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Avoid Motorcycle Accidents: Places on the Road for Motorcyclists to Avoid

September 25, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Motorcycle paths in TexasYou can’t control other drivers, but you can control where you ride. According to an article on www.rideapart.com, there are a few spots on the road that motorcyclists should avoid as much as possible.

  1. 1.  Blind Spots

Avoid staying in another vehicle’s blind spot longer than necessary. There is a significant blind spot along the side of most passenger vehicles and trucks. You can’t avoid dipping into other vehicles’ blind spots, but it’s best to pass through the blind spot as quickly as possible.

  1. Middle of a Lane when Stopped

Sitting in the center of a lane when stopped is an invitation to be sandwiched between cars. Instead, it’s recommended that you position yourself on the outside of vehicles in front of them so that, if you’re rear-ended, you won’t end up crushed between cars.

  1. Passing Unsafely on Country Roads

It can be tempting to pass slow-moving vehicles on winding country roads, but that can be an invitation to disaster if you misjudge the distance you’ll need to safely pass in front of the vehicle you’re overtaking. A mistake can end in a head-on collision. [Read more…]

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

Loss of Consortium in a Texas Motorcycle Accident Case

September 23, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Happy coupleWhen your spouse has been injured in a Texas motorcycle accident, you may have a claim for loss of consortium against the person that caused the accident if your relationship and the benefits of the relationship have been disrupted by the accident.

A loss of consortium claim can be brought by the non-injured spouse as part of the injured spouse’s personal injury lawsuit but is a separate claim. These claims are often thought of as centering on loss of sex life, but cover far more than that. A loss of consortium claim may include loss of sexual intercourse, but could also include damages for loss of companionship, comfort, and services provided by the injured spouse.

Loss of consortium claims are derivative, meaning that the injuries to the spouse had to be the fault of the defendant for the non-injured spouse to have a claim. [Read more…]

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

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

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 Crash Leaves Man’s Heart on Opposite Side of Chest

June 24, 2014 By karbuckle2016 Leave a Comment

Houston, TX motorcycle crash lawyer | Kurt Arbuckle, PCImagine a motorcycle crash so devastating that it actually forces your internal organs to the other side of your chest cavity.

Now imagine surviving such a crash.

That’s exactly the situation a 48-year-old man experienced following a rib-rattling collision.

After being taken to the emergency room, doctors discovered that the man’s heart had actually rotated 90 degrees to wind up on the right side of his chest, instead of on the left where it belongs.

This article from New York Daily News points to the actual medical study.

Doctors treating the injured man discovered that the motorcycle collision was not the actual cause of the heart’s repositioning. Instead, the man’s condition developed hours after the crash.

Treating doctors found the man had suffered lung puncture, which created an air leak to build up and fill his chest cavity. This build up was the cause of the heart’s rotation. After doctors drained the air, the man’s heart returned to its correct placement.

As this news story illustrates, a motorcycle crash can cause internal injuries and some that aren’t immediately obvious.

Some injuries can look relatively harmless at first, but then develop into a more serious issue that requires additional medical attention. [Read more…]

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

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