By Dustin Fox, Owner and Founder of DFox Law

In my final year of law school, I experienced the last of my motorcycle accidents. It was a turning point that deepened my understanding of the challenges injured people face and the critical role a personal injury attorney plays. I was more knowledgeable about the legal process at this point in my life, but I still had much to learn, particularly about the value of medical treatment while under a Letter of Protection.

The Story

During law school, I worked as a Circulation Desk Assistant in the library. Weekend shifts were my go-to. They helped me stay focused on studying instead of indulging in San Diego’s tempting extracurricular activities. As a mission-driven student, I kept my eyes on the prize: excelling academically and preparing for a career in law.

That Friday night, I was working the 8 p.m. to midnight shift. I texted my then-girlfriend (now wife) as I always did to let her know I was heading home. My transportation at the time was a powerful 2009 Ninja ZX-10R—a bike I loved for its speed and agility.

My law school was in downtown San Diego, so my ride home required navigating through the bustling nightlife before hitting the I-5 freeway to Clairemont, CA. The streets were alive with parties, people and traffic. As I rode through a series of green lights, I spotted a car in my peripheral vision speeding toward the intersection. My gut told me he wasn’t stopping, but he was going too fast for me to avoid what was coming.

The driver ran the red light, barreling directly into me. The impact sent me flipping over the hood of his car, landing hard on my back in the middle of the street. Disoriented and confused, I lifted my visor and checked my feet, just like that iconic scene in Kill Bill where The Bride wills herself to wiggle her toes. To my great relief, my feet moved.

A police officer, already nearby due to the downtown chaos, reached me within a minute. He helped me hobble away from the intersection’s danger. I called my girlfriend, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Don’t be alarmed. I was just t-boned on my bike. They’re taking me to the hospital to ensure nothing is seriously wrong.”

She met me at the hospital. They put me in a neck brace and admitted me overnight. My injuries included sprained MCLs, sprained ankles and back muscle spasms. I needed two months of difficult physical therapy. While I was grateful to walk away from the crash, the aftermath was just beginning.

Lessons Learned

The driver who hit me carried the state’s minimum insurance coverage—$15,000 at the time. Unfortunately, I didn’t have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) because, at 28, all I knew about insurance was that I needed it.

What I didn’t know was how medical bills and negotiations worked. I had no idea how to secure proper care or ensure my expenses were covered. It wasn’t until later in my career that I truly appreciated the value of a Letter of Protection. Well, that and understanding I really should have UM/UIM insurance coverage, especially on a motorcycle. 

Why a Letter of Protection Matters

A Letter of Protection (LOP) is essentially an agreement between a personal injury attorney and medical providers. The providers agree not to bill or collect from the client until the case is resolved. In return, the attorney promises to pay the medical bills from the settlement before disbursing the funds to the client.

This arrangement allows injured individuals to access necessary medical care without paying out-of-pocket—a lifeline for those who might otherwise forgo treatment due to financial strain. If I had known about LOPs at the time, I could have received better treatment and positioned myself for a stronger recovery, both physically and financially.

A Mission to Advocate for Riders

That accident was a wake-up call. It not only reinforced the vulnerabilities motorcyclists face but also solidified my commitment to advocate for others. I lived the confusion, the pain, and the frustration of navigating an accident’s aftermath. These experiences now drive my approach as a personal injury attorney.

At DFox Law, I ensure my clients get the care they need and the settlements they deserve. From understanding the importance of insurance coverage to leveraging LOPs, my goal is to provide the guidance I didn’t have during my own crashes.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t navigate it alone. Call me for a free consultation. I’ve been in your shoes. I’m here to fight for your recovery on the road and in life.

Because when you ride, you deserve someone who understands the journey.