Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog

As a Dallas-Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve noticed many biker-oriented websites declare that now is the perfect time to buy a second-hand motorcycle as the prices have never been lower – not even Harley Davidsons. However, while it might be tempting to splash some cash on a great used bike, it is important that you do your due diligence to make sure the bike you’re purchasing is top quality and free from any manufacturing defects.

Before you go shopping, do your research. Most motorcyclists are familiar with different types of bikes already, but it’s always worth researching other enthusiasts’ recommendations online before settling on any particular make or model. It also allows you to try and find the best possible price. When you do go to look at a used vehicle, take a mechanic friend if you yourself are not an expert. Look for any clues that there might be something wrong with the bike: does it appear clean and in generally good condition; are the wheels properly aligned; is there any evidence that it may have been involved in a wreck in the past? There are a number of resources online which will allow you to check a motorcycle’s history by searching its VIN number (DWV.org, CycleVIN.com, Cyclechex.com). Good luck!

Since you’re saving money on a new (to you) bike, now is the perfect time to invest in a new DOT-certified helmet. Never buy a used helmet, for the most part they are worthless. Remember that the NHTSA recommends you replace your helmet every 2 to 4 years, so if yours is getting old, now might be the perfect time to upgrade. Trust me, as a DFW personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I know for a fact that motorcycle helmets save lives. If you don’t have one, you need one.

As a DFW personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen distracted driving become a growing problem in Fort Worth and Arlington. Whenever you text while driving, you are taking your attention off the road and risking the safety of yourself, your passengers and all other road users. Make no mistake: using a cellphone while behind the wheel can and does result in fatal auto accidents.

Despite Republican candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry vetoing a distracted driving ban earlier this year, there are other people who fortunately do recognize the very real hazard posed by using a cellphone or other electronic device while in the driving seat. The FMCSA and PHMSA recently announced that they are updating both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Materials Regulations to prohibit truckers from using hand-held cellphones.

The greatest news for those of us who recognize the dangers of distracted driving came this week when the National Transportation Safety Board urged Federal and State lawmakers to introduce blanket bans of cellphone use among drivers. It’s a move that would make many motorists unhappy, but would undoubtedly improve public safety. As NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman said “We’re not here to win a popularity contest. No email, no text, no update, no call is worth a human life.”

Many people oppose such restrictive laws claiming that they are inconvenient and that whatever someone does in their own vehicle should be their own business. I’m not sure I agree with that; after all driving while intoxicated is illegal for similarly good reason. I think as the public becomes increasingly aware of the many wrecks caused by cellphone use – and the many lives lost as a result – we will start to see these restrictions come into place. From my perspective as a wrongful death attorney; the sooner, the better!

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about some college football players who had brought a lawsuit against the NCAA accusing them of not doing enough to prevent concussions among athletes. As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer and a huge sports fan, I know just how dangerous concussions can be, so I was happy to hear yesterday that the NBA has introduced a new policy to ensure that players who have suffered a head injury must now consult with a neurologist before they are allowed to return to work.

The NBA has been considering introducing a concussion program since March of this year, following several players suffering concussion-like symptoms and finally came into full effect at the beginning of this winter’s training camp. Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher - an associate professor of neurology at the University of Michigan – has been hired as director of the NBA’s initiative and developed the new protocol with the assistance of several team physicians and athletic trainers.

Players that have suffered head injuries will now be required to undergo a series of tests consisting of varying levels of exertion before he is cleared to start playing again. The NBA says that the full process will usually take several days at minimum – and possibly weeks in some instances. That might not be great news for fans who might bemoan the loss of their team’s star player for several games, but the new policy is critical to ensure the safety of players in what is an extremely physical competitive sport.

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Mark A. Anderson is a board certified personal injury attorney who has been helping car wreck and other accident victims throughout the DFW since 1991. As a child injury lawyer, Mark understands the risks faced by athletes who suffer a concussion both in high school sports and all other levels.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I view consider the cause of most traffic collisions throughout DFW to be the result of a reckless motorist. Any negligent activity behind the wheel, whether it’s texting on your cellphone, speeding or tailgating is reckless. Driving while intoxicated is perhaps the most reckless thing any driver could do.

Unfortunately, however, there are some car, motorcycle and truck drivers on North Texas who seem especially reckless. We’ve all seen them. More than likely you’ve had the same thought I have: how has your stupidity not resulted in a fatal crash already?

I’m talking about dangerous drivers who realize they’re about to miss their freeway exit and so cut across several lanes of traffic at the last second, brazenly risking a multi-vehicle wreck and putting countless lives at risk. I’m talking about those idiots who fail to turn on their lights even though the Sun has firmly set for the evening. I’m talking about those anti-social motorists who arrogantly seem to believe that stop sights and red lights aren’t meant for them.

Reckless driving costs lives. Hazardous driving habits such as those I’ve referenced about will inevitably lead to critical injuries and possibly even death. It’s not just your own life you’re putting in jeopardy – it’s the lives of any passengers (family members and friends) who happen to be riding with you at the time – and anyone else who is unfortunate enough to be sharing the road with you at the time.

If you or someone you love has been hurt due to the negligent actions of an irresponsible driver, it’s important that you consult with a board certified personal injury and wrongful death attorney. To schedule your free, no obligation appointment with a lawyer today, please call me toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or call locally in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that traffic accidents involving commercial good vehicles such as 18 wheelers and other large trucks often result in some of the most devastating collisions. Wrecks caused by drunk drivers are awful because those motorists have absolutely no business being behind the wheel, but at least in those cases they are not pulling several hundred tons of cargo behind them. Semi-trucks are; which is why when they crash the result is often devastating bodily injury and property damage often costing the victim thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

The true extent of the danger posed by dangerous tractor trailers, flatbeds and other motor carriers is quite alarming. In 2011, Texas inspectors from the Department of Public Safety cracked down on unsafe trucks and buses resulting in one in five vehicles being taken off the road for safety violations. That’s 20 percent of trucks and buses: an insanely huge figure. The most common problems involved brakes, tires and lights malfunctions, which are critical to the safe operating of a big rig. In total, 66,189 vehicles were ordered off the road from a total of 331,505 that were inspected.

In addition to the vehicles themselves, DPS officials removed 12,301 drivers from the road for safety violations. This is hardly surprising as it has been widely experienced by auto accident attorneys throughout Texas that commercial truckers regularly keep two sets of log books in order to hide the fact that they are in breach of hours of service rules designed to protect public safety on our roads. This is a growing trend and one which is likely related to the increase in truck wreck fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDOT) fatal crashes involving trucks and buses has roughly doubled in just four years: from 8.92 percent in 2006 up to 15.96 percent in 2010 (based on preliminary data).

The report of this year’s inspections are important because millions of trucks pass through DFW every year. According to the Federal Highway Administration, commercial vehicles travel 20.86 billion miles throughout Texas every year. Being involved in any kind of freeway collision is serious, but when the negligent driver is a professional truck or bus operator, then it is critical that you consult with a board certified personal injury and wrongful death lawyer to make sure your legal rights are preserved and that you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

To arrange a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney, please call us toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at either 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth or 214-327-8000 in Dallas.

The global recession and rising fuel costs have had a number of implications for people all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. One of the most striking trends I’ve witnessed as a personal injury lawyer is the number of people who have traded in their car or pickup truck for a more fuel-efficient and cheaper vehicle such as a motorcycle, scooter or moped.

However, while these motorists might be saving money, they are also increasing their risk of being involved in a serious accident. Not because scooters are dangerous themselves, or that those who choose to ride them are bad drivers – but because other motorists are dangerously prone to ignore any vehicle which is smaller than their own.

As a DFW attorney, I’ve heard negligent drivers say time and time again that they “just didn’t see” the scooter rider until they crashed into them. There’s a reason for that: they weren’t looking out for them in the first place.

Scooter and moped riders have just as much right to be on Texas roads as any other motorist. Unfortunately, they are rarely given the respect they deserve by other road users. Often this means a horrible collision resulting in devastating injuries which are frequently life-threatening.

It’s important that you understand that you have rights under Texas law. If you were not responsible for causing the wreck, then you are entitled to make a claim for compensation against the negligent driver who was at fault.

For more information, or to discuss your case with an experienced scooter accident attorney, please contact the Anderson Law Firm toll free at 800-354-6275 or call locally at 817-294-1900.

As a Tarrant County personal injury and wrongful death lawyer I represent victims that have been hurt in all kinds of traffic accidents; this doesn’t just mean car wrecks or collisions involving motorcycles or 18 wheeler trucks, but pedestrians and bicyclists too. My book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Claim – which I offer for free to crash victims – is designed to help injured people no matter what kind of accident they were involved in.

Cyclists are particularly prone to suffer terrible injuries if they are ever involved in an auto collision because they have virtually no protection whatsoever. Hopefully, they are wearing a bike helmet, but other than that they have nothing. Even motorcyclists often wear boots and leathers which could at least prevent road rash. Cyclists don’t. If a car or truck was to crash into a bicycle, the cyclist is probably going to be facing life-threatening injuries or permanent disability.

A Fort Worth cyclist was killed on Sunday evening. Police report that Steven Wayne Johnson, 52, was attempting to cross Interstate 30 between Forest Park Boulevard and Summit Avenue at approximately 6:30pm. He was struck by a vehicle in the inside lane and died of blunt force trauma. There are no reports of anyone else being injured.

My thoughts go out to Mr. Johnson’s family. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

A Texas soldier was killed by a truck driver in a fatal South Carolina auto accident on Friday night. Sergeant First Class Maurice Collier, 48, of Killeen, was attending a motorcycle rally in Aiken, near Eureka when the accident occurred. Witnesses reported that Collier, who was stationed at Fort Hood, was helping to direct traffic leaving after the motorcycle event, when he was hit and killed by a Ford 350. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The truck driver, identified as Glenn Otts, of Trenton, was then allegedly attacked by other bikers and reportedly stabbed and beat in retaliation for the deadly accident. He was subsequently treated for non-life threatening injuries.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that pedestrian accidents are highly likely to result in a death such as this, as the human body offers no protection against the blunt force of a heavy vehicle.

I would like to offer my sympathies to Sergeant Collier’s family and loved ones. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

I would also like to wish Mr. Otts a full and speedy recovery. Even though it does appear that his negligence as a motorist was responsible for causing Sergeant Collier’s death, there is no excuse for the violence perpetrated against him. Justice for wrongful deaths should be sought through the legal system, not through a mindless vigilante assault.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I always encourage my clients to resist the temptation to settle their claim for compensation until either they have completed their medical treatment or their ongoing medical expenses are clear and apparent. Only then can the true cost of your injuries be fairly assessed. Settling the claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company before then is premature as it could seriously hurt you financially if you do.

Scarring is a classic example of this. In many non-critical injury cases, victims do get better, but in some situations they are left with serious scarring which will never fade entirely. In the case of facial disfigurements, for example, the effect can be a lifelong reminder of an event you would most likely much prefer to forget. It’s like piling on many additional years of emotional suffering on top of the traumatic physical pain you have already endured. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine how significant of a scar you will be left with until at least several months after the accident.

If you have been in an accident and have been left with facial scarring or are worried that you might be, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will be able to accurately assess your situation and help you determine what compensation you might be entitled to. Often, they will be able to recommend you to a doctor who has experience in helping others who have suffered similar injuries in the past, and who could suggest appropriate procedures to help reduce the significance of the scarring.

For a no fee, no obligation consultation with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, call the Anderson Law Firm toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

It’s always nice to know that as a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I’m not alone in understanding the very real danger of distracted driving. That’s why I was pleased to find myself behind a four-wheel drive this morning heading into work, where the owner had installed a custom spare-tire cover loudly proclaiming their belief that texting while driving should be made illegal throughout the United States. I wholeheartedly agree.

According to the US Department of Transportation, 20 percent of all traffic accidents are directly caused by one or more drivers being distracted. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 15 people are killed nationwide every day because of distracted drivers.

The big local news this week is that Arlington City Council officially approved a proposal to outlaw texting behind the wheel. This is a fantastic decision that will save countless lives, and prevent many more injuries.

So why are so many people against it?

That’s a psychology I cannot comprehend. Distracted driving is just as deadly as drunk driving, so it makes sense that neither should be allowed. Unfortunately, many people have become accustomed to using their cellphone while simultaneously operating their cars, trucks and motorcycles so it’s natural they should bristle when told they can’t do it anymore. But trust me; your life is far more important that any text, tweet or email you might feel compelled to read. It can wait until you’ve arrived at your destination.

Others complain that the ban is going to be difficult to enforce. That’s an unfortunate truth. Not every person who decides to drive while intoxicated gets pulled over by police. Not every cellphone user will either. But many will. It may not be a perfect solution, but for many people simple knowing that they are breaking the law by checking their phone while in control of a vehicle should hopefully be enough to prevent a significant number of injuries and deaths.

As a wrongful death attorney, I hope that other North Texas cities follow Arlington’s example.

They say that if you don’t like the weather in Texas, you should wait five minutes. It’ll change. Unfortunately, we’ve been waiting for cooler temperatures for months. Yesterday, in fact, NOAA declared yesterday that Texas had the hottest summer ever of ANY STATE since instrument recordings first began in 1895. I previously thought it would be neat to finally break some long-held record, but now I just want it to be over.

Well, it just might be: dark ominous clouds have descended over DFW, and the forecast for the rest of the week includes rain (really!) and even thunderstorms. Finally!

But don’t celebrate just yet… As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer I think it’s important that we’re all aware of the road hazards we might encounter with such sudden precipitation after such a prolonged dry spell. Right now, the roads throughout the metroplex are coated in dust, proof of polished and smooth they have become after several months of drought. Even minimal rain can mean a slippery surface. Be particularly careful at stop signs and other intersections as it’s very likely that they’ve collected oil pools which mixed with rain could be potentially fatal. Also, if you find yourself driving alongside a commercial truck, remember the additional dangers brought by bad weather. Both rain and dust can seriously impair visibility, plus the winds could push an 18 wheeler out of its lane if a particularly strong gust comes along. Please be careful.

If you have been injured in a car wreck or any other kind of accident, call the Anderson Law Firm for a free no obligation consultation on your personal injury case. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

As a Grand Prairie motorcycle wreck and personal injury lawyer, I know that in an auto accident between a motorcycle and a car, van or truck, the motorcyclist is going to come away with the most serious injuries every single time. Even if the motorcycle rider is wearing a helmet, their unprotected bodies are no match for the blunt force of a large vehicle, which is why there are so many fatal motorcycle crashes throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex every year.

A multi-vehicle wreck which took place in Grand Prairie last Tuesday caused the death of a local motorcyclist. Michael Maruska, 52, of Midlothian, was riding his three-wheel bike along Lake Ridge Parkway when a van pulled entered the road in front of him. Mr. Maruska’s motorcycle crashed into the van, which subsequently also collided with a pickup truck. Mr. Maruska was immediately flown to Methodist Dallas Medical Center by helicopter ambulance. The driver of the van, Khoa Nguyen, 20, of Grand Prairie was treated for minor injuries. The driver of the pickup was not identified and their condition is unknown.

According to Grand Prairie police, their investigation into the cause of this deadly accident remains unresolved. Unfortunately, as an attorney, I have seen far too many similar fatalities caused by motorists who simply failed to watch out for motorcyclists or who decided to just pull out in front of them anyway. Since the collision took place at approximately 4.40 pm, there should have been sufficient daylight that visibility was not a problem. It will be interesting to learn of the investigating officers’ conclusion in this wrongful death case as if it is determined that Mr. Maruska was killed due to the fault of a negligent driver, his family are entitled to make a legal claim for compensation to cover his medical bills, funeral costs and other expenses related to the accident and the time he spent suffering.

I’d like to offer my thoughts and condolences to Mr. Maruska’s family and friends at this most difficult time. I am sorry for your loss.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer I know that life just isn’t fair sometime. If it was, then no-one would be injured in a car wreck or other traffic accident. No one wants to be in a crash. No one wants to suffer broken bones, head injuries or amputation. Unfortunately, highway collisions are a fact of life in North Texas. No matter how much care we take, there is always that one idiot driver you just can’t avoid.

My job as an accident and injury attorney is to go to that negligent driver’s insurance company, and make them pay you the full and fair compensation you deserve – to cover your hospital bills, loss of income and any other costs you may have incurred.

But what if you in a wreck caused by an uninsured driver, or were injured in a hit-and-run accident? In those cases there is no insurance policy to make a claim against, which is why I strongly encourage everyone to make the small investment of adding uninsured motorist coverage to your insurance policy. Most likely it will only increase your monthly premiums slightly, but in the event that you are hit by a negligent driver who doesn’t have insurance, it can really help you out.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, motorcycle collision or truck wreck anywhere in Texas, call an experienced personal injury lawyer today for a free, no obligation consultation on your personal injury case. Call toll free at 800-354-6275.

As a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer, I know that it’s important for drivers and passengers who have been hurt in a collision involving a commercial truck to contact an experienced accident and injury attorney as soon as possible following the crash. Many individuals decide not to, however, and that decision usually ends up costing them in the long run. It’s true that there are certainly some personal injury claims that can be handled just fine without the aid of an attorney, but wrecks involving 18-wheelers, big rigs or other large trucks are rarely situations where I would recommend this.

The main reason why you should never attempt to recover compensation from the trucking company or their insurance adjusters alone is simply because there is so much at stake. A regular car does not stand a chance versus a large flatbed trailer. Substantial property damage and severe injuries are extremely likely to occur. The law in Texas does of course give you the right to seek full and fair compensation for any damages you’ve suffered in such a wreck there the trucker was at fault. However, the insurance company for the truck driver is going to do their best to minimize their losses. They will try to get you to accept the smallest settlement possible.

This happens all the time, and I’ve had many individuals come to me in tears because they took an early settlement offer that just wasn’t enough to cover all the medical bills they’ve since accumulated in the years following the accident. Unfortunately, I have to tell these people that there is absolutely nothing I can do to help them. They tried to go it alone and they accepted what the insurance company offered them. They’ve forfeited their right to the compensation they deserve.

Please don’t make the same mistake. I’ve been practicing personal injury law throughout Tarrant County and across Dallas-Fort Worth for over 20 years. Give me a call and I’ll give you a free no obligation consultation on your personal situation. It might well be that in your case you truly don’t need an attorney, but in my experience, it is always far better to be safe than sorry. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

Distracted driving is a big problem in Dallas-Fort Worth. As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen far too many traffic collisions caused by people texting, eating and even reading behind the wheel. What most people don’t seem to realize, however, is that driving with a pet in the car can also be a serious distraction too.

This week, AAA and Kurgo announced the results of a joint study of various dog owners’ driving habits. Almost 60% said they’ve driven with their dog in the vehicle at least once in the past year, with 52% admitting to petting their dog while driving. 23% said they regularly drive with their pet on their lap. All of these things are incredibly dangerous. If you’re sitting in the driving seat, you need to be focused on the road ahead and the other drivers around you. As a dog lover myself, I know it’s tempting to always want to have your best friend with you and to shower them with affection, but doing so while you’re driving only puts you both in danger.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver you may be entitled to compensation to cover all past and future medical expenses, any loss of income as well as any pain and suffering you have endured. To speak to a board certified accident and injury lawyer, call 817-294-1900.

Friends of Fallen Riders gathered for the funeral of a Texas motorcycle rider, Robert Walker, Sr., who was killed last week when he was accidentally shot while trying to protect his family from a violent animal attack. The tragedy unfolded when a neighbor’s pit bull jumped over the fence and into Mr. Walker’s son’s back yard where his young granddaughter and her cousins were playing. The dog tried to attack Mr. Walker when he defended the children, so his wife, Betty Walker, attempted to shoot the dog and accidentally mortally wounded her husband in the process.

This is an absolute tragedy. My heart goes out to Mrs. Walker and entire family. As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that dog bites can happen unexpectedly. All Mr. and Mrs. Walker were trying to was protect their grandchildren from the dangerous animal. Sadly, this story also goes to show that in moments of panic, terrible gun accidents can also occur. It is a terrible thing that has occurred. My thoughts are with the extended Walker family and their friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Walker are residents of Houston, Texas, but the accident occurred in Jackson, Mississippi. Mark Anderson is a Texas personal injury and wrongful death attorney based in Dallas-Fort Worth.

I don’t know about you guys, but at my personal injury law firm in Fort Worth we are about done with this Texas heat! On days like today, just walking out to your car can make you sweat bullets. I know the heat in Texas is relentless – I’ve lived here all my life and it’s still almost unbearable to me. Extreme summer temperatures are difficult on almost everything, even Texas highways.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, road crews are dispatched to repair roads due to heat-related problems at least once a week around Dallas and Fort Worth. Most of the highways in Texas are built in sections and because heat causes concrete to expand, as the temperature rises the sections of road will slowly swell, eventually popping up. This is called a blowout and it can be very dangerous, even causing car accidents in Tarrant County and elsewhere. Just this weekend a motorcycle accident was caused in Oklahoma after a road buckled, forming a ramp two feet high.

I guess you really can blame the heat for ruining everything! Be safe out there drivers and look out for any road buckling this summer. If you ever are in a car accident and need legal advice, call the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. Our accident and injury attorneys can help you recover damages for your lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering.

After two years of uncertainty, due to a legal challenge and a subsequent appeal, Texas House Bill 148 has finally become law. The legislation, which was signed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2009, makes it illegal for lawyers or medical professionals (such as chiropractors) to solicit car wreck victims within the first 30 days following their accident. As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury attorney with 20 years’ experience, I wholeheartedly support this law. The so-called “ambulance chasers” that this law targets are fortunately few and far between, but they give my industry as a whole a bad name. I do not sue negligent drivers for the sake of winning a windfall payout for my clients; I help people that have been injured through no fault of their own make a successful claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. The victim of a drunk driver should not have to ruin their credit or put themselves at risk of bankruptcy due to the medical expenses incurred simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time – the negligent motorist’s insurance company should.

While I welcome this legislation into law, however, I feel there is still work to be done. Traffic collision victims and their family members need time to comprehend the often life-changing event which has unexpectedly taken place. The injured person needs time to both mentally and physically recuperate. So why are insurance adjustors allowed to visit them in their hospital room? It’s true and it happens every day. Why do they do this? They can exploit the patient’s vulnerable state and get them to sign a release accepting an offensively low settlement figure, which will not even come close to covering the debt they will incur as a result of being in an accident. This is all about the insurance company minimizing their losses. I think it is a most unethical practice. Texas law gives accident victims the right to a fair settlement which compensated them for all medical costs and any loss of income caused by being involved in a crash.

It is a great thing that Texas accident victims are now protected from unscrupulous lawyers and medical professionals, but they also need protection from the equally bad insurance adjustors.

Mark Anderson is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is the author of the books 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case and Roadmap To Winning Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case.

At the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth, potential clients ask our accident attorneys all the time if their injuries are serious enough to hire a lawyer.

As you’ll see in this video, the scope and extent of your injuries will determine if you need to hire a Fort Worth personal injury attorney.

The lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm will never take advantage of our clients and we’ll tell you if your injuries aren’t severe enough to warrant hiring us. It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations in Texas when you’ve been injured in an accident. Many injuries aren’t fully realized until months or even years after the wreck or accident, so you need to know that time is ticking if you want to pursue a personal injury claim.

If you think that the injury lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm can help you with your car accident or other personal injury claim, give us a call at 817-294-1900 to set up a free, no obligation case review with one of our attorneys.

If you've been unlucky enough to have been injured in a Dallas-Fort Worth traffic wreck, it's important that you understand that your chance encounter with a negligent driver could have long term implications which continue long after you complete your medical treatment and your wounds have healed. You may not know this, but unpaid medical bills are the number one reason for bankruptcy in America. Doctors and hospitals are very expensive. Even with really good health insurance, the money you personally owe can be quite substantial. As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer, I have seen too many of my clients' lives ruined by the bad credit they were stuck with following their accidents, even after their claims have been successfully resolved and the bills paid.

Regardless of whether you were injured in a car wreck, a motorcycle collision or some other accident, chances are high that you're going to incur significant medical expenses over the course of your treatment. Added to that, you're probably going to be out of work for a while, so the loss of income makes the problem even worse. The good news is that in Texas you have the legal right to pursue a claim for compensation against the at-fault driver's insurance company. This will allow you to recover money to pay off your medical debt, replace those lost wages and compensate you for the very real pain and suffering you and your family have endured.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident which was not your fault, give me a call for a no fee, no obligation consultation on your personal situation. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

In my 20 years as a Dallas-Fort Worth traffic injury lawyer I have helped people injured in all sorts of car wrecks, motorcycle collisions and other accidents. Some of the most catastrophic injuries I’ve seen are broken bone injuries. They can happen to anyone from a kid falling off a climbing frame or a senior citizen slipping in a nursing home. In fracture injury cases it is incredibly important that you have an experienced personal injury attorney holding your hand and dealing with the insurance company on your behalf. You don’t want to do anything which could jeopardize your chances of recovering the maximum possible compensation from the insurance company, because chances are you’ll need it.

If you’re lucky, your broken bones can be fixed with the standard treatment of setting and casting, and waiting for your body to heal itself over time. But in the more serious cases extensive orthopedic surgery is required. Many accident injury victims need long term physical therapy. Some people never fully recover and face lifelong disability as a result of the accident.

You need to be extremely careful in how you deal with the insurance company when pursuing a claim for damages. Usually, the insurance adjustor will try to rush you into settling a claim before you’re had the opportunity to consult with an attorney who can explain your legal rights. Don’t fall for their tricks. Under Texas law you are entitled to seek monetary compensation to help pay for all past and future medical expenses related to your wreck, so you don’t want to settle too soon. I never allow my clients to sign anything until their injuries have stabilized and their doctor is able to say with certainty what their future quality of life will be.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a Texas accident and suffered any sort of injury, I would like to offer you a free copy of my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. It’s filled with the most important dos and don’ts to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of by the insurance company. If you live or work in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex then I offer free consultations to injured individuals and their families. Call me toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) to set up an appointment.

Have you seen those electronic billboards across Texas, cautioning you to look twice for motorcyclists? Well, the reason for the emphasis on motorcycle safety is that in addition to May being National Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, TxDOT is also running their own "Share The Road" campaign to encourage motorists to pay greater attention to two-wheeled fellow road users.

There are over 960,000 motorcyclists in Texas, which makes up about one percent of all the traffic in Texas, yet motorcyclists are involved in 14 percent of all wrecks. As a Tarrant County personal injury attorney who has been helping injured bikers for 20 years, I know that it's extremely rare that the motorcyclist is at fault. With the number of Texan bikers expected to double by 2015, encouraging all motorists to pay greater attention to their surroundings and to other vehicles is particularly timely.

The slogan for TxDOT's campaign is "Seeing Them Is Saving Them." Given the current distracted driving epidemic, this is extraordinarily appropriate. Any time a driver fails to give their complete attention to the road, their surroundings and the safe operation of their vehicle, they are causing a hazard both to themselves and others. Since motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable and not as noticeable as cars and trucks, we all need to make sure we are extra alert to avoid a collision.

Here are a few important points to remember which could potentially save a motorcyclist's life:

• Always look twice to be sure
• Be respectful of all road users
• Give them space
• Anticipate potential hazards before they occur.

That's great advice for safe driving anyway!

Mark Anderson is a board certified bike wreck lawyer and author of the book Roadmap To Winning Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a traffic collision which was not your fault, call now for a free consultation on your case. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I sometimes get nostalgic for happier, simpler times when an amber traffic light used to mean slow down, not speed up. Nowadays it seems everyone is always in a hurry, and it seems the worst drivers aren’t even concerned about beating the red light because they simply don’t stop at all. It sounds ridiculous, as all motorists know that a red light means stop, but drivers ignoring red lights is a huge problem – particularly to the innocent victims who suffer because of these reckless idiots’ negligence.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that 6% of intersection accident fatalities are the result of a car or truck running a red light. The reason that these wrecks are so serious is that at an intersection you inevitably have cars coming from multiple directions. This creates a tremendous potential for head-on and side-on collisions if one driver decides to ignore the stop light. But it’s not just drivers and passengers who are victims; pedestrians and bicyclists are also highly vulnerable. Remember that by law you must always make a complete stop at a red light, even when turning right.

So what’s the solution? Well, given that some people apparently struggle to grasp the concept that red means stop, enforcement is needed. That means red light cameras. I’ve said before that I am in favor of red light cameras as I really do believe that they can save lives. The Insurance Institute’s report states that from 2004-2008 red light cameras help prevent 159 intersection deaths in the 14 biggest cities which use the technology. They estimate that more than 800 lives could have been saved if every large city used them.

Mark Anderson is a board certified traffic wreck injury attorney and author of the book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car crash which wasn’t your fault, you are entitled to a free, no obligation consultation on your case. We will explain your legal rights and evaluate your personal situation to let you know whether you have a potential claim. Call us toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900. You can also contact us online here.

A video of a Dallas motorcycle accident released by the North Texas Tollway Authority yesterday serves as a reminder that wrecks often come out of nowhere. Even as a DFW personal injury attorney I find this video quite shocking, so be warned before you watch it. The collision occurred on March 17, 2011. Zacharie Perez (25) was riding home when a car failed to slow with the rest of the traffic, rear-ending him and caused him to be thrown from his bike and sandwiched between cars, ultimately landing between lanes.

Miraculously, Perez is already back at work a little over a month later, but he did suffer serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was hospitalized due to a ruptured spleen, torn muscles, a fractured rib and four fractured vertebrae. His bike (a Triumph Daytona 675) was totaled. The fact that really makes my blood boil? The driver of the car that hit him had no license and no insurance and yet wasn’t arrested. I hope Mr. Perez had significant uninsured motorist coverage! Either way, as this video demonstrates, he was extremely lucky to have survived.

Mark Anderson is a board-certified PI lawyer who has been helping injured motorcyclists across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex since 1991. He is also the author of the book Roadmap To Winning Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case. To request a complimentary copy of the book, or to schedule a free, no obligation consultation on your traffic wreck case, call 800-354-MARK (6275).

As a Fort Worth car crash attorney, I’ve heard about a lot of dumb things that have caused driver to get into a wreck, but one idiot really blew my mind recently… A friend of mine, Truett Killian, saw a man riding a motorcycle with his pet dog on his lap and sent me a photo (see exhibit D). I couldnʼt believe it. Driving in a car with your pet roaming around loose is dangerous enough – but on a bike? He must be crazy.

Anyway, the image inspired me to see if I could find any other examples of dumb motorists embarrassing themselves attempting brainless feats. Needless to say there were quite a few, and Iʼve published the best (or rather the worst) here. Some are incredibly concerning due to how dangerous they are, but in every case they are just plain stupid, stupid, stupid… I hope theyʼll give you a chuckle, but also that theyʼll serve as a reminder to pay attention to other drivers on the roads, because you never know what kind of fools are driving around. Send us an email to let us know which one of these motorists is the biggest idiot and we’ll put all the entries into a hat, then draw one at random to win a $50 gas card. You must be a North Texas resident to enter.

Mark Anderson is a board certified personal injury lawyer and author of the book 15 Mistakes That Could Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a traffic collision which was not your fault, you can call us to arrange a no fee consultation so we can help you understand your legal rights as you may be entitled to compensation. Call us at 817-294-1900 in fort Worth and 214-327-8000 in Dallas.

Attorney Mark A. Anderson of Fort Worth, Texas, has authored a book called Roadmap to Winning Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case. This new book covers the motorcycle accident claim process from start to finish. From what to do at the crash scene all the way up through resolution of the bike claim, this book provides the motorcycle rider all the information they know to properly evaluate their case.

It is not a legal book written for lawyers, instead it is written for the motorcycle rider. It gives great tips on how to best position your claim to succeed. The book Roadmap is available for free to all Texas residents. All they have to do is fill out a contact form and one will be immediately shipped to them. There is no obligation whatsoever. Why is this book provided for free? Insurance companies are armed with tons of information and tons of knowledge on how to win the case for the insurance company. It is a very unlevel playing field. The motorcycle rider needs to be sure to handle their case just right in order to succeed. Any mistakes the injured motorcyclist makes can be very harmful to their potential recovery.

To order the free book Roadmap to Winning Your Texas Accident Case, call the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth, Texas at 817 294 1900 or at 800 354 MARK, or simply fill out the contact form and we will get it right to you.

A motorcycle rider, Geoffrey Daily, was fatally injured Wednesday in an early-morning accident on the west side of Fort Worth. Daily, 32, of Fort Worth was identified by the Tarrant County medical examiner.

According to Sgt. Pedro Criado, police spokesman, the wreck happened 7:19 a.m. on the exit ramp leading to eastbound Interstate 30 from southbound West Loop 820. The biker was riding in the right-hand lane, when a red Ford Escape ahead of him changed lanes from left to right, Criado said. The motorcyclist took an evasive action, Criado said, but the bike struck the protective metal railing and crashed. Daily died 12:25 p.m. at the intensive care unit of Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital, the medical examiner reported. No other information has been released.

Our greatest sympathies go out to the friends and family of the Fort Worth resident Geoffrey Daily. Injuries and fatalities of motorcyclists are, unfortunately, on the rise. There were 4,810 deaths and over 88,000 injuries involving motorcycle riders in 2006 alone. This is more than a 5 percent increase from the previous year.

The most common cause of wrecks involving motorcycles is inattention of the other driver. This accounts for about 70 percent of all crashes. This is the most likely reason for Daily’s death. The driver of the red Ford Escape was probably not paying attention or he “just didn’t see him.” Everyone on the road needs to make sure that they are alert and paying attention to the other drivers. Whether they are in a four-wheeler, 18-wheeler, or a bike they all have rights.

Information and Commentary is provided by Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. If you or a loved has been in a motorcycle accident, call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or you can contact us online.

A motorcycle accident claimed the life of Odessa pastor, Michael Robert Graham, this past Monday.

Graham was driving south on State Highway 17 near Fort Davis when he lost control on sharp curve and was ejected from his bike, a 2008 Suzuki Boulevard.

The accident occurred just after 1 p.m. Graham was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety Graham was not wearing a helmet.

Graham is the second victim this week that I have blogged about who was biking without wearing a helmet. Helmets can save lives. Statistics show that riders wearing a helmet significantly reduce their odds of dying in a crash. Make you sure you are wearing a proper helmet. Here are some guidelines that will help you figure out if your helmet is in accordance with proper safety standards.

Our sincere condolences go out the family, friends, and congregation of Pastor Michael Robert Graham. Hopefully others will take this tragedy as a learning experience and begin to wear helmets.

Information and commentary is provided by Board Certified Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Contact our office if you have questions about motorcycle accidents. We can be reached in Dallas at 214.327.8000 in Fort Worth at 817.294.1900 or toll free at 877.294.1115. You can also contact us online. Call now for a free consultation.

Early Monday morning a motorcyclist was killed in a crash on a Denton Highway.

The medical examiner’s office reported the victim, William Malmsten of Denton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash happened around 2 a.m. Monday in the northbound lanes of the 700 Block of Interstate 35E in Denton.

Denton Officer Ryan Grelle, a department spokesman, reported that Malmsten, 47, was driving his 1997 Harley-Davidson onto the highway when he lost control of his bike, was thrown off into light pole. Malmsten was not wearing a helmet.

Our condolences go out to the friends and family members of William Malmsten. It is so distressing to hear of motorcycle fatalities in which the victim was not wearing a helmet. It’s impossible to say if a helmet would have saved this man’s life, but helmets certainly save countless lives in accidents every day.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have questions please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Motorcycle Rider, Terry Purdom, is leaving for a big road trip on Saturday. It will consist of a 90-day, 15,000-mile journey that will take Purdom across 15 states and part of Canada on his motorcycle. Terry’s Big Adventure is his dream trip involving him, his tricked out Harley-Davidson, and the open road.

In 2004, Purdom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer that attacks the plasma cells. He didn't have much hope of survival; he figured he had three years to live. But five years later, he's in remission and wants to share his message with other cancer survivors.

Purdom said that the cancer changed his life for the better because he had always dreamed of taking his motorcycle on the road for a long meandering trip with no schedule or time line. And when he decided to share his idea with that of the Facebook world, the trip went from just 30 days long to 90 days long. Strangers who were his friends on Facebook encouraged him to stay with them.

He hopes to enjoy the ride and is determined to spread the message of never losing hope, even in the fight against cancer. According to Purdom, “If you lose hope, you lose the battle. Hope is what drives everything.”

I think what Terry is doing both inspiring and motivating. I can’t imagine riding that long on a motorcycle, but he is doing it for cancer awareness. It has always been his life-long dream, and I’m so happy that he finally has a chance to fulfill it. Terry and I have worked together for a long time with a program called Ride Safe, Ride Sober. The Anderson Law Firm sponsors this service that allows motorcyclists to call Terry to pick them up, along with their bike, so that no rider is drunk on the roads. Terry has woken up at unimaginable hours in the night to pick up these cyclists, and I know he has saved many lives in the process. Motorcycles can potentially be dangerous, so it is important to be aware of tips that can protect motorcyclists.

I hope Terry has an amazing time on his trek, and I hope it motivates other cancer victims and survivors to do the same. Life is too short to have regrets, so make sure you accomplish everything you want in life before it’s too late. I’ll be keeping up with Facebook to witness this incredible journey! Ride Safe!

Information and commentary is provided Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions regarding motorcycles or a motorcycle accident, please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

Two people died in an accident around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday night in the southeast Dallas. Police say that Lashon Hudson, the motorcycle, struck a pedestrian, Paul Pellard, while driving in south in the 6200 block of Bonnie View Rd., near I-20 and I-45.

Police say the biker was speeding and doing a wheelie when he hit a man walking across the road. Pellard flew across the medium into oncoming traffic. Hudson then lost control of the bike and ran into a speed limit sign where he was knocked off and fell under a DART bus.

Bellard did not use the crosswalk. Bellard failed to yield right of way to the motorcycle being ridden by Hudson and was hit.

Our hearts go out to the families of the two victims. It’s hard to hear of a tragedy like this that could have been avoided had the motorcyclist not been speeding and if Bellard had used a cross walk and yielded the right of way.

In 2007 there were 4,654 pedestrians killed in vehicle collisions in the U.S. 67% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night. For your safety, always follow pedestrian crossing laws. Cross with the right of way, and cross in crosswalks—where people expect to see you.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident or pedestrian accident and have questions please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

A Cleburne man was stitched up and released from Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital on Monday. The motorcycle accident occurred at 11:45 a.m. in the morning.

The motorcyclist, Matthew Lybbert, told rescuers that the truck in front of him had come to a sudden stop. Lybbert was able to swerve right, but clipped the left side of his bike on the truck.

Lybbert believes the truck stopped because the driver thought the light at North Main Street and U.S 67 was red instead of green. While he was able to avoid direct contact with the truck, he was unable to regain balance and fell off his bike.

Crashes like this can be prevented by paying more attention to the road. By being aware and by adhering to road safety rules many accidents can be avoided. A motorcycle rider is 37 times more likely to die in a crash than automobile driver. Luckily Matthew Lybbert was able to escape the accident with only thirty stitches.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have questions please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Gerardo Lorenzo-Moreno was westbound on Main Street in Grand Prairie, when he attempted to make an illegal pass by a 1991 Camaro. The fatal motorcycle accident happened late Thursday evening. Moreno did not have a motorcycle license.

When he attempted to change lanes, Lorenzo-Moreno’s 2005 Yamaha motorcycle slammed into the side of the Camaro, causing him to be thrown from the motorcycle and onto the pavement. Lorenzo-Moreno was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where he died later that night.

In addition to not having a motorcycle license, Lorenzo-Moreno was also not wearing a helmet.

The driver and passenger of the Camaro were not injured.

The outcome of this motorcycle accident could have been much different had Lorenzo-Moreno been a licensed rider and had his helmet on. It is so important for motorcyclists to be aware of safety procedures so that their favorite form of transportation does not become the most dangerous thing that they do every day. The Texas Department of Transportation has several motorcycle safety programs that are available to riders. In addition, TxDot also has a Look, Learn, Live campaign which makes both motorists and motorcyclists aware of many safety tips that help keep drivers and riders safe.

Commentary and Information provided by Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have questions about a motorcycle or car accident, the Anderson Law Firm gives free consultations online by filling out our contact form.

The Look, Learn, Live campaign was launched last year to help improve motor vehicle driver’s awareness of motor cycle safety for both themselves and for the motor cycle rider.

According to TxDot, Texas has over 431,000 motor cycle riders. Unfortunately as the amount of motorcycle riders increase, so do crashes. The message of Look, Learn, Live is to make both motorcycle riders and vehicle drivers aware that 50% of motorcycle wrecks involve a motor cycle and a vehicle.

The “Look” portion of Look, Learn, Live is for motorists who share the road with motorcyclists. There are several key safety tips TxDot emphasizes for motorists:

-Look twice for motorcyclists —at intersections, entering
highways and whenever turning or changing lanes. The small size
of motorcycles often makes them hard to see, and motorcyclists can
get lost in blind spots.

-Always maintain a safe following distance. Motorcycles can stop
more quickly than passenger vehicles.

-When passing a motorcyclist, move to the other lane and allow a
full lane for the motorcycle. After doing so, avoid re-entering the
lane too quickly.

The “Learn” portion of Look, Learn, Live is a course for motorcyclists that goes over everything from the basics to defensive driving skills that can help you in a number of situations. The course is primarily for inexperienced riders who are under 18, riders who have just purchased a motorcycle, or riders who are unaware of new legislation pertaining to motorcycles.

The “Live” segment challenges motorcyclists to “Ride sober, not impaired.” Over half of motorcycle crashes involve alcohol or drugs. Of this 50%, most of the crashes involve impact with an off-road object such as a tree or other roadside hazard. To show its support for the motorcycle riders, the Anderson Law Firm sponsors a free motorcycle towing service for impaired riders called "Ride Safe, Ride Sober."

I applaud TxDot for challenging the entire driving population to increase motorcycle safety. Awareness is often the best form of education. I know after reading this I will think twice before changing lanes, and I will surely “look twice” for motorcyclists.

Information and Commentary provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Mark has represented many motorcycle riders and is an advocate for motorcycle safety. Mark can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.

On Monday night, we received another call to take an intoxicated motorcycle rider home. And we happily got the rider and his bike home safely. This time, it was the actual motorcycle rider who gave us a call. He had got our information from a local motorcycle dealer. We are excited, as this means the word is getting out about our program.

Here is some info about the Ride Safe Ride Sober free motorcycle towing program. If anyone sees a motorcycle rider who is impaired/intoxicated, all they have to do is call Terry Purdom at 817-319-2222. Terry will make sure the rider and his motorcycle get home safely. It sure beats driving while drunk and possibly being involved in a motorcycle wreck. The best part: the tow is free to the rider, as it is being paid for by the Anderson Law Firm. This free service is only available in Tarrant County, Texas.

About the Anderson Law Firm: We specialize in helping those injured as a result of the negligence of others. We routinely handle accident cases involving motorcycle riders, as well as other motor vehicles. We offer free consultations by phone or in person. To see if we can help you, just call Board Certified Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson at 817-294-1900 or contact Fort Worth's Motorcycle Lawyer online.

Additionally, all accident victims should read Mark's book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. It is free to all Texas residents. To order, just click here.

A Haltom City woman died at John Peter Smith hospital in Fort Worth on Friday after sustaining fatal injuries when she was thrown from her all-terrain vehicle. According to the Cleburne station of the Texas Highway patrol, Beverly Bosen, 56, was driving her ATV on Farm Road 3048 near Dove Creek Road in Johnson County when she hit a pothole. Ms. Bosen was thrown from the vehicle and the ATV rolled on top of her.

This is a terrible accident and my heart goes out to Ms. Bosen’s family and friends. ATV’s can be dangerous; according to ATVsafety.gov, 750 ATV deaths were reported in 2007 and accidents involving these vehicles caused over 146,000 emergency room visits. This number rose to greater than 150,000 emergency room visits in 2008.

Information provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached toll free at 877-294-1115, or contacted by clicking here.

Today, the Fort Worth Star Telegram reported that two local men died in separate motorcycle accidents this past Wednesday. The first accident occurred in Fort Worth, Texas on the service road to I 35W near Alta Mesa when Jimmy Clements, of Arlington, apparently lot control of his Harley Davison motorcycle. Unfortunately, according to the Fort Worth Police Department, there are no known witnesses and no other known involved vehicles. Mr. Clements was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The second fatality occurred later Wednesday afternoon when Joshua Denny of Fort Worth lost control of his Honda Motorcycle on Oakmont Boulevard in Southwest FW. According to a FWPD new release, he swerved to avoid another vehicle and hit a curb. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

My heart goes out to the friends and families of these two motorcycle riders. Each year, according to the National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration, there is approximately 5,000 motorcyclists who die on our roads. Oftentimes, thorough investigations will reveal the exact reason the accident occurred.

Information and commentary provided by Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Contact Info: 817-294-1900 or ONLINE.

A 29-year-old man was taken to the hospital today with life-threatening injuries when he was struck by an SUV attempting to make a U-turn across several lanes of traffic.

The crash happened in the 8500 block of Davis Boulevard near Tarrant Parkway North. All four passengers of the SUV, a man, woman and two children, were taken to the hospital but their injuries were not life threatening, according to police. The collision occurred when the SUV turned out of a parking lot going northbound, then attempted to make a U-turn in the middle of the street.

As of this afternoon, the motorcyclist’s condition is unavailable. I sure hope he is going to be alright. This was an accident that never would have happened if the driver of the SUV was just paying a little more attention to the other vehicles around him. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to these types of accidents. I have seen time and time again how drivers of passenger cars just plain never see motorcyclists.

Information provided by Accident Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be reached toll free at 877-294-1115, or contacted by clicking here.

If you have been involved in an automobile, truck or motorcycle accident in Fort Worth, Texas, you must make some decisions to protect your potential insurance claim or you could suffer the consequences of a “wrecked case.” Fort Worth’s Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson has recently authored a book which goes over the many ways an accident victim can destroy their own case, therefore making it harder to recover fair and reasonable compensation. This book, entitled 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case, is for sale on Amazon.com, but is made available for free to Texas residents at www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

In this book, Mistake No. 2 is the failure to obtain prompt medical treatment. Insurance companies and juries tend to operate under the assumption that if you are hurt, then you need to go to the doctor. And that makes sense. But the problem I see often is most people try to tough out their pain and not go to the hospital or doctor unless it is absolutely necessary. If you have a broken bone or are bleeding excessively, you will go to the hospital. But it is human nature to try to tough it out if you have a less obvious injury. You might take over the counter pain medications and see if the injury will heal on its own. You might wait an entire month before you go to the doctor.

The problem with this approach is that without good medical documentation, it may look to an outsider like you weren’t really hurt. So in order to not hurt your ability to recover fair compensation, you will need to seek medial treatment within the first few days after an accident. This will allow you to get on the road to recovery much faster and will serve as proper documentation of your injury.

Fort Worth Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson can be contacted at 817-294-1900 or at www.maafirm.com.

A motorcycle ride turned fatal Monday night in Waco, Texas when a man was killed after he and a passenger hit a curb and flew from their bike.

22-year-old driver Christopher Lee Gault was pronounced dead at the scene and his 23-year-old passenger Katharine Sadler was taken to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. According to police, Gault was speeding and failed to stop at the four-way stop at Airport Road and Steinbeck Bend. Neither rider was wearing a helmet.

It is so distressing to hear of motorcycle fatalities in which the victim was not wearing a helmet. Would a helmet have saved this man’s life? It’s impossible to say, but helmets certainly save countless lives in accidents every day.

Information provided by Texas Board Certified Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted toll free at 1-877-294-1115 or by clicking here.

In a tragic weekend in Texas, three riders were killed in separate motorcycle accidents in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

In perhaps the most avoidable accident this weekend, 53 year-old Constante DeCastro died Sunday afternoon as the result of negligence in Haltom City, Texas. DeCastro was pronounced dead at the scene after hitting the passenger side of a vehicle driven by an 88-year-old woman who pulled out in front of him and attempted to turn.

Earlier that morning, 33-year-old Deangelo Rountree was killed after striking the rear of a semi-truck tractor on 1-20 near Collins Street in Arlington, Texas. Roundree was thrown from his motorcycle over the median and across the highway.

The previous day, 35-year-old Montrell Asher was thrown from his motorcycle and killed after striking the rear of a vehicle on I-20 in Fort Worth, Texas. Asher was driving east and struck the car while attempting to exit Wichita Street.

Riding motorcycles can be dangerous, as we all know. The Haltom City wreck looks like pure negligence on the part of the car driver. That is something that all bikers fear: the turning car that doesn't see the motorcycle. But it looks like speed (by the motorcycle) was the reason for the other two fatal wrecks.

Information provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Mark A. Anderson, who can be contacted at 817-294-1900 or by clicking here.

Shawn Massey of Fort Worth died earlier today when the motorcycle he was operating hit a curb and crashed into a street light. The accident occurred at about 2:20 a.m. in the 2900 block of West Normandale Street.

Unfortunately, Mr. Massey was not wearing a helmet. I hate it when I read about any accidental death, but especially when I hear of a death that might have been prevented if a helmet had been used. In Texas, we have a mandatory helmet rule, but it has two broad exceptions: if you have at least $10,000 in health insurance or have completed a Motorcycle Operator Training Course. I don’t know if either of these exceptions applied to Mr. Massey, but a helmet sure couldn’t have hurt. It might have saved a life.

Mark A. Anderson is a supporter of bikers and is the sole sponsor of the Ride Safe Ride Sober towing program here in Tarrant County. The program provides motorcycle towing for a drunk or impaired riders. Prior enrollment is required. For more info, please visit www.ridesafetx.com or www.ridesaferidesober.com.

Contact info for Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Mark A. Anderson: 817-294-1900 or ONLINE.

A 41-year-old Arlington man lost control of his motorcycle and was ejected over an overpass yesterday afternoon.

The motorcycle crash happened around 2 p.m. when Douglas D. Trimm was driving on the Texas 360 overpass from northbound I-20. He suddenly lost control of his bike and was ejected off of it falling off the pass onto the westbound lanes of I-20. Trimm’s bike skidded all the way down the overpass before coming to rest in the median.

Trimm was rushed to Methodist Medical Center in Dallas where he died an hour later.
This is one more of a handful of motorcycle-related accident fatalities this spring and brings Arlington’s traffic fatality count to 18 this year.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle wreck, contact Board Certified DFW Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Mark Anderson for a free consultation by calling 817-294-1900.

Photograph from www.star-telegram.com.

If you have been injured in an automobile wreck, truck collision, motorcycle crash, or any other type of accident which causes personal injuries in Texas, you must be aware of the relevant law called the Statute of Limitations. This law requires you to file a lawsuit at a local Texas Courthouse within two years of the date of the accident. If you have not resolved your injury case before then, it is absolutely imperative that this very strict two-year deadline is complied with. Failing to file a lawsuit within the two-year time frame eliminates your right to pursue a claim forever.

And it's imporatant not to wait until the eve of your two years to think about purusing an injury claim. If you've been injured as the result of another person's negligence, you should consider hiring a Board Certified Injury Attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Sooner is better because crucial evidence must be collected before it disappears. Plus, it's very common for injured parties to make mistakes on their claims if they don't have the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

The common mistakes injury victims make are discussed in detail in the newly released book by Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. It's appropriately titled, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. This informative book is available for FREE to Texas residents who may order it by calling 817-294-1900 or by visiting: www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, or any other type of accident for that matter, you have a ton of options when it comes down to hiring a lawyer for your Texas accident claim. Hiring an attorney is a very important decision and it's sometimes very difficult to try and weed through all of the attorneys out there who hold themselves out as being “injury attorneys.” So how do you know you're making the right decision? The best thing to do is to limit your search to only attorneys who are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This is a designation held by only 2% of the roughly 80,000 lawyers who practice law in Texas.

What does it mean to be Board Certified? It means that the attorney has passed a rigorous test on injury topics, has tried a certain number of cases to a jury, has been recommended by local attorneys and judges and has been practicing a certain number of years. There are plenty of qualified attorneys in Texas who are Board Certified, so there's no reason that an injury victim should settle for a lawyer who is not Board Certified.

The importance of hiring a Board Certified Injury Attorney is discussed in Mark A. Anderson’s new book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck your Texas Accident Case. This book is full of information which is helpful to accident victims. The Anderson Law Firm is offering a copy of the book FREE to Texas residents. To order your free copy, please call the firm at 817-294-1900. The book can also be ordered online at www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

A motorcycle wreck claimed the life of Kathleen Spear of Irving, Texas late Thursday night. The 40 year old woman was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by a 38 year old man who slid into the back of a pickup on Texas Highway 183. The man was taken to the hospital where he was arrested on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter. The Fort Worth Police Department will await the toxicology results.

In Texas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle of any kind, including a motorcycle, if you are intoxicated. One is intoxicated if his Blood Alcohol Content is.08 or above. The results of this blood test may determine if this man does some jail time for his reckless act. At the least, he is probably liable for her wrongful death from a civil claim perspective.

Information provided by Mark A. Anderson, Fort Worth Injury Attorney specializing in recovering compensation for accident victims. Phone 817-294-1900. Contact Us Online.

Police in Cleburne are still looking for the driver of a dark-colored Dodge pickup truck, who was involved in an accident with a motorcycle early Monday Morning.

According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, an 18-year-old man was driving his Kawasaki motorcycle in the 3600 block of Texas 174 when he lost control of his bike while trying to pass an 18-wheeler and crashed into oncoming traffic. He was killed as a result.

It is believed that the Dodge pickup hit the bike at one point and might have damage to its back quarter panel. The truck departed the scene before police or an ambulance arrived around 6:15 a.m.

The motorcycle crash happened just south of Cleburne near County Road 1205. The victim’s name has not been released yet. If anyone has information about the missing truck, please call the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 817-556-6060.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation on your rights.

A 24-year-old man was killed today around 4 p.m. when his motorcycle ran into a parked car. The motorcycle accident happened in the parking lot of the Pepsi-Cola bottling plant parking lot in Mesquite. Albert Castillo hit the parked car at a high rate of speed. He was taken to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas where he died shortly after. The company has not released whether or not Castillo was an employee of Pepsi-Cola. It was also unclear if he had been wearing a helmet.

The crash happened in the 4500 block of Interstate 30 in Mesquite.

If you have suffered personal injuries or know someone who has died as the result of someone's negligence, contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 to learn your rights.

If you’ve ever tried to leave Northeast Mall during rush-hour, then you know just how awful the traffic is in Hurst, Texas, right there where the three major North Texas highways interchange. Well it’s official—the interchange where Loop 820, Highway 121 and Airport Freeway (Highway 183) all intersect has been given the title: “Most Congested Area of the Metroplex.”

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s been stuck in traffic in that area—at any time of the day, really—whether driving to or from work, or just taking someone to the airport. The area has been officially rated by a traffic company as the worst bottleneck in North Texas.
I can’t tell you the number of calls we get from those who have been in truck accidents, car wrecks and motorcycle collisions in Hurst and along that whole stretch of Airport Freeway into Euless and Bedford.

Luckily, the $2 billion North Tarrant Express is aimed to alleviate much of the stress on that particular area, however it’s not expected to be completed until 2015. And I don’t even want to think about how much worse traffic will be when the construction begins (it’s projected to take five years). The Texas Department of Transportation is going to have to do something to keep that bottleneck moving or North Texans will have to put up with the ever-growing congestion for six more years until the Express is finally complete.

If you have been involved in a vehicle-related crash on that stretch of road, or any other in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, please call the Anderson Law Firm to learn how you can recover compensation for your injuries.

Many motorcycle riders love it for the inherent risk, and the adrenaline rush of driving fast with nothing between you and the road but the bike between your legs. Unfortunately, because motorcycle riders lack the inherent protection of a ton of steel between themselves and the point of impact in a collision, motorcycle accidents often have tragic endings.

Motorcycle accidents typically result in serious injury
With over 5,000 motorcycle fatalities annually, motorcycle riders are far more likely to experience a serious injury or even death than people involved in an automobile accident.

The instances of motorcycle riders colliding with stationary objects, such as guardrails, trees or walls, is significantly higher than that of automobile accidents, and can cause significantly more damage due to the nature of motorcycle riding. Crushing, throwing or pinning injuries are far more serious than the typical whiplash injuries of a car accident, and motorcycles don’t have a seatbelt to protect you.

The best defense is a good offense
Because motorcycles can be so potentially dangerous, and so many things can cause motorcycle accidents, the best defense is a good offense in a motorcycle accident case. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident with another vehicle, such as a car or SUV, the vehicle’s insurance company is going to try to find a way to make you responsible for the accident. They may accuse you of driving unsafely or speeding—or whatever excuse they want to make.

In the event that you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney to help you prepare a good offense against the liable party. Don’t give an insurance company the chance to brush you off; you deserve a favorable recovery if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident that was due to the careless actions of another driver.

Free Consultation
Board Certified Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson had represented motorcycle riders for years and is experienced in these types of cases. For a free consultation on your rights, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.

People panic when they’re in an automobile accident. All the rules you’ve ever heard for what to do in an accident fly right out the window when an accident occurs. To make sure you’re prepared if you’re ever in an accident, make a list of procedures (or print this one out!) and keep it in your glove compartment with your registration so you’re sure to follow the right steps.

Call the police if you’re in an accident.
Call the police – no ifs, ands or buts. Let the police determine whether the accident warrants a written report, and let the police collect insurance information from the other driver. If you’re unable to retain the other driver at the scene of the accident, make sure you get a thorough description of the vehicle, including the license plate number, color make and model of the car. Also get witnesses’ information if they need to leave before the police arrive.

Seek medical treatment sooner rather than later.
Sometimes it’s readily apparent when you’re in an accident that you need medical assistance. Other times, it doesn’t seem obvious until the next day, or even a week later, that something isn’t right because of the accident. Seek medical treatment sooner rather than later. If nothing else, go to the ER and follow up with your doctor a week or two later. If you don’t seek medical treatment right away but develop complications later, it’s more difficult to tie your injuries to the accident if you didn’t seek medical assistance quickly.

Get photos of the scene, if possible.
The best thing you can do for yourself if you’re in an accident is to get photos of the accident scene, if possible. Get photos of your car, the other car and the surrounding area. Take photos from multiple perspectives to capture all the relevant details from the accident. If you can’t get photos at the time of the accident, return as quickly as possible to the scene to get photos of the area.

Consult a personal injury attorney.
Insurance companies can be quite a hassle if you’re involved in an auto accident. If you don’t want the hassle of dealing with the insurance companies, contact a Board certified personal injury lawyer if you’re involved in an accident. Let the lawyer be your advocate and deal with the insurance companies directly.

Information provided by Mark A. Anderson, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact: 817-294-1900 or Contact Mark A. Anderson Online

Location: Bowie County, Texarkana

Type: Motorcycle/Car Accident

Outcome: Two Hospitalized

Two people are injured after a motorcycle accident in the Bowie County area of Texarkana, Texas. A 25-year-old man on a motorcycle was hit by a 52-year-old woman who turned in front of him. The motorcycle rider struck her car and flew up over it. He was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the car was treated and released with minor injuries however, charges are now being pressed.

These types of accidents occur all too often when drivers don’t see or anticipate the speed of motorcyclists. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle crash, please contact the Anderson Law Firm to learn your rights at 817-294-1900.

A man killed in a motorcycle accident Sunday night on Airport Freeway in Haltom City, Texas remains unidentified. The driver of the bike had been wearing a helmet when his motorcycle ran into the back of a pickup truck in the 6100 block of Highway 183. He had been riding with at least two other bikers around 7:45 p.m. when the wreck happened. The man died at the scene after his Suzuki GSXR 600 speed bike struck the back of a 1995 Ford F-150. The impact threw the man from his bike and police are saying speed was a factor contributing to the accident.

Sport bike racing and riding has become a popular sport in DFW in recent months, but a handful of young men have died as the result of dangerous riding. If you or someone you know was injured as the result of someone else’s negligence while riding a motorcycle, sport bike, or any other type of vehicle, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 to learn your rights.

Just after 9 p.m. last night, two motorcyclists on separate bikes were killed in the westbound lanes of Highway 183 just past Loop 12 in Irving, Texas. Apparently road debris caused portions of the busy road to be temporarily closed, resulting in back-ups and heavy traffic. Witnesses said they saw the two cyclists weaving in and out of traffic to avoid the congestion just before the motorcycle crash. The accident facts are still unclear, but the cause of the wreck happened when both bikes collided into the back of a minivan.

The wreck, which happened near Texas Stadium, closed down Highway 183 for hours Sunday night as an accident investigation was conducted. Traffic was diverted off of the westbound lanes onto Loop 12 and a service road.

News reports have not revealed what type of bikes the 21-year-old woman and 42-year-old man were riding at the time of the wreck. Last year, sport bike riding at high speeds was the cause of several Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas deaths. An investigation will further reveal the facts of this tragic accident.

For the full story, watch WFAA Channel 8’s live coverage.

Contact Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900.

In separate news stories, it was reported today that intoxication manslaughter charges have been brought against a Bedford woman and an Arlington woman whose reckless acts of driving while intoxicated resulted in two preventable deaths. First of all, the Dallas Morning News reported that the Arlington woman had almost double the level of allowable alcohol in her blood when she crashed into a guardrail on October 13, 2008. A motorcycle rider from Justin crashed into her wrecked car (which did not have its lights on). The crash killed the motorcycle rider. This lady was just now arrested and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. I had blogged about this accident back in October.

Today’s Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that late Sunday night a drunk driver of a Chevrolet Blazer ran a red light on Green Oaks Road in Arlington and ran into a Dodge Avenger, killing the driver and critically injuring the passenger. This lady faces both intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault charges.

Unfortunately, Texas has a big problem with drunk drivers. Every five hours someone dies in our state as a result of a drunk driver. We have to do something to get these drunk drivers off the road. And it is not as if all of these accidents occur in the middle of the night. The Arlington accident occurred at 11 p.m. And I have seen plenty of drunk driving accidents occur during the middle of the day. The site Alcohol Alert has some other drunk driving statistics worth reviewing.

If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered a wrongful death as a result of a drunk driver, feel free to contact the Anderson Law Firm if you have questions regarding your legal rights. Call 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.

Yesterday during the morning rush hour, local news stations were reporting over 200 car accidents which were all causing problems around the DFW Metroplex at the same time. Luckily for me, I don’t have to take an interstate or major highway to get to work, but hundreds of thousands of people were affected by the weather-related wrecks.

Most Texans, including myself, don’t really know how to drive when the roads get icy or snow packs the ground. But with the always unpredictable and ever-changing climate, it seems to me all of us should jump on the bandwagon and learn how to safely maneuver slick roads and poor weather conditions while driving.

On the Fort Worth National Weather Service Forecast Web site, every major snow or ice storm has been documented, amazingly since as far back as 1879. Not only is the site helpful for forecasting inclement weather and offering predictions for the upcoming winter’s climate, but it also gives information on bad weather awareness and how to prepare for when it strikes North Texas.

While searching through the site, I couldn’t help but notice a pattern amongst all the major storms. It seems that every year as far back as anyone can remember, North Texas has experienced a snowfall or poor weather event about twice a winter season. Each winter we have experienced a storm once between late November and December and then another one in either January or February. The record shows at least two storms a year for the last 50 years, so why aren’t we prepared when bad weather hits?

I’m not saying we all need to go out and buy chains to put on our tires, but we could learn not to follow too closely and to pump our brakes instead of slam on them if we need to stop on ice. And maybe stay off the roads completely unless it's absolutely necessary to go somewhere (as all meteorologists tell us).

If you are injured as the result of someone else’s negligence (ice or not), then please call Fort Worth Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900 for a free consultation.

This past summer and into the fall there has been what seems like a story a week in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram about a tragic motorcycle accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex? Well, the Arlington Police Department and other DFW-area law enforcement agencies teamed up this week to teach these riders the “SMART” way to ride. I think this is a great idea.

SMART is one of the courses developed from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) which was founded in 1974 to educate riders about safe driving and proper licensing. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for: Smart Motorcyclists Attend Rider Training. The course was developed for riders specifically in Topeka, Kansas, however its message is the same one DFW law enforcement is trying to relay here.

Apparently, since 2006, the number of motorcycle-related fatalities in Arlington has tripled. And as early as two months ago, a study was done on the sport bike trend and how racing such bikes is compromising the safety of riders and fellow motorists. That study came just one month after the Irving accident that killed two young men when they lost control of their bikes and were flung off a ramp on the George Bush Turnpike.

It’s time something be done and I’m glad our area is taking steps to educate inexperienced riders on sport bike and motorcycle safety. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more programs and classes like the one they put on in Arlington this week.

Of course, motorcycle accidents are not always the fault of the riders, but instead, accidents are caused by other car and truck drivers. Another good thing about these motorcycle safety courses is that they teach riders how to be defensive and watch out for mistakes made by other motorists.

If you have suffered bodily injuries as a result of a motorcycle-related accident, please call injury attorney Mark A. Anderson for a free consultation at 817-294-1900 or Contact Me Online.

Texas Highway 121, just west of DFW Airport in Grapevine, was shut down until about noon today due to a tragic motorcycle accident involving an already crashed car.

Early this morning, a woman suspected of drunk driving wrecked her car on 121 and then got out. She was standing next to it as a 32-year-old man on a sport bike motorcycle slammed into her crashed car. The man died at the scene from his injuries. His impact was so hard that it flipped the woman’s Honda Civic over onto its roof.

The man had been riding with another guy who was also on a motorcycle. Luckily, the other rider was able to avoid the accident and is unharmed. Coincidentally, just last week I wrote about the dangers of riding sport bike motorcycles, but in this particular scenario, the biker wasn’t the one guilty of dangerous behavior. It’s tragic that the man came up on the scene at precisely the wrong time.

An investigation is still pending, but if it is determined that she was intoxicated when she crashed, causing a dangerous road-block for other drivers and killing one, then she will be facing charges for intoxication manslaughter.

Drunk driving is a serious problem. As I mentioned in a recent blog about drunk driving accidents, every five hours someone is killed in Texas in a drunk-driving wreck. That is just ridiculous.

If one of your loved ones has suffered injuries or a wrongful death due to a motorcycle collision, please give me a call to discuss your rights. I can be reached at 817-294-1900 or Contact Me Online.

Not long ago, I wrote about about a motorcycle accident that killed two teenagers. Now, just a few weeks later, a story has turned up in the Dallas Morning News about the culture surrounding sport bikes—riding them and showing off tricks.

Sport bikes are different than “cruiser” bikes like Harleys in that their low weight allows them to reach speeds up to 185 miles per hour. They are also capable of going from zero to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds.

Another problem with the sport bikes is that they are very affordable. This means teens and young twenty-somethings are able to purchase racing bikes a lot easier. Some of the riders of these bikes do it for the thrill; many popping “wheelies” and racing on interstates and highways all around Dallas-Fort Worth. Not only does going double (or more) the speed limit on Airport Freeway, for example, greatly endanger the driver of a speedy sport bike, but just think of all the other vehicles on the roadways who aren’t looking to get into a deadly collision with a motorcycle. Statistics show those who ride sport bikes are far more likely to be killed than those riding cruiser motorcycles.

And that seems to be what happened with the wreck I previously wrote on. Even though the speed the teens were going when they crashed has not been determined, fellow racers who knew the two who were killed reasoned that they were following each other too closely and maybe going too fast to prevent the deadly wreck. They had been riding on a ramp from the George Bush Turnpike to Highway 161 in Irving, Texas, when one hit a wall, flying over the side of the ramp and falling to his death, and the rider behind him ran into the first bike, also being thrown over the wall of the ramp. The two were both 18-years-old; one was from North Richland Hills and the other was from Bedford, Texas.

If you have been injured riding a motorcycle and someone else caused your injury, you may have a claim for your personal injuries. Please call Fort Worth Motorcycle Accident Attorney Mark A. Anderson at 817-294-1900 of Contact Me Online.

Early this morning, two teenage-boys were killed in a motorcycle wreck on a ramp from the George Bush Turnpike to Highway 161. One was from Bedford, Texas; the other from North Richland Hills, Texas. The details are still unknown, but apparently when one of the riders hit a wall, the other came up behind him and both were flung off the freeway.

Were they racing? Were they wearing helmets? Helmets might not have even mattered if they were racing. When I first heard the story, initially I thought of helmets and then I thought of racing, but my next thought was: what kind of bikes were they on—maybe one of those sport bikes?

Many riders complain that roads are dangerous because of other motorists. This case shows a wreck that was probably not caused by other cars or trucks, but by a combination of too much speed and the vulnerability that goes with riding a motorcycle on an interstate highway. When the boys hit the wall, they flew off their bikes and fell to their death. If they had been encased in a car, the result might have not been deadly. Either way, this unfortunate story just brings to light how dangerous motorcycle-riding can be.

More news to come, I’m sure, as the story develops.

Harley-Davidson just announced it is recalling all of its 2008 Touring models due to a finding that the fuel-filter shell may crack. This could cause the motorcycles to slow or stall and could then lead to a motorcycle accident. This is a voluntary recall and affects almost 50,000 of these motorcycles. According to the company, which is based in Milwaukee, no accidents due this defect have been reported.

So if you own a 2008 Harley with a FL designation, call your local dealer or call the company at 1-414-343-4056. This is not something you want to put off. For a copy of the official recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.

There have been several deaths caused by motorcycle accidents in Tarrant County, Texas over the past several weeks. Just this week, a Tarrant County Bailiff died in a wreck in Hurst, Texas on his way home from work when a driver of a car apparently did not see him and turned right into his motorcycle. Also this week, a Colleyville, Texas man died in north Fort Worth in what appears to be a wreck that did not involve any other vehicles. It is believed that he hit a curb on a curve in the roadway.

These motorcylce accidents serve as reminders that riders face many dangers that car drivers do not. Sometimes drivers just simply do not see the motorcycles—which might be the case with the Hurst rider's death. Or a simple mistake like hitting a curb can lead to tragic results, like in the Colleyville man’s death.

The protection for a motorcycle rider is extremely limited. Leather can help reduce certain injuries and helmets can help with head injuries, but besides that there is really no protection. That is why motorcycle riders must be extremely more careful than drivers of cars. It is a matter of self-preservation.

This past weekend I drove up Highway 287 northwest of the Fort Worth area. There were far more than the normal amount of motorcycle riders traveling on this road, as many were headed to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Sturgis draws about 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts each year. I have never been, but I hear it is an unbelievable experience.

I paid attention to the riders and all but one seemed to be excellent drivers. One idiot felt the need to play cat and mouse with me, passing me then slowing down to force me to pass. Of course, this was late at night and he was not wearing a helmet. But he definitely was the exception to the rule. Please, please wear helmets and ride as if you are invisible. Some call it defensive driving, but for motorcycle riders it is called survival.