What you should Know about Daytime Headlight Laws

On a motorcycle, visibility is everything.

We know that people don’t watch out for riders.  So, to make sure they see you, it’s important to make sure that you’re easily seen.

While nobody wants to roll down the roadway wearing bright oranges and yellows, those colors would make you much more visible.  Of course, ensuring that your headlight is on will be the next best thing.

Do I have to use Daytime Running Headlights in Texas?

The short answer is, yes, you have to have your headlights on at all times when riding a motorcycle in Texas.

There is one caveat though.   If your motorcycle was manufactured before 1975, then you can get around the law.  You don’t actually have to have your headlight(s) on during the day if you are riding an older bike.

Most people don’t really even consider the headlight during their ride anymore though.  Modern motorcycles have a low beam headlight that is always on.  As soon as you fire up your hog, your lights come on.  The only switch is to flip over to the high beams when there isn’t any oncoming traffic and you’re intent on actually being able to see what’s coming up.

But, if you’re riding a bike from the late 1970’s, and your cruising without a light on, you could be ticketed.  Of course, there’s really no reason you wouldn’t want daytime running lights.

Why you want Daytime Running Lights

Having your light on makes you more visible to traffic.  However, there’s an issue that’s come up in recent years.

Most newer vehicles also have daytime running lights.  That means a motorcycle, with its single headlamp, gets lost in the crowd.  To make things worse, that single bulb can cause some difficulty when a driver is determining how far away the bike is and how quickly it is approaching.

There is a solution though!  You can get inexpensive bolt-on headlights for your motorcycle.  Installing 2 lights will give you that added unique character that you need to stand out from the crowd.  Now, with two lights instead of one, other motorists can accurately determine how far away you are.  And not only that, your unique look will make you stand out from the crowd of other vehicles whipping down the road.

Come to Herbert Law Group after a Motorcycle Accident in Texas

No matter how visible, no matter how many lights, and no matter how diligently you ride, you’re going to be at risk when you’re on your motorcycle.

All it takes is one inattentive driver, and your life is changed forever.

If that happens to you, don’t try to negotiate with the insurance companies without legal help.  They are powerful, and they know what you don’t know.

Instead, enlist the help of Herbert Law Group.  Our experience means we know just what to say to the insurance companies in order to get the settlement that you deserve.  One that will eliminate the financial worries from your wreck, so you can heal faster and more completely.

Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site to get started with your free consultation.

How to Avoid Being Involved in a Deadly Wreck

Riding is more dangerous than driving, we know that.  But knowing what the main causes of a Texas motorcycle accident are can help you avoid being in a deadly collision.

As a motorcycle accident lawyer in the Dallas area, our goal here at Herbert Law Group is to ensure that you have the resources you need to heal from the wreck.  Those resources mean that the financial stress is reduced, and you’re able to put your focus on healing from physical or mental injuries.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the four main causes of bike crashes.

1 – Negligent Motorists Cause Motorcycle Accidents

The most dangerous situation that a motorcycle rider can face is another vehicle turning left.  Whether they are coming from the same direction, or coming off a side street, when the other vehicle crosses the lane of traffic, it can be disastrous for the rider.

The reason: many motorists simply don’t pay enough attention to see the motorcycle rider.  They are looking for larger vehicles, such as cars, trucks, busses, and semis.  But they overlook a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle.  Pulling in front of the rider, a motorcycle accident occurs.

2 – Dangerous Road Conditions Lead to Motorcycle Wrecks

Motorcycles are less stable than four wheeled vehicles.  That’s not hard to figure out; they need a kick stand to stay up on their own after all!

This lessened stability means that road conditions that are no problem for passenger vehicles are dangerous for bikers.  Wet spots, debris, and broken or damaged roads can all cause issues and throw a ride from his or her bike.

3 – Reckless Driving Results in Motorcycle Crashes

Most motorcycle riders are safe, attentive, and are good motorists.  However, there are a few that give the entire group a bad name.

Reckless driving is a big issue no matter if you have two wheels or four.  But with the acceleration power that comes with a bike, and the ability to maneuver quickly, riders that lack self control can find themselves getting into a pretty bad motorcycle crash.

4 – Driving Under the Influence Causes Motorcycle Collisions

Nobody should be driving under the influence.  With today’s ride share capabilities at the click of a button, it’s easy to get home if you have had too many drinks.

When you hop on a motorcycle after drinking, though, it’s even harder to avoid a wreck.  That instability we mentioned earlier is compounded with impaired driving.  If you crash your motorcycle after drinking, there’s no “box” around you that protects you from injury the way a car would.  Skip the ride, stay alive.

Herbert Law Group is Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured, or a loved one was killed, in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault (there’s not a lot we can help with if you choose to ride drunk or reckless), then you need to talk with Herbert Law Group.

Our goal is to take the stress off your plate that comes with dealing with stubborn insurance companies.  Because when you’re not stressed, your body heals faster.

Let’s talk about your Texas motorcycle accident to see how we can help.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, to get started with your free initial conversation.

Cameras Help with Accident Cases

In most accidents there is a driver that is clearly at fault and one that is the victim.

When it’s hard to prove what happened, however, people tend to twist the truth, or make outrageous claims to make it seem like they weren’t at fault… or not as much as fault.

Motorcycle wrecks seem to be even worse; the at fault vehicle is generally not paying attention as well as they should, and after hitting a biker they make some outrageous claim.  Some say that the motorcycle came into their lane, or the biker was drunk, or one of many excuses as to why they hit them but it wasn’t really their fault.

For these reasons a camera, or better yet several cameras, should be used whenever your ride.

All Motorcycles Should Come Standard with Cameras

All vehicles should come with outward facing cameras, but it seems that motorcycle wrecks have more instances of the other driver claiming no wrong doing.

This isn’t a new problem; for as long as people have been riding motorcycles, other motorists have been paying less attention to them as they should.  But it’s a problem that can easily be remedied with standard equipment cameras.  As soon as you fire up the bike, the cameras start recording.  No need to turn them on, no need to adjust them, just record what is happening so footage can be reviewed later if it needs to be reviewed.

These cameras, ideally, would face forward, to the sides, and to the rear.  With wide angled lenses they could catch a 360 degree view and provide video evidence of all directions leading up to the wreck.

This simple monitoring system would make it much easier to show the at fault driver that they were indeed at fault.

Protect Yourself with Your Own Motorcycle Camera

Of course that means every motorcycle on the road now would still be without a camera.  And until those standard equipped bikes come onto the market, you have to be diligent about protecting yourself.

You can buy a motorcycle helmet that has a camera mounted within.  It captures video evidence of wherever you look.  Some even have multiple cameras for multiple angles.  It’s unclear if these helmets are very comfortable though.

Or you can mount a Go-Pro style camera on the front and back of your bike.  While this might not get all of the angles, such as if you’re t-boned by an inattentive motorist, it will get most of the information and make the settlement process much easier.

Herbert Law Group Motorcycle Attorney in Texas

Whether you have a motorcycle camera or not, Herbert Law Group is here to help with your case.

If you were hit by another motorist, and you have suffered injuries after the wreck, you need a lawyer that is going to help you get the settlement that you need in order to heal completely from your injuries.

We can take away the burden of dealing with insurance companies and the like; just give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form and we will be in touch for your free initial conversation.

We Should all Mind the Gap; Bikers Even More So

When you’re hopping onto, or off of, a railway, there’s often a written notice and an automated voice that tells you to “Mind the Gap.”

It’s particularly popular in the UK, but used in a bunch of other places around the world as well.  The concept is simple: don’t step into the gap.

When you’re riding your motorcycle, you should mind that gap as well.  But we’re not talking about slipping into a gap or a hole here; we’re talking about the gap between your bike and the vehicle ahead of you.

Why You Need to Mind the Gap

Whether you’re driving a passenger vehicle, a big truck, or a motorcycle, one of the primary rules of stopping behind another vehicle is to include a gap.

This gap is your safety buffer zone.  It’s a small distance that can keep you from ramming into the back of the vehicle ahead of you in the event that you’re hit from behind.  Not only is pulling right up on the bumper of the person ahead of you disconcerting to them; it’s dangerous to you.

To prevent a motorcycle wreck, you want that buffer as an escape.  If the driver coming from behind isn’t paying attention, and they smash into the back of you, the gap is going to prevent you from being crushed between the two vehicles.

But if you’re paying attention, you might be able to avoid the wreck all together.

How Big Should the Gap Be

Now here comes the difficult question: how big should the gap be?

There really isn’t a set answer.  You can’t say that exactly 11 feet 9.2 inches is the proper gap size.  Instead, you have to use your best judgment.  How big of a gap do you need in order to escape from a potential wreck?  Can you get clear with a 5 foot gap instead of a 10 foot?

One rule of thumb that many passenger vehicle use is that you should be able to see the tires meet the road on the car ahead of you.

What to do When Minding the Gap

Having the gap is going to help protect you, but minding the gap is going to protect you even more.

When you pull up, you keep your gap.  But due diligence isn’t over yet.  Now you have to watch behind you in case someone is fiddling with their radio, texting their BFF, ogling their GPS, or otherwise distracted from the road.  Even with the gap, a rear end collision is not going to end well.

If you see someone zooming toward you so fast they don’t look like they could stop; you get out of the way!  Your gap should be large enough to vacate the area so you aren’t hit at all.

It’s a lot more work for you, the rider, but it’s also a lot better than being crushed between two vehicles.

Herbert Law Group: Motorcycle Crash Lawyer in Dallas

Here at Herbert Law Group, our goal is to ensure that you’re taken care of after a motorcycle wreck.

Property damage, mental damage, and bodily injury should all be accounted for if you’ve been hit on your bike.  But most insurance companies aren’t going to offer up a settlement that takes care of all your needs so that you can focus on healing.

You need a motorcycle crash lawyer in Dallas that knows exactly what to argue for so that you can remove all the financial stress from your life, and focus on getting better.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form.  Let’s get to know each other, and see how Herbert Law Group can help you.

When Riding in Texas, is Eye Protection Required?

Let’s face it.  Here in Texas we love our freedoms.

Some of those freedoms mean that we understand we are putting ourselves at risk; such as the freedom to choose whether or not we want to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.  Study after study shows that helmets save lives, but it all comes down to a personal choice, right?

But what about other factors of riding?  Are you required to protect your face and eyes when riding a motorcycle in Texas?  Furthermore, what happens if you’re in a motorcycle accident and you aren’t following one of the laws that are specific to motorcycles?

As your motorcycle accident lawyer, let’s take a look at how you can stay the safest on the road.

Does Texas Require Face or Eye Protection?

There are a lot of studies that show having a full helmet, with a face shield and everything, allow you to fare much better in a wreck than if you skip this aspect.

Even if you opt for a half helmet that still meets DOT standards, you will want something on your eyes to help keep the wind, debris, and bugs from blinding you as you’re zipping down the road.

Here in Texas eye protection is not required when riding.  But that’s not the case in all states.  In fact, if you head over the border into Oklahoma, you need to have eye protection unless your motorcycle has a windshield.

So what constitutes eye protection?  Can you throw on your shades and call it good?  Probably not.

Sunglasses lack in two areas: they’re usually not secure and they aren’t shatter resistant.  Goggles, secured shatter proof glasses, or a full face shield are your best options to help protect you against getting something in your eyes and subsequently wrecking your motorcycle.

Read more about what’s legal (in which states) on your motorcycle.

What If you Crash While Breaking a Law?

We aren’t required to wear eye protection here, but what happens if you’re breaking the law and you happen to get into a wreck.  Let’s suppose helmets were required, and you’re riding without one.  If you’re hit and injured or killed in a wreck that’s not your fault, will insurance claims be denied?

This is one of those situations where you really need a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.  Your chances of winning an agreeable settlement are decreased, but not gone completely.  Of course it depends on the law being broken.  If you just robbed a bank and you’re fleeing from the cops; well, you’re probably out of luck on that one!

Herbert Law Group Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Dallas

Wrecking on your bike can be a legal mess.  There’s a lot more that goes into these than a car wreck, and the injuries are more common and more severe.

Because it’s not always a straight forward wreck and settlement, you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Dallas on your side.  We help you navigate these difficult times, so that you can focus on healing from the accident.

If you, or a loved one, have been in a motorcycle accident, then we should talk about what happened.  Give us a call at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries are Almost Always Severe

Rarely does one get into a wreck on a motorcycle and walk away with minor bumps and bruises.

Even with the proper safety equipment, including the proper helmet, motorcycle accident injuries occur in just about every wreck.

When you’re about to go for a ride, it’s important to understand just what could happen, and how you can prevent yourself from being injured, or killed, in one of these wrecks.

Scrapes and Bruises – AKA Road Rash

It is always recommended to wear the proper clothing when riding.  There’s a reason leather is nearly synonymous with biker culture; it prevents road rash!

It doesn’t take much imagination to understand how the body will fare when scraping along the road, but it’s not fair to simply say all road rash is the same.  In fact, it’s classified into degrees; just like burns.

• First Degree Road Rash: Like a sunburn, the skin is red and irritated.
• Second Degree Road Rash: The skin is broken and can bleed a little, but it’s not ripped all the way through.
• Third Degree Road Rash: Skin is ripped open and underlying muscle, fat, and other tissues are exposed.

Most road rash isn’t going to be life threatening… unless it isn’t treated properly.  Keep it clean and let it heal.

Traumatic Brain Injuries – AKA Head Injuries

Wearing a helmet saves lives.  In fact, it’s estimated that states that require helmets have 10 times fewer fatal motorcycle accidents, and wearing a helmet decreases your chances of being in a fatal wreck by 37%.

Those fatalities are often the result of traumatic brain injuries where the brain swells inside the skull.

But that’s not the only injury that can happen.  A light “bonk” to the head can lead to a concussion, a heavy one can crack the skull.

No matter how mild the head injury appears, medical attention needs to be sought and the condition monitored so it doesn’t lead to something more serious.

Broken Bones – AKA Fractures

Legs and arms are at great risk on a motorcycle.

When you fall, your instinct is to put your arms out to try to stop yourself.  Moving at a high rate of speed, or even a relatively low rate, can significantly increase the force put on your arms to the point they can’t handle the impact.

Many motorcycle accident injuries occur when the rider’s legs are smashed by a car.  Leg injuries are common and can lead to many complications later in life.

Neck and Back Breaks – AKA Spinal Cord Injuries

More than 35% of all spinal cord injuries are caused by motorcycle accidents.

We don’t have to get into the details on what happens if you break your back or neck.  Most of the time you end up paralyzed from the neck or waist down if you’re able to recover from this massive blow.

Herbert Law Group Helps You Heal from Motorcycle Accident Injuries

After a motorcycle wreck, you need an attorney in Dallas that can help you navigate the difficult world of insurance claims.

Most insurance companies will offer a settlement that looks like it covers your needs, but they’re designed to only cover the surface and not fully allow you to heal.

Here at Herbert Law Group, our goal is to ensure that you get the compensation you need, so that you have one less thing to worry about during your road to recovery.

Let’s see how we can help you.  Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form to get things started on your free consultation.

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.

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.

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.

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.