If TDOT was the one working on the road, You Might get in contact with your Local ABATE chapter, they have a good relationship with TDOT, and might be able to work something out, with out a getting a lawyer. They (TDOT) are responsible in keeping the road safe for ALL Motoring public, not just cages..

 

I ride that road a lot, from Holland to Florence and on into Lampassas. It AIN'T my favorite way to go, but it's the shortest route. I would see a lawyer about TXDOT if nothing else. I believe they really dropped the ball on this one! ..... Hope everything works out for ya and the bike.

 

Glad you're ok. Now, be smart and get a lawyer.

 

My sister just had her bike rebuilt frame up on here Road King. Took a lot of time to do all of the work, but said that it ran just like new.

 

I agree and would take photos of the area ASAP to prove no signs were posted.

 

Wow,,, thanks for the map Fire1Tex. I was planning
on going up Ronald Reagan to Florence, then over to Salado for
BBQ over that exact road this weekend... will take that corner slow now..

 

Get a lawyer (who would jump on this case) and sue TX DOT. Could be some big $$$ for your lawyer and maybe some pennies for you

 

We went through this with a friend a couple of months ago with a very different terrible outcome. I haven't shared it here but your post brought it all back to me. You push it back in your mind but I have knots in my stomach right now as if it just happened.

We were riding on a similar road situation with back to back long 90 degree sweeper turns and the second turn had a drop gravel patch with lots of loose gravel. We slowed considerably, slower than the posted speed, and 2 of us made it through fine but the third rider in our group lost control and ran off the road. It was a relatively slow speed crash, less than 30 mph, but he came off the bike awkwardly and the fall knocked him unconscious. The bike had only cosmetic damage and a bent handlebar. He had a helmet on and did not have any significant head injuries or any visible injuries but broke his clavicle and several ribs. The ribs wound up puncturing his lung but it was not evident at the crash. He had no shortness of breath an was not coughing up blood. We were more concerned about his head and neck. When he got to the hospital they treated him for the broken bones and punctured lung and he was ok, was stable but in pain. He was transferred to a different hospital and his condition improved until about 6 days later sepsis set in and he passed away very quickly. I had spoken to him during the week and he sounded sore but ok. Evidently, he had a small puncture in his intestine. I still can't believe two hospitals missed something like that. I had ridden with him several times but only barely knew him. But he was so nice in our few interactions that I definitely called him a friend. He had tons of friends show up at his memorial service and had lived an amazing life.

I do think the helmet saved him from having a serious head injury because his brand new dot helmet was cracked on the side where he hit. In the end that didn't save him.

At the scene I was only interested in taking care of him. I never thought about documenting the scene. Keeping him immobile until EMS arrived was my first priority as he really wanted to move around. I don't remember any warning signs going in to the corner, neither did anyone else in the group but there was one there a couple of days later.

Be careful out there and cherish every moment. Get to know the people you are with. Be as ready for emergencies if you can. Always have a camera with you to document the scene. If the worst happens, get as much information in writing from law enforcement as possible. Make sure that the hospital really thoroughly checks for internal injuries.

 

Very sobering, thanks for sharing Dave. Like I said in my OP, I was fortunate with the outcome I had and will always think about what could have been. I am however anxious to "get back on the horse" and move on, even if just for my own piece of mind.

 

I agree with you. I have been riding regularly since. It was tough at first. He would have been back on his bike also. As his wife said he's riding his harley in the sky.