skipping the sun glasses or shaded visor might not hurt, but these things pile up over time.

You can actually sunburn your eyeballs if you’re out in the bright sun for too long without sunglasses.

Take Breaks in the Heat of the Day

As the summer goes on, the days get hotter.  As the day goes on, the hours get hotter.  If you’re planning a long ride, try to plan around the hottest parts of the day.  That means starting early when it’s still cool, and taking more frequent breaks between noon and five.  You will need to take breaks to stay hydrated anyway, so you might as well extend them just a little longer to ensure you’re not going to over-expose yourself.

Summer Bike Maintenance

Varying temperatures affect your bike differently.  Maintenance in the cooler months will look a little different than summer maintenance.  For one, when it’s hot out your motorcycle is more prone to overheating; especially if fluids are getting a little low.

If this is the first summer on a new motorcycle, make sure you do some research to ensure that your bike isn’t one that has known overheating issues.

Motorcycle Riding Tips from Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Texas

Safety on your part will minimize the chance of being involved in a motorcycle accident.  Protective gear will minimize the effects of an accident that does happen.  Unfortunately, no matter how safe we are when we ride, there will be negligent drivers out there that fail to pay attention.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, then we want to speak with you to ensure that you’re being compensated fairly.

Fill out the contact form, or simply give us a call at 214-414-3808 and let’s get started with a free consultation.

How Social Media Affects your Motorcycle Accident Case

motorcycle accident case

Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media after an Accident

Many bikers are known to be tougher than the average individual.  It’s a great quality to have, and can come in handy in emergency situations.

However, there are times when “walk it off” isn’t such great advice; especially when you’re the victim of a motorcycle accident.

In a digital world, where just about everything we do can be scrutinized with a quick search on social media, it’s important to protect your motorcycle accident case by avoiding the bulk of online interactions.

Herbert and Eberstein want to be your motorcycle accident attorneys in Dallas, Texas.  Here they have a quick do and don’t guide for social media following an accident.

Until Your Motorcycle Accident Case Settles; Opt Out of ALL Social Media

If possible, bounce off social media completely.  This includes deleting, or at least disabling, your account so you can’t be searched or tagged.

Of course, for many people, that’s not an option.  Social media is a way for us to stay connected to friends and family that we otherwise don’t see often.

Do: Make People Aware You Won’t talk about the Accident

Many people will hear offline that you were in a motorcycle accident.  They will probably start to post on your page(s) asking if you are okay.

To be on the safe side, you can delete those comments.  The most information you want to give out is that you were in an accident and you won’t talk about it until after your motorcycle accident case is complete.

Don’t: Discuss any Details, even Through Instant Messenger

No matter how prying people are, don’t answer any questions or discuss the details.  These are things that you want to talk about with your motorcycle accident attorney; not your Aunt Betty, your drinking buddies, or that guy you went to high school with.

Even instant messenger records could be retrieved if the case goes that far.  So just keep it hush hush.

Do: Ask Friends and Family to Avoid Tagging You

You don’t have to go about life in a full body cast, but you don’t want any posts to show up that look like you’re completely fine.

Even if you’re able to get yourself to church on Sundays, and to the neighbor’s house for a BBQ on Friday, or even down to the local watering hole, make sure that there is no evidence that could look like you’re out there living it up.

Don’t: Get Caught in a Picture that Could be Twisted

Here’s the situation.  You’re at a summer BBQ, and you can barely get out of the chair.  Your nephew brings you the football and says “Play with us!” So you drag yourself to your feet, and right as you throw the ball Aunt Betty snaps a picture and tags you with the caption, “Look who’s back on his feet!”

Now there’s a picture of you that looks like you’re making up all those injuries.  It’s best to politely decline that football invite.

Do: Talk with Your Personal Injury Attorney

As your case progresses, things may open up for you to be a little more active on social media.  For instance, if it has been over a year, but your motorcycle accident case has yet to be settled, then it’s completely reasonable that you can be a little more active with your life.

But before you jump back out there and start posting pictures of keg stands, climbing mountains, and your latest adventures in extreme ironing, talk with your attorney about what’s appropriate to do.

Don’t: Mention Injuries or Lack Thereof

No matter what you post, no matter when you post them, if your motorcycle accident case is still active, never talk about your injuries.

And no matter what, never use phrases about how you, “walked away from the crash.” Or when telling people you were in an accident, don’t say something like, “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”  Any of this can be twisted and used against you.

Do: Talk with Herbert and Eberstein about Your Motorcycle Accident

It’s very likely that after an accident you will need an attorney on your side.  Insurance companies are not going to go to bat for you, and the other party will fight to avoid a settlement.

You need experienced motorcycle accident attorneys like Herbert and Eberstein to make sure you are compensated for your injuries and losses.

The best part is we can get this thing started without any obligation to you.  We first just need to know how we can help you, and we do that with a free initial consultation.  Fill out the contact form, or give us a call at 214-414-3808 and we can get the ball rolling.

Is Lane Splitting Legal for Texas Motorcycles?

Lane splitting texas motorcycle attorney

Splitting Lanes is Dangerous, but is it Illegal?

When riding, you get to experience the freedom the open air gives you.  Many riders even claim that you arrive at your destination faster, without speeding, when on a motorcycle than when in a car.  Especially because you can sneak right up past that line waiting at the stop light and get to the head of the pack… right?

This procedure, called lane splitting, is common among motorcycle riders.  And unless you’re in California, it’s not actually legal.  In Texas, lane splitting is illegal.  But why can’t you split the lanes?

Lane Splitting is Considered Dangerous

Here’s the situation.  You’re stopped at a red light, quietly waiting your turn.  Suddenly a motorcycle comes whipping up between you and the next car over, essentially riding the white line.  It’s startling to say the least.

Now if everyone is just sitting and waiting, there shouldn’t be too many issues.  But what if the traffic is moving slowly?  What if the driver in the left lane is staring at his cell phone, so a driver in the right lane decides to sneak in ahead of him and changes just at the moment a lane splitting motorcycle is coming by?

There is little more than a few feet of room between the two lines of vehicles at an intersection.  That does not leave much room for error if someone was to drift over, open a door, change lanes, or otherwise move.  It creates an unsafe environment for everyone.

It May Lead to an Increase Number of Motorcycle Accidents

In the only state where lane splitting is legal, California, the data to determine if lane splitting leads to more accidents is fuzzy at best.  There is no check box to say that the motorcycle accident happened during a lane splitting incident.

Proponents of lane splitting claim that allowing split lanes reduces the number of motorcycle accidents.

Opponents claim that split lanes increases the number of accidents.

The bottom line is that when done properly and safely, just like all driving the risk is minimal.  But that doesn’t mean it’s legal in Texas.

Lane Splitting isn’t Expressly Forbidden

The problem with lane splitting is that there is no law expressly stating that you may, or may not, do so.  The law refers to vehicles staying in their own lane, but doesn’t expressly forbid motorcycles from lane splitting.

When you’re driving in Texas, your vehicle must stay within a single marked lane, and only leave when it is safe to do so.  If you’re splitting a lane in a motorcycle, you end up driving in an unsafe manner according to the current law.

Over the years there have been various bills to enact a law to legalize the action, but none have come to fruition.

Herbert & Eberstein are Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Suppose you were lane splitting, and you did get in an accident.  You’re automatically at fault and can’t seek reimbursement for damages… right?

Not so fast!

While you may have been committing a traffic infringement, the other driver might not be 100% free and clear of all wrongdoing.  Road rage can come into play where another motorist acts maliciously toward you, or the other driver may violate the law in another way as well.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident while you were splitting lanes, you need to speak with Texas motorcycle attorneys Zach Herbert and Brian Eberstein.  Your initial consultation is free, so let’s see how we can help!

Simply call 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form.

Why Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Have Risen

fatal motorcycle accidents

Keep Your Guard Up as Motorcycle Season Starts

As we head into March, the weather is warming up across the country.  As the sunny days become more common, more and more riders will hop on their motorcycles to experience the freedom that comes with two wheel travel.

Statistically, however, you’re more likely to be injured or killed in a fatal motorcycle accident than ever before.  The reason isn’t shocking, but the fact that it’s still a big issue is.

Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Over the Years

Technology and our understanding of the human body have played huge roles in reducing the number of traffic fatalities.  Generally speaking, the newer the vehicle, the safer the vehicle.  When it comes to motorcycles it’s not as much about the vehicle, but about the safety gear that is worn (and laws surrounding helmets).

In the 1980’s and the 1990’s there was a steady decline in the number of fatal motorcycle accidents.  Year after year the downward trend continued.  In the 1990’s annual deaths were as low as 2,116 (1997).  But then in the year 2000 the numbers started going back up at an alarming rate.

By 2008 annual deaths had surged over 5,300.  As of 2019 they continue to fluctuate near 5,000 fatal motorcycle accidents per year.

The cause is one that is the culprit of many other accidents in the last two decades.

The Disturbing, and Preventable, Cause of these Deaths

Just as technology is given credit for saving many lives, it is also the culprit for taking them as well.

Around the year 2000 cell phones became popular and available to the masses.  By 2008, smart phones were becoming ubiquitous.

As more motor vehicle drivers had their heads buried in their phones, they didn’t see the already easy to miss motorcyclist.

Distracted driving has become a huge problem with many accidents over the years.  It is not a shocking concept, but the fact that the problem continues to grow is an issue. To combat this problem a firm commitment from every driver is necessary so that we can see the fatal motorcycle accident numbers again decline.

Herbert & Eberstein Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Texas

The sad truth is that most motorcycle accidents end with severe injuries or death.  Unlike those in a car, it’s not likely the biker will walk away with minor bumps and bruises.

If you, or a loved one, have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you will need an experienced accident attorney on your side to help you receive the compensation that you deserve.

Your life has been turned upside down, and with the help of Herbert & Eberstein, you can get it flipped back upright again.

Give us a call at 214-414-3808 or fill out the contact form to get started on your free, no obligation, initial consult.

How to Win Your Motorcycle Accident Case

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A Motorcycle Accident Case is Easy to Win… with Prior Preparation

Several years ago, I had a close friend involved in a motorcycle accident.

As he navigated a round-about, he mentally went through his checklist.  Lean into the turn, check the other lane, hit the throttle at the right moment… all was going well.  As he glanced to his right, to ensure side traffic wasn’t coming into his lane, the truck on his left made an illegal lane change and literally ran him over.

Because my friend was wearing the proper safety gear, injuries were relatively minor.  The lawsuit that ensued, however, wasn’t minor and ended up dragging on for quite a while.

Prior Planning Could have Helped with a Motorcycle Lawsuit

A broken collar bone and destroyed bike later, this friend was trying to work with insurance companies on his own.  It seemed simple enough; the other driver came into his lane and ran him over.  But there was a big problem.

There were no witnesses that were willing to give a report of what happened.  The official police report didn’t make mention of who was in the wrong or the exact circumstances of the accident.

The other driver, as many people do, denied that he swerved into the other lane, and maintained that my friend that was ran over swerved into his lane.

It was one word against another; so the help of a local personal injury attorney was sought.

The problem, however, was that no attorneys wanted to pick up the case.  In this situation, it would be incredibly difficult to prove who was right, and all anyone had to go on was the testimony of the drivers.  In the end, after things stalled out for nearly a year, it was time to either go to litigation, or drop the case completely.

The case was ultimately dropped.

Safety Gear that Made Things Better

The story isn’t all bad though.  It could have been much worse.  Most people don’t survive a full sized truck running over their torso.

Because proper safety gear was used, physical injury was minimized.  Safety gear that included:

  • A jacket with built in carbon fiber “armor”
  • A helmet that exceeded DOT regulations
  • Leather gloves and pants that eliminated road rash
  • And quick thinking thanks to a defensive riding class

Things could have gone a little better though.

What You Need to Ensure You Win Your Motorcycle Accident Case

The one thing that was missing from his case was the ability to prove what happened before, during, and after the crash.  This area doesn’t have any public cameras on the streets.  There were no businesses nearby that would have caught the footage on their cameras.  Without witnesses that come forward to say what happened, there was no proof of anything.

Going forward, if he chooses to ride again, cameras on his bike are the only thing that will prevent another stalled settlement.  They’re relatively cheap, and with a bike mounted camera and a helmet mounted camera, nobody will be able to argue that something else happened.

You Also Need Herbert & Eberstein Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Dallas

When you ride with all of the proper safety equipment, you can fend off a good portion of the physical injuries that could happen in a motorcycle accident.

When you ride with cameras that help to show exactly what happened in a crash, you can fend off a good portion of the their word against yours arguments that could stall out a settlement designed to make sure you are made whole.

But what you really need is an attorney that will help make the entire process much easier.  Enlisting the help of a motorcycle accident attorney, like Zach Herbert and Brian Eberstein, you can focus on healing that collar bone and fixing your bike so you can ride again someday.

Let’s talk about your potential motorcycle accident case.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out our contact form.

Will Your Motorcycle Helmet Protect You in a Crash?

motorcycle helmet accident lawyer texas

Determining a Safe vs. Unsafe Motorcycle Helmet

Even the most experienced riders know that it can be dangerous to get out there on the road.  Riding without the proper safety equipment means you’re taking an even bigger risk.  One of your most important pieces of safety equipment: the helmet.

Most states have some sort of helmet law on the books; laws that have been proven to reduce the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in those states.  In fact, fatal accidents have been shown to be 10 times as high in states that don’t require helmets compared to those that do.

But not all helmets are created equal.  Some meet the rigorous safety standards, while others merely look good on top of your head.  Your motorcycle accident attorney in the Dallas, Texas area lays out what you should know when purchasing a helmet.

Motorcycle Helmet Safety by Type

When choosing a helmet, you have a choice between half, three fourths, and full face.  These various styles are designed to provide between maximum freedom and maximum protection.

The full face motorcycle helmet is the only one that will provide maximum protection.  Protection not only against bugs and weather, but also against chin impacts.  Neither the three fourths nor the half have a chin bar to protect the jaw; a feature that is desired considering fifty percent of severe impacts involve the chin.

Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards

Here in the US we have different standards than around the world.  Normally, any helmet that you find for sale locally in Texas should be one that is certified according to the US safety standards.  However, if you happen to order one online, you will want to double check the rating system to ensure that it meets at least the minimums.

There are two main certifications that you want to look for in your motorcycle helmet.

D.O.T. Certification – The Department of Transportation has come up with a minimum standard that every manufacturer must comply with to be certified for sale in the US.  Of course, knock-offs abound, and ordering from overseas can mean that foreign manufacturers can get around these guidelines.

The D.O.T. helmet standard certification is done in labs, and may not reflect real life impact scenarios.  For those truly serious about ensuring that the safety of their noggin comes first, they want to go with a more rigorous certification.

Snell Memorial Foundation Certification – The Snell Foundation Certification is a third party certification, and not required for sale in the US.  But because they care deeply about the safety of riding, this foundation has created a rigorous test that will ensure your head is as safe as can be in a worst case scenario.

When safety is your primary concern, you want a helmet that is going to offer the best protection.  You can read all about the tests and requirements from the 2020 Helmet Standards.

Herbert & Eberstein Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Dallas

When motorcycle accidents happen, the right safety equipment and techniques can mean the difference between life and death.  But even with outstanding gear, injuries are almost inevitable.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an attorney on your side to guide you through the process so that you are fully compensated for your loss.  With the experience necessary, Zach Herbert and Brian Eberstein can do just that; they make sure no details are missed.

Need to learn more?  It starts with a free conversation. Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or simply fill out the contact form.

Don’t Mess up Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case

Texas Motorcycle Accident Case

A Few Tips So Your Motorcycle Accident Case is Settled Properly

After an accident there are a lot of things going through your mind.  If you’re injured, or if someone has been killed, there is even more going on.  But knowing exactly what you need to do can help streamline things in the event that your case gets held up, or if the insurance companies are offering you a low-ball solution.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident here in Texas or in Oklahoma, don’t take on the entire burden yourself!  It’s time to talk with Zach Herbert or Brian Eberstein.  These two Texas motorcycle accident attorneys have what it takes to make sure that you’re fully compensated.  Call 214-414-3808 or simply fill out the contact form for your no-obligation conversation.

5 Ways Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case is Delayed

As a general rule of thumb, the more serious the case, the longer it takes.  Having everything in order will help ensure a smooth process.

Waiting to Talk to an Attorney

There are some motorcycle wrecks that don’t need the help of an attorney.  But most won’t fall into that category.  Even if you don’t think your accident is bad enough to need legal help, you need to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney so they can be ready to tackle your case.

Skipping Preservation of Evidence

Knowing exactly what happened in the accident can help your motorcycle accident case settle faster.  This means that you need to do your best to document it (Learn more on documenting an accident).  This won’t be easy if you’re injured, but at the very least keep the motorcycle (in its wrecked condition) until all is settled.

Not Filing a Police Report

Having a police report, especially one that indicates fault, is one of the best ways to help ensure a smooth process in your motorcycle accident settlement.  This report will include info on the other driver, what happened, citations, and more.

Waiting for Medical Treatment

If you’re injured, no matter how small you may think the injury is, you need to get treated right away.  The more time that passes between the accident and the treatment, the more likely it is that your injury wasn’t sustained in the wreck itself.  Check out our blog on when to see a doctor for details.

Speaking with an Insurance Adjuster

While you may have a good relationship with your insurance agent, it’s important to know that insurance companies are generally not on your side when it comes to your claim.  Their entire business model is devised as a way of collecting the most premiums, and paying the least in settlements.  Speaking with the adjuster (more than saying, “Please direct all inquiries to my attorneys Herbert & Eberstein.”) can lead to you inadvertently accepting a less-than-adequate settlement for your motorcycle accident.

Speak with Herbert & Eberstein about Your Motorcycle Accident Case

Experienced bike riders get hit every day due to the negligence of other drivers.  It’s an unfortunate part of the riding experience.

No matter what happened, you need to have an expert motorcycle accident attorney on your side.  That’s where Zach Herbert and Brian Eberstein come into play.

Years of experience means that you can expect to be fully compensated for your losses, all you need to do is get the process started with your free initial consultation by calling 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form.