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NASCAR Implements New SAFER Barriers After Denny Hamlin Suffers a Back Injury

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin crashed into an unprotected area of the Auto Club Speedway where he broke a vertebra in his back. NASCAR offers many safety features for their drivers including a roll cage, an upgraded seat restraint system, and fire-retardant suits, among many other safe measures. While all of these features do save lives, when a car going in excess of 100 miles per hour hits a concrete barrier, there are bound to be more than just a few bruises (How NASCAR Safety Features Work, How Stuff Works).

“In the wake of the accident, NASCAR officials said experts would reevaluate that section of the wall and recommend changes if necessary. SAFER barriers are typically first installed along the parts of the track walls where impacts are most likely to occur, but it’s not uncommon for the barriers to be added or altered post-accident. A Jeff Gordon hit at Las Vegas, an Elliot Sadler incident at Pocono and a Jeff Fuller accident at Kentucky each resulted in changes being made to walls or barriers at those facilities,” (SAFER barrier added in area of Hamlin crash: NASCAR, March 18, 2014).

But don’t think his accident at the Auto Club Speedway will stop him from racing again. According to Hamlin, he is more than eager to race that track again since he wasn’t able to finish last year. The Auto Club Speedway in California is on the top of his list of tracks he wants to win (SAFER barrier added in area of Hamlin crash: NASCAR, March 18, 2014).

“NASCAR drivers know full well the risks they take with their careers,” states Frank N. Darras, America’s leading disability insurance lawyer to the pros. “NASCAR is always on top of how to save lives and reduce injuries to drivers but even the best measures don’t always work. Drivers need to weigh all their options and look into own-occupation disability insurance in the case of a serious injury. Own-occupation disability insurance is meant for professionals with tremendous talent, which means they have the most to lose when the worst happens.”

High limit own-occupation disability insurance can come in many different forms but racecar drivers need the broadest own-occupation coverage available. A policy should reference paying full benefits if the policyholder cannot do their specific occupation. Therefore, the injured racecar driver can collect their disability benefits while working full time at a different occupation.

“Disability insurance is not something to shun in the world of professional sports. Most top athletes [or their teams] have high limit coverage, insuring their marquee competitors, regardless of the sport. Enlist the help of a trusted insurance agent or a qualified disability insurance lawyer familiar with professional athletes’ policies to discuss your options. The world of insurance can be difficult to navigate, so find an expert with experience, who can help. I wish Denny Hamlin success in his latest NASCAR endeavors after a potentially serious injury. The race track may often times be unpredictable but a high limit individual disability insurance policy will be there to protect NASCAR drivers’ livelihood,” says Darras.

DarrasLaw is Americas' most honored and decorated disability litigation firm in the country. Mr. Darras has seen more, evaluated more, litigated more, and resolved more individual and group long term disability and long-term care cases than any other lawyer in the United States.

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