Kurt Arbuckle | Houston Personal Injury Attorney

Houston, TX Personal Injury and Car Accident Attorney

(713) 961-5353
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Kurt Arbuckle
  • HOME
  • About Kurt Arbuckle
  • Practice Areas
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Aviation Accidents
    • Defective Products
    • Premises Liability
    • Water Accidents
    • Dog Bites
    • Brain Injury
    • Wrongful Death
    • Contract Disputes
    • Discrimination
    • Securities Fraud
  • Resources
    • Videos
  • Contact
  • Blog

Texas Motorcycle Licensing Rules

August 26, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

TX Motorcycle licensingRiding a motorcycle in Texas can be one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the great outdoors. Many people swear they will get a license but why bother when you’ve been riding and pick it up so easily? There are valid reasons to obtain a valid license.

Follow these steps to legally obtain a license in Texas.

In order to operate a motorcycle in Texas it’s necessary to obtain a Class M driver license. Qualifying for a Class M license requires that you satisfy the requirements for obtaining a standard driver license in addition to specific Class M requirements.

You must take a Department of Public Safety motorcycle safety course to qualify for a Class M license. If you have a valid license from another state, you do not need to take a motorcycle safety course.

Anyone who does not have a valid out-of-state motorcycle license must pass a written motorcycle knowledge test. Everyone must take a riding test unless they satisfy one of the following exceptions:

1. They are 18 years old, have successfully completed a motorcycle safety course and have a valid Texas Class A, B, or C license.

2. They are 18 years old and have a valid, unrestricted out-of-state motorcycle license.

3. They are applying for a learner license (Class M license with a J restriction).

4. They are applying for a Class M license with a K restriction, meaning that they will only be permitted to drive a moped. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Motorcycle injury, Personal Injury, Texas

Houston Celebrates Labor Day 2014

August 25, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Houston Labor Day 2014Houstonians know all about having a good time after putting in a hard day’s work. That’s why this Labor Day, why not enjoy some fun? You earned it!

Take a look at some of these Houston Labor Day activities where you and your whole family can blow off a little steam and celebrate living in the greatest state in the world’s greatest country.

The Houston Labor Day Cup runs from August 30th to September 1st and promises a good time for every age! Houston’s premier youth soccer tournament hosts over 400 teams from North and South Texas, and Louisiana. Since the tournament’s inception in 1983, the soccer games, family fun activities, and celebration of good sportsmanship have welcomed families from all over the state to participate in this annual event. Come out and make some memories at Bear Creek Park and Katy Park. Check the event website for more information.

Looking for something a little more grown-up? How about a beer enthusiast’s dream come true? “Craft-beer lovers, rejoice!”  So say event promoters for this year’s Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival taking place Labor Day weekend at Moody Gardens on Galveston Island. With over 400 craft brews, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Meet industry experts and put your knowledge to the test. All this plus live music, beautiful scenery and the beach. For ticket information, parking, and event details please check the event website.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Recent Blog, Texas

Texas is Motorcycle Country

August 20, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Motorcycle open roadAccording to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, state motorcycle registrations have increased from 180, 345 at the turn of the century to 439,108 last year. And it’s no surprise that motorcycles are so popular in the state.

The long riding season is definitely a plus for Texans. This article appearing in the Killeen Daily Herald talks about some of the ways Texas motorcycle enthusiasts are able to take advantage of the summer months, as well as discussing current biker trends. Naturally, nobody would ever plan to add a motorcycle injury into the fun. The Houston motorcycle injury lawyer of Kurt Arbuckle, P.C. encourages safe riding to prevent injuries and prolong the ride!

For those stuck in the frozen north, the riding season may be a few paltry months, but in the Lone Star state, your riding season may run year-round.

Will Watson, the sales manager at Indian Motorcycle of Fort Hood is optimistic about the growth potential for motorcycles in Texas. “This area rotates people about every three years and the riding here is beautiful, so I think the potential for growth in this area is limitless.” But the owner of Killeen Power Sports, Jim Foster, doesn’t agree. According to Mr. Foster, “The motorcycle future is flat right now, and the sales have not returned to where they were before the recession.” He believes that the economy is a prime factor in the downturn. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Motorcycle injury, Personal Injury, Texas

Study Finds that Older Bikers More Likely To Be Injured In a Motorcycle Crash

August 19, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Older motorcycle riderA recent study in the journal Injury Prevention has found that, although older riders are getting in fewer motorcycle accidents than their younger counterparts, their injury rate in accidents is three times that of younger riders.

Older riders, 60 and over, tend to be injured worse in these accidents, in part because of the physical deterioration that comes with age. “[O]lder riders were shown to suffer more head and chest injuries, and to be more likely to die as a result of their injuries.” They are also three times more likely to be hospitalized as a result of a motorcycle accident than riders in the 20-39 demographic.

These riders also have risk factors that may have contributed to a motorcycle crash, for instance, “delayed reaction time, altered balance, and worsening vision.”

The article reached conclusions about these results that could be useful in decreasing the incidence of these motorcycle crash injuries.

For instance, it concluded that some of these older riders were injured because they were new to motorcycles or had skills that deteriorated over time. A refresher course in motorcycle safety may be appropriate for some older riders. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Motorcycle injury, Personal Injury, Texas

Finish-Line Motorcycle Crash Kills 54 year-old Racer

August 13, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Motorcycle raceA challenging Colorado motorcycle race ended in tragedy for Bobby Goodin when he crashed his bike while crossing the finish line at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 29, 2014. According to witnesses, Mr. Goodin crashed when he lost control after raising his arms to celebrate his finish. After losing control, he hit a boulder and “fell face first” into some rocks. Mr. Goodin finished in 40th place in the race and 4th place in his division.

Although five racers have died since the race began 92 years ago, this is the first motorcycle crash resulting in a death in over 30 years.

Called the “Race to the Clouds,” the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is a 13-mile race with over 150 turns. Elevation starts at 9,300 fee and rises to over 14,000 feet by the finish line. The high altitude increases the difficulty (and danger) of the race because it “slows reflexes and saps muscle strength — plus it robs engines of 30 percent of their power. Competitors and vehicles must be in top shape simply to finish.” This was Mr. Goodin’s second time competing in the race.

Although this crash sounds like it was due to rider error, losing control of your bike doesn’t necessarily mean that you were at fault for purposes of a personal injury lawsuit involving your motorcycle. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Motorcycle injury, Texas

Finding the Best Texas Motorcycle Routes – Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

August 7, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Texas motorcycle roadwaysIf you’re looking for the best Texas motorcycle routes in its 260,000 square miles, you may want to check out this website. The site includes routes for all 50 states, including Texas.

Every rider is sure to find a favorite spot to ride in Texas. Whether it’s the state’s 624 mile coast along the Gulf of Mexico or the “big rolling grassy plains” of the panhandle. But Texas isn’t all plains, with elevations rising from sea-level to 8,749 feet. There are rolling hills covered with wildflowers in the center southwest, and “parries, lakes, and piney forest while becoming more green and moist as you approach the Louisiana border” toward the eastern side of the state. And in the west you’ll find scenery that would fit into a stereotypical Western with “landscapes of arid and rugged mountains, blowing tumbleweed, valleys and sandy plains.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Motorcycle injury, Personal Injury, Texas

Do You Ride to Work Every Day?

July 7, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Motorcycle

Photo Credit: Denis Dervisevic via Compfight cc

You’ve participated in “Bring Your Pet to Work Day” and the weekly “casual Friday,” but have you ever heard of “Ride to Work Day?”

On June 16, motorcycle and bike owners rode their bikes to work in honor of this day. Originating in 1992, the event’s purpose is to showcase that riding motorcycles and bicycles to work is a part of daily life, breaking the motorcyclist stereotypes. They hope to demonstrate that motorcyclists have many occupations and lifestyles.

In a recent post of Motorcycle USA, Mark Gardnier described the stereotype that when you buy a motorcycle you purchase it for mere recreation and enjoyment. Many also think that when you are purchasing a motorcycle, you are actually signing your death wish and committing yourself to a life of endless personal injuries. In actuality, a motorcycle is an economic purchase, and if more of motorcyclists commuted on bikes, society would reap the benefits. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Motorcycle injury, Personal Injury

Houston for the Fourth

July 2, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Fourth of July in Houston

Photo Credit: redct via Compfight cc

 

Let freedom ring and the hot dogs grill; it’s nearly Independence Day in Houston, Texas! Time to, hang your American flag, dig up that patriotic gear, and call all your family and friends to celebrate the land of the red, white, and blue.

If you are looking for Fourth of July plans, Freedom Over Texas could be the place to be. Freedom Over Texas is the annual Fourth of July event in Houston featuring six hours of live music, food, and other family entertainment.

This year the Freedom Over Texas headliner is Grammy award-winning country artist, Jennifer Nettles. Along with Nettles, there will be a myriad of other local and well-known performers on the main stage and on the two smaller stages. Along with the live music performers, there will be a kids zone and vintage aircraft flyovers. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston

Quarterback Drew Brees Promotes Motorcycle, Banned From Riding It

June 30, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Houston, TX motorcycle injury attorney | Kurt Arbuckle, PCAlong with being the well-regarded MVP quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees has accepted a new spokesperson job for motorcycle-maker Can-Am Spyder. The popular motorcycle maker touts a unique Y-shaped design that gives motorcycle riders greater stability than traditional bikes. For this reason, the bike maker says, “product appeals to a demographic outside the traditional motorcycle buyer.” The motorcycle manufacturer hopes that hiring Drew Brees as the face of the product will help attract an athletic, sports-fan demographic.

The motorcycle promotion involves Brees reminding viewers in this commercial that his football contract bans him from actually riding the bike. The gimmick goes a step further when Brees states that he will retire from playing football professionally in order to find the loophole in his NFL contract to be able to ride.

So, why would the NFL forbid an athletic player from riding a motorcycle known for its riding stability? [Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Motorcycle injury, Personal Injury, Texas

Motorcycle Injury Prevention through Safety Awareness

June 18, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Galveston, TX Motorcycle Injury Lawyer | Kurt Arbuckle, PCEvery year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) deems the month of May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As part of the federal government’s Department of Transportation, the NHTSA’s emphasis on motorcycle safety will potentially have the effect of raising awareness across the country’s highways.

Most motorcyclists in the Houston area would likely agree that safety affects more than the rider. Some folks may even say that safety ought to incorporate more than one month per year.

When someone suffers a motorcycle injury, the damage to the person and property can be far worse than the typical vehicle accident.

Another government entity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the following statistics dealing with motorcycle safety:

  • Within a 7-year period ending in 2008, over 34,000 motorcyclists were killed and an estimated 1,222,000 persons were treated in emergency rooms for a non-fatal motorcycle-related injury.
  • The highest death and injury rates were among 20-24 year-olds, followed by 25-29 year-olds.
  • More than half of all nonfatal motorcycle injuries treated in EDs were to the leg/foot (30%) or head/neck (22%).
  • Motorcyclist death rates increased 55% between the same 7-year period.
  • The number of nonfatal motorcyclist injuries that resulted in ER visits also increased, from nearly 120,000 injuries in 2001 to about 175,000 in 2008.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog, Houston, Motorcycle injury, Personal Injury, Recent Blog, Texas

Next Page »

2121 Sage Rd. Suite 100 | Houston, TX 77056 | Phone 713-961-5353

Copyright © 2018 Kurt Arbuckle PC The use of the Internet or this website for communication with the firm of any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this website.

Privacy Policy