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How To Organize A Motorcycle Group Ride

WHILE YOU ARE HERE, READ SOME OF OUR OTHER MOTORCYCLE BLOGS AND LEARN ABOUT OUR MOTORCYCLE LAWYERS

Motorcycle Safety Inspection Guideline

Motorcycle Road Trip Pack List

How To Take Pictures After A Car Accident

How To Stay Cool While Riding Motorcycles In The Texas Heat

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Tuesday, June 28, 2022

TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDING WITH A PASSENGER

As a motorcycle rider, it is vital to know how to transport passengers safely. There are many things to consider when carrying someone on your bike. In this blog, we will cover many tips we have amassed for both drivers and passengers when riding a motorcycle together. Following these safety tips can help ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

OPERATOR PREPARATION

As the motorcycle driver, the safety of yourself and the passenger is your responsibility. Preparing before and after the passenger has begun riding with you is essential to maintaining a safe trip.

BEFORE

Not every bike can hold passengers. Before riding with a passenger, confirm your bike has a design that accommodates passengers. Next, review the motorcycle owner’s manual for any safety tips specific to that model, operational advice, and limits the bike may have when accommodating passengers. Check the suspension and tire pressure to confirm the bike is safe to ride with a passenger. Finally, go over the safety advice with the passenger so they know what they should be doing and are confident they will be safe throughout the ride.

AFTER THE PASSENGER HAS JOINED

A passenger will affect much of the bike’s movement because of the extra weight and independent motion. This change means the operator will have to brake earlier, take extra care on turns, and be more aware of gusts of wind affecting the bike’s path. Overall, it is safe for the operator to assume every part of riding will be more challenging and will likely take longer to accomplish.

PASSENGER PREPARATION

Passengers should always wear the correct safety fear and receive safety guidelines before riding. Confirm the passenger can reach the footrests and are comfortable with the responsibility of riding together. Go over the following safety procedures, so the passenger knows how to keep you and themselves safe throughout the ride.

PASSENGER SAFETY PROCEDURES

Ensure the passenger is wearing all the necessary protective gear. The passenger should hold the operator’s waist or hips unless the motorcycle has passenger hand-holds. The passenger should keep their feet on the footrests at all times, including while stopped. Be aware of any hot or moving parts and keep hands and feet away from them. Avoid turning or making sudden moves that could affect the bike. If crossing an obstacle, stand with knees slightly bent and allow the legs to absorb the shock upon impact. When in a corner, look over the operator’s shoulder in the direction of the corner. Make a plan for how you will communicate. Many people use hand signals or shoulder taps to know how they feel or if the ride needs to stop.

TEST RUN

Before going on a long journey across the city, plan a short route to ensure the passenger can feel safe and enjoy the ride. You can schedule a longer ride if they have fun on the short ride, but if they are uncomfortable, you avoid making things worse and respect their decision.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about riding with passengers safely. Enjoy the ride and share this blog with your friends before you ride with them!

WHILE YOU ARE HERE, READ SOME OF OUR OTHER MOTORCYCLE BLOGS AND LEARN ABOUT OUR MOTORCYCLE LAWYERS

How To Organize A Motorcycle Group Ride

Motorcycle Safety Inspection Guideline

Motorcycle Road Trip Pack List

How To Take Pictures After A Car Accident

How To Stay Cool While Riding Motorcycles In The Texas Heat

NEED A MOTORCYCLE LAWYER? CALL US!

Unfortunately in some instances, an insurance company will simply refuse to do what is right. Our attorneys are prepared to go to court to seek justice and we are confident of our litigation skills.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else, request a free consultation to speak with our attorneys on how we can help you.

Want more information on what to expect from a motorcycle lawyer? Visit this webpage for more info!

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HOW TO ORGANIZE A MOTORCYCLE GROUP RIDE

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Friday, June 24, 2022

HOW TO STAY COOL WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLES IN THE TEXAS HEAT

SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE SCENIC ROUTE

Riding faster will give you more air circulation but turning and driving at higher speeds will make you work harder to stay balanced and safe. That extra work turning adds up quickly in the Texas heat, and it isn’t easy to cool down in traffic. Keep it a cool, calm, slow ride, and enjoy the view!

TAKE REGULAR BREAKS

This tip is critical when taking long rides. Plan or find a safe space to stop, take off your helmet, and hydrate yourself if you intend on a long trip. If the heat is too intense, take a break every hour, and listen to your body if you need more breaks.

COVER YOUR SKIN

While some may think that wearing less clothing will help keep you cool in the heat, it is not true and may lead to a painful sunburn. Wearing clothing with breathable mesh fabric can help keep you cool and avoid sunburn, BUT there should never be mesh fabric on your shoulders, outer elbows, hips, butt, or knees. These areas need cover so they can protect you if you are knocked off your bike.

OPEN THOSE VENTS

Many bikes offer vents that concentrate airflow patterned similarly to where many different bike clothing offer ventilation for staying cool. The vents may not be the strongest, but they can make a significant difference on a hot day.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE, READ SOME OF OUR OTHER MOTORCYCLE BLOGS AND FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY INSPECTION GUIDE

MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIP PACK LIST

HOW TO TAKE PICTURES AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

INJURED AND UNSURE IF YOU HAVE A CLAIM?

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER

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ABOUT HERRMAN AND HERRMAN PLLC

With over 100 years of combined experience among the legal team of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., our Texas personal attorneys have successfully resolved over 20,000 cases. When representing injured Texas residents, we fight for justice against wrongdoing and aggressively pursue the best resolution to complex personal injury claims.

Start the road to recovery by contacting us for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Our law firm has locations across Texas, connect with any of our law firms here!

How to take pictures after a car accident

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Thursday, June 2, 2022

What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

A car accident can be a traumatic event, making it hard to have the clarity and presence of mind to know what to do immediately afterward.

If the car crash caused significant injuries, you may miss weeks of work and be left with costly hospital bills. You may have a right to seek compensation for your medical bills and related expenses from the other driver who was at fault.

The actions you take after a car accident can make all the difference in whether you have a successful car accident claim. Here are some basic steps to take after a car accident

While you can never fully prepare for the shock of another motorist slamming into your car, you can prepare in advance for what you’ll need in the aftermath of the collision. Keep copies of the documents you’ll need to produce such as the car registration and proof of insurance in the glove box. The police officer who investigates the accident will ask you for them, so you should keep them handy.

It’s also good to have a pencil and a small pad of paper to write down license plate numbers, if you don’t have your phone or it’s not charged. You will still need to record the other’s driver’s registration and insurance information.

Call an Ambulance

Check on your well being and the well being of others.

Check Yourself for Injuries—First things first. Check yourself over after a collision to determine the extent of your injuries and whether you need emergency medical treatment. If you do, request an ambulance or ask someone else to call for an ambulance.
Check on Your Passengers—You are required to provide reasonable assistance to others injured in the accident including arranging for transportation of those injured to the hospital. Check on the well-being of the others in your car and determine if anyone needs to go to the emergency room. Request an ambulance for each injured person.
Get to Safe Location— If the accident involves injuries or death, you should remain at the scene of the accident. You should get to a safe location away from active lanes of traffic when it is safe to do so. If you are involved in a crash that involves only damage to the vehicle, you should move your vehicle off the road to a safe location.

Report the Car Accident to The Texas Police

You should always notify a law enforcement agency after a car accident if:

It involves an injury or death.
If you suspect that a driver was intoxicated.
The wrecked vehicles cannot be removed from the road.

If anything mentioned above occurs, under Texas law, a motor vehicle operator involved in a car accident must:

Determine whether the other driver involved in the accident requires aid and call an ambulance.
Contact the police, even after a minor accident so there is an official accident report. Having an accident report that details the particulars of the accident and identifies those involved is crucial if you need to file an insurance claim later.
Wait for the police to arrive at the scene. Don’t leave the scene of the accident before they arrive. You could be charged with failure to stop, a serious criminal charge, and face serious penalties if you drive off from a car crash involving an injury.

In summary, after reporting the car accident to the police, you are required to:

Ask if anyone is injured and if the driver and any other vehicle occupants have medical needs.
Call an emergency medical service (EMS) for any other drivers and/or passengers to be transported to a safe place
Report the accident to the local police department or sheriff’s office
Assist with any other needs for help until the police and the EMS arrive.

A police report is essential to a car accident claim. In order to have a solid case, make sure that you are filing the report properly by providing complete and accurate information.

Note Things Around the Scene

Gather evidence at the scene of the accident while waiting for the police to arrive. Use your phone camera to snap photos of the position of the vehicles before they are moved, the damage to the cars and your injuries. Try to take photos from a variety of angles. If there were any traffic hazards or road obstructions, such as vegetation blocking a traffic sign, that may have contributed to the crash, take photos of those. Once the accident scene is cleared, the evidence may be lost.

Take note of any security cameras or traffic cameras that may have recorded the accident. Video evidence can be useful to support your claim, but it must be preserved.

Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Ask the witness if you can record a short video of the witness describing what he or she saw.

If you are unable to take photos or gather information from witnesses, ask someone else to help.

Don’t Apologize, Even If You Believe You Caused the Crash

No, many factors may have contributed to the accident. It’s too soon to know immediately after an accident. Exchange driver’s license information, vehicle registration and identification numbers, and insurance information with all drivers involved in the accident. But avoid discussing the details of the accident with other drivers.

Understandably, you may be upset or highly excited after a crash. It’s important to keep control of your emotions. An angry outburst can make a bad situation worse. Don’t accuse the other driver of causing the accident or accept blame yourself, even if you believe you were at fault.

Do not apologize to others at the scene or try to minimize your injuries. You may be unaware of the seriousness of your injuries immediately after a crash. A surge of adrenaline may mask your injuries at the time. You may become much more aware of your injuries and soreness a few days after a collision. These types of comments, while well-intended, may be used against you later by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim.

The police will investigate and determine what happened.

Call the Insurance Company?

Call your insurance company and inform the insurer that you have been involved in an auto accident. Provide the insurance company with the other driver’s name and insurance information.

Answer the insurance company’s questions honestly, but don’t engage in speculation. Don’t try to mislead the insurer about what happened because it could weaken your claim. You may need to file a claim against your own insurance if the other motorist is driving uninsured or your injuries exceed the limits of the other driver’s insurance coverage. You also will need your insurance company to defend you if the other driver files a claim against your insurance.

While you want to be forthright with your own insurer, you should not discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurance company. If you have injuries caused by the other driver, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. You should seek the help of an experienced car accident lawyer and let the lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company. You will be at a disadvantage if you try to deal with other driver’s insurance company on your own.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Texas

The steps you take immediately after a car accident really do matter. If you have been injured in a crash caused by another motorist and you follow the steps outlined above, you will be better positioned to file a claim. You should not have to pay your medical bills and car repairs out of pocket. You may be entitled to collect compensation from the other driver’s insurance to cover your medical expenses, lost income, car repairs and related costs. Let our attorneys review the details of your collision and discuss your rights to pursue a car accident injury claim. The case review is free and will provide you with an understanding of your legal options.

Herrman & Herrman is an established south Texas law firm with Spanish- and English-speaking staff to assist you. The law firm has offices in Corpus Christi, McAllen, Brownsville, San Antonio, Houston and Ft. Worth. Our attorneys have helped thousands of injured people seek full and fair compensation after serious accidents caused by the negligence of others.

Call (361) 882-4357 or contact our attorneys online for a free review of your car accident case.

Sources:

org: Post-Accident Checklist
org: How to File an Accident Report with the Police
Consumer Reports: When to Report a Car Accident to an Insurance Company

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Wednesday, June 1, 2022

How To Organize a Motorcycle Group Ride

A motorcycle group ride is one of the unique road experiences a rider can only have on their motorcycle. When riding in a group, it is much less likely a car will turn and not see one of the motorcycles. Instead, they will likely see the entire group as one line and let them pass. Unfortunately, riding in a group does require some preparation and structure to follow throughout the ride. Fortunately, we have created a guide on how to ride successfully as a group!

BEFORE THE RIDE

Make sure your ride is ready and safe to take a long trip. This means having a full tank of gas and passing our motorcycle safety inspection guide.

Next, meet the other riders and establish some ground rules and what route you will be taking. You should also discuss where the rest stops and fuel stops will be. It is best to meet the day before the group ride or sooner, but at the least meet before the group leaves together.

During the group meeting, decide who is the lead rider and who will be at the end. Both the lead and the end should have experience in group rides to ensure everyone’s safety. Typically, the lead rider should be the most experienced and know the other rider’s experience to monitor them during the ride. The leader and end rider should also be the most trusted to judge the safety of the routes the group will be taking.

Before riding, there should be a discussion about how to ride with others to avoid any motorcycle collisions. Riders should avoid quickly braking to avoid causing a chain reaction behind them. When turning, riders should try to safely maintain the same speed to avoid any riders behind you abruptly braking.

DURING THE RIDE

The lead rider sets the pace for the rest of the group. It is vital that the lead rider sets a safe pace within the speed limit and is easy for the other riders to safely follow. There should also be a plan in place for how the lead rider will communicate with the other riders if there need to be any unplanned turns, stops, or route changes.

The end rider should also be trusted to ride safely and experienced in group rides. The end rider’s top priority is to watch the riders in front of them, and if anything happens to the other riders, help them or get them help.

If a rider is missing or gets lost, the group should immediately stop to remove the possibility of moving further away from the lost rider. Groups can also plan ahead to meet in a specific area if a group member gets lost so that the group does not need to stop and search for the lost rider.

After deciding who the lead rider and end rider are, the group should discuss how to follow one another to avoid endangering one another. Each rider should follow the two-second behind rule. It is important to maintain enough space so that if the rider in front of you has to swerve or stop you have enough time to safely stop or avoid crashing into them. It is also important to avoid falling too far behind so that other vehicles do not enter and split the group. This window is why it is important to be familiar with every rider and trust they will not endanger you or themselves with their riding. When riding in a group, each person should ride in a staggered formation. The staggered formation is where each rider follows on alternating sides of the same lane, similar to where each side of tires would be on a car, left side and right side. This does not mean the riders should be side by side, but instead alternating left and right, with two seconds of space directly in front of each rider. This formation gives each rider the space to react while also giving them more visibility. When turning, each rider should get behind one another and be aware of where the other riders are to avoid any collisions.

OTHER NOTES

If the group is not able to maintain the speed limit, the group should not ride in the staggered formation and instead ride in a single file line to allow traffic to pass through.

No rider should attempt to pass another while staying in the same lane.

Riding in a group is one of the best experiences unique to riding a motorcycle, so it is important to maintain the safety of yourself and the group so that future groups can enjoy group rides as much as we do now.

LAW TIGERS MOTORCYCLE LAWYERS GIVEAWAY

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