Motorcycle Medics Reach the Injured Faster in Austin

In early June, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Austin, Texas, began using a different mode of transportation to reach the injured along the congested and accident-prone Interstate 35: medically equipped motorcycles. Rather than navigating the congested highway in ambulances, EMS personnel now hop on their motorcycles to respond to traffic accident victims — a tactic that originated in London, and has proven successful in Florida’s Miami-Dade County for nearly five years.

Motorcycles can arrive two to three minutes faster than an ambulance — especially during large congested events like Austin’s South by Southwest music festival, said Eric S. Jakubauskas, commander of Austin-Travis County EMS Special Events. And those extra minutes can mean the difference between life and death, he said. “That can be special if the person is in severe respiratory distress or was having a cardiac problem — two to three minutes can mean whether you resuscitate the person or you don’t.”

The motorcycles — BMW G650 X-Ps equipped with lights and sirens and suspension that can handle rougher terrain than a standard street bike — are outfitted with life-support equipment such as medications, airway equipment and first aid supplies. Also, an automatic external defibrillator allows EMS technicians to monitor the heart if needed.

Motorcyle medics can treat an injury or illness for up to 15 minutes; they can give immediate care and determine the severity of injuries. An ambulance is always immediately behind them, Jakubauskas said.

The ambulance will arrive within minutes and depending on the severity of the injury, can further treat the patient and transport him or her to a hospital. If the injury is minor, however, the motorcycle medic can call off the ambulance so it may be available for a more serious call.

Austin-Travis County EMS Special Events has four motorcycles, which Jakubauskas said have all been donated. “The taxpayers haven’t paid a dime for the motorcycles yet — more than $42,000 worth of motorcycles.”

The current deployment is an open-ended pilot, Jakubauskas said. EMS personnel riding the bikes complete a modified Austin Police Department motorcycle course and go through recurring training.

“Hopefully within the next three to six months, we’ll be able to pull enough data [from the pilot] to be able to justify moving forward,” he said, adding that right now, some paramedics are taken from ambulance duty to work as motorcycle paramedics — they’re not dedicated like a motorcycle police officer would be. “We put them on extra duty and put them on the streets. And hopefully we can put some people on permanent staffing for the motorcycle program.”

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source: www.govtech.com (Mulholland, 11/28)

The Dangers of Risky Lane Change As Reported by a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured on a motorcycle simply because another vehicle driver made a risky lane change, you'll need a talented motorcycle accident attorney to defend your privileges. According to research, more than 55,000 bikers are involved in one incident or another yearly. These mishaps typically end in fatality and serious physical injuries. One of the major reasons behind these accidents is unsafe lane change by reckless motorists. Once another motorist is reckless and illegally switches lanes, causing you to lose control of your motorcycle or collide with another vehicle, an attorney can assist you to get compensation for all of your damages, which includes lost pay or wages, medical expenditures, loss of companionship or consortium, and actual physical pain and suffering.

Driving through traffic is stressful and sometimes frightening. One contributing factor is the overly aggressive behavior of some drivers. Drivers of passenger vehicles who perform unsafe lane changes as well as other dangerous maneuvers additionally result in many serious automobile accidents. Changing lanes isn't easy. Making a lane change may be very complex and can be rather risky. Yet, every vehicle driver must understand how to switch lanes. If you're a parent, coach your teen the way to change lanes correctly, because this is not a move to be taken frivolously.

When changing lanes, use your blinker or use hand signals. Only switch one lane at a time and never switch lanes in a location where lanes are defined by solid lines (yellow or white, single or double). Only do this where the roads are marked by broken or dashed lines. Be sure never to accelerate or cut anyone off while changing lanes. It can be dangerous to change lanes in a school area. Don't change lanes in an intersection, or too close to the intersection. It's advisable to wait until you're past the light before changing lanes.

Now, if perhaps you were injured by another driver due to unsafe lane change it's a good idea to employ a motorcycle accident lawyer to assist you. A motorcycle accident attorney is somebody who has specialty in the field and definitely will deal with your case with accuracy. He is familiar with the ramifications which are involved in a legal strategy. He can approximate the chances of your case and you will thereby get a distinct concept of what might be the result of such a case. An essential advantage of finding a motorcycle accident lawyer can promise you that the case is being worked by someone who is familiar with this field and knows perfectly what ought to be the subsequent step. Therefore, you can ease your mind of the pressure and stress.

When you're suffering from a personal injury, the last thing you'll need is a lot of anxiety. Selecting a motorcycle accident attorney could help you stand to get much better compensation or settlement. Through the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer, the chances of getting well recompensed are tremendously enhanced. Bottom line is you are in position to gain more through the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer or attorney.

The Cole Legal Group are experienced Texas motorcycle accident lawyers that also love to ride. We know Texas motorcycle law and the bias against bikers; therefore, we are dedicated to aggressively winning motorcycle accident cases. We will actively fight to not only protect your rights, but also win the settlement you deserve.

We regularly represents motorcycle accident clients all over the great state of Texas, including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Amarillo, Waco and Lubbock. Contact us with this online form, or call us today at 1-800-245-5539 for a free case evaluation!

Should employers ban motorcycle riding for employees?

On Monday, October 10, 2011, Cleveland Browns’ defensive end, Marcus Benard, was injured in a motorcycle accident. According to police, Benard had left the Browns practice earlier and was riding his Can-Am Spyder on I-71 near Cleveland. Witnesses said it appeared Benard and another vehicle were racing at a high rate of speed when Benard’s motorcycle went into a wall near West 65th Street. Benard suffered a broken arm.

By early Tuesday morning the sports casters from Cleveland and from across the country had renewed calls for banning professional athletes from riding motorcycles. This issue was also addressed in 2006 when Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was severely injured in a motorcycle crash. Although Roethlisberger’s accident was in the off-season, many questioned the wisdom of allowing a high profile and talented athlete to participate in an activity that appears so dangerous.

Let’s face it – motorcycling can be dangerous. It is especially dangerous if you are racing on an interstate in a major city. However, there are plenty of ways to court danger. Water skiing can be dangerous. Parasailing can be dangerous. Horseback riding can be dangerous. There are any number of ways a person can be injured while enjoying recreation or even doing everyday chores like driving (a car) to the grocery store.

While banning certain activities as a condition of employment should be left to the individual employer, signaling out only motorcycling is just wrong. Perhaps a better way to approach a situation like NFL players being hurt in off the field activities would be a hefty fine for missing games because of injuries either from motorcycling, playing a pick-up game of basketball, or ballroom dancing.

Just an opinion. Comment below with your opinion.

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source: examiner.com (Davis, 10/11)

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer - Why Do You Need One?

Motorcycle accidents are common road incidents that take place frequently these days. They generally involve collision between one or more motorcycles. They can have pretty serious outcomes and can even lead to a person's death. After such mishaps one needs to get help from his/her insurance company to get financial help in covering the damages. To make the whole process smooth, hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is the best option.

A motorcycle accident lawyer is a legal representative who has undergone training in the field of law and is well versed with the implications of such cases.

Here are a few advantages of hiring a personal injury lawyer.

1. A motorcycle accident lawyer is a person who holds specialty in the field and can fight your case with precision. He knows the ramifications that are involved in a legal course of action. He can estimate the chances of your case and you can thereby get a clear idea of what would be the outcome of such a case.
   
   
2. A professional attorney can conduct you through the intricate legal methods.
   
   
3. A lawyer is in steady contact with the various important officials at the court. So, he must be updated with all the newest law procedures.
   
   
4. A major advantage of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer can guarantee you that your case is being dealt by someone who is proficient in this field and knows very well what should be the subsequent step. So, you can relieve your mind of the tension and stress.
   
   
5. A lawyer will be representing you at the court. He is the person who knows how to present your case with all the assembled evidences.

It is absolutely necessary to get in touch with a professional lawyer to fight your case. However, you must know the right way to look for the right person who can fight for your rights.

Qualifications:  They must be qualified enough to take your case. Do check the certifications and educational documents to make sure that they are capable.

Experience:  Level of experience matters a lot while choosing a good lawyer. An experienced attorney must know about the probable outcomes of a case thoroughly.

Referrals:  Ask your acquaintances, relatives and friends regarding the reputed lawyers in your area who are known to have good advocacy skills.

The last thing you would want after facing a miserable accident is to hire an inefficient motorcycle accident lawyer. The Cole Legal Group has represented bikers all across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Since our lawyers ride, we bring our riding experience, knowledge and perspective to each and every case to maximize our clients' recovery. As a result, our personal injury lawyers understand the dynamics of tar snakes, counter steering, high-siding, tank slapping, lane splitting and many other areas that Texas motorcycle riders regularly experience. We aggressively fight biker bias and do everything within our powers to protect our clients.

More women learn how to ride a motorcycle

(by Nancy Gondo)

You've seen 'em. The Hells Angels on their cruisers, the crotch-rocket jockeys splitting lanes and the everyday commuters on their standards. What do they have in common – besides their motorcycles? Chances are, they're all dudes. But why?

The number of women who own and operate motorcycles has risen through the years -- up 52% from 2003 to 2008 according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the most recent statistics available. Yet, you rarely see a woman riding on the streets, other than being a passenger on the back of a bike. Is it a skill that's harder for women to learn? Or is it a risk they're not willing to take?

I decided to find out for myself by taking a beginner's rider course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I consider myself an unlikely candidate -- female, married with a 5-year-old daughter, working in the financial journalism industry. Turns out, the class closest to me, Westside Motorcycle Academy, is co-owned by two women: Erika Willhite and Amanda Cunningham.

More than half of WMA's rider coaches are women. When Amanda began coaching 10 years ago, she was one of the only female instructors. But times have changed. She and Erika launched WMA in October, 2005, and have trained over 16,000 novice riders since. Today, a 12-person riding classes will often be comprised of six women and six men. Of course, that may be partly because women are more likely than men to take a "safety" course. When was the last time a guy you know stopped to ask for directions?

Most states recommend all bikers take classes approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. That may set you back a couple hundred bucks. The upshot? :

You'll likely learn to be a better rider, get a break on insurance and waive the DMV written and/or driving test. I took a beginner's course in a sports arena parking lot in Inglewood, Calif., with Erika and Amanda as my coaches. My 11 classmates and I (three of us were women) selected our bikes and were soon up and running what's called the "friction zone."

Having never learned to drive a stick shift, learning to use the clutch to shift gears while worrying about braking and throttling with the right foot and hand was a bit tough. But I learned how to shift smoothly and slowly release the clutch without stalling out. We also learned safety techniques such as cornering, U-turns, swerving and stopping quickly. Midway through the second day, I felt almost comfortable on my Honda Rebel, though when skills-testing time came, I was a bit nervous. But we all pulled through. With great relief, we snapped some group pictures, and headed home with a sense of accomplishment.

Erin Roski, 21, a fellow novice I met in the class, summed it up best: "It was a wonderful experience -- I had a lot of fun, and I learned techniques that will save my skin when I'm riding on the street," the second-year UCLA law student says. Taking the course was fun, and it's good to know that if I do ride a motorcycle again, there are ways to avoid a major wipeout. And if nothing else, it's good to prove that women can ride just as well as the guys.

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source: Drive On (Gondo, 9/26)

Employing A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer That Can Help With Your Insurance Claims

If involved in an accident, you need to first of all talk with a motorcycle accident lawyer before agreeing to an arrangement coming from an insurance company. Mishaps concerning motorcycles cause massive physical, mental shock and debilitating injuries and can have an undesirable impact on the basic way of life of the immediate family members. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will inform the victim to have a written record of the health-related bills related to the automobile accident. These paperwork can increase the victim's credibility and enhance their odds of getting a reasonable solution.

Motorcycle mishaps take place not just as a result of driver's negligence but because of other factors, like a missing road signal, or due to a malfunctioning traffic light. A lot of these threats exist when the city or local government won't hold up their end of the legal bargain.

There are points that may be observed to help decrease the odds of having an accident. Safe riding comes in various forms. Many are decisions the driver can make on the road, and some are decisions he or she makes just before he sits on a bike for the first time. Having to take a training course is definitely crucial for any novice, and a plus for experienced motorcyclists. Newbies study everything from starting up a bike, to proper and safe turning and driving. Skilled riders can benefit from learning more advanced methods. Both group could even see benefits from accreditation in these courses with insurance discounts.

Novices would want to keep in mind the particular bike they will choose. Usually, a bike with a smaller sized engine is much more suited to users who are less experienced. It's crucial for you to ensure that the size of your bike is suitable to your power and weight, because a rider outmatched by their motorbike is just creating trouble for themselves. A rider should always be sure that he's wearing both a helmet, plus a tough and comfy clothing that can help limit his injuries in an automobile accident. This includes boots, pads and leather-based jackets. A good motorcycle rider should always observe traffic laws. Running traffic signs, speeding or driving in a hostile manner will only put the motorist in harm's way. Even worse, most people may see the motorcycle driver as a danger or irritation and drive offensively against him. If driving intoxicated in a car seems hazardous, the dangers are only increased by the fact that motorcycle drivers are responsible for balancing their vehicles.

If the driver has adhered to every one of the safety measures, but nevertheless became a victim of a motorbike accident, he ought to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. Insurance providers often times like to divide the liability between the motorcyclist and the at-fault party; even though the biker may have had practically nothing to do with the root cause of the automobile accident. Working with insurance providers after a motorbike accident can be quite challenging. That's the reason it would be far better for any motorcycle crash victim to employ an experienced lawyer to raise his odds of getting a claim.

You can find more detailed information about a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer at our website. Be sure to contact a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer immediately right after your motorcycle accident.

What to do if You are in a Texas Motorcycle Accident

Contact The Cole Legal Group before speaking with any insurance company.

REMAIN AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE
Unless your injuries require otherwise, don’t leave the scene of an accident until you have called the police and they have documented the accident. It’s important to obtain the other driver(s) name, address and phone number. Write down the license plate and registration numbers of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident. Ask the other driver(s) to show you their license, give you their phone numbers, their insurance company name and policy numbers. Obtain the names, phone numbers and addresses of all eyewitnesses. Don’t say you are not injured until you have seen a medical professional.

STATEMENTS
Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the investigating police officer, and then, only the basic facts. Statements made to your Texas motorcycle accident lawyer are confidential.

TAKE NOTES AND PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT
Take notes of important details, draw a sketch, take pictures to preserve skid marks, the position of the vehicles and other physical evidence that will likely disappear after the accident.

INSURANCE REPORTS AND NOTIFICATIONS
Do not give a statement to anyone without first consulting your Texas biker lawyer. Remember, insurance companies profit by denying claims.

CLAIMS MADE AGAINST YOU
Refer all claims against you to your Texas motorcycle attorney. Do not pay or promise to pay any claimant. Immediately forward all papers to your attorney.

CLAIMS MADE BY YOU
An attorney is best equipped to advise you as to your legal rights to recover a fair and reasonable settlement. Protect your legal rights and seek competent legal advice.

WHY HIRE THE COLE LEGAL GROUP IMMEDIATELY?
Because we deal with insurance companies and injury claims everyday. We bring our experience in dealing with deadlines, forms, claims, witnesses, preserving evidence and protecting Texas motorcycle accident victims to the table in every case. Insurance companies many times don’t take these claims seriously until a lawyer is involved. We make it our business to protect Texas motorcycle accident victims.

Call us NOW! (800) 245-5539 - The Texas Biker Lawyer

Infographic: the Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle

It's a motorcyclist's right to enjoy the open road, but it is their responsibility to exercise caution. Road conditions, other drivers and personal protective gear are all important to consider when getting on a bike.

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Pugs and Hogs Don't Mix; Motorcyclist Charged for Animal Cruelty

A New Jersey man thought that he was enjoying a nice rainy ride down route 18 with his pug last week, but it turns out the man was actually subjecting his dog to cruel and unusual treatment. Gyula Szatmari, 56, was issued a few tickets by New Jersey police after riding on his motorcycle with his pug in his lap.

Sgt. Anthony Lena, of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, spotted Szatmari riding down the road with his pug sitting on the gas tank of his motorcycle, and decided to call the police.

Szatmari was pulled over and issued tickets for careless driving and the improper transportation of an animal.

Did Szatmari deserve his tickets?

It isn't illegal to carry a dog on a motorcycle, in fact, there is a whole industry dedicated to doggy riding gear. But it is frowned upon to ride with your pet unsecured on your bike, since it could jump off or distract you from paying attention to the road.

Szatmari will appear in court on October 13th to discuss his tickets. Should Szatmari be fined?

Do you ride with your pet?

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