Motorcycle accidents can be very traumatic. Given the relatively small size of a bike and the limited protection riders have, these accidents are often serious. They can result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. If you suffered serious injuries in a crash, Dallas motorcycle accident lawyers can help you to claim compensation from the at-fault party.
Even though you’re entitled to recover damages if someone’s negligence caused your injuries, it may not be easy. However, since you will likely be facing a mountain of medical bills and other expenses, you need to ensure your rights are protected. At TorkLaw, we’ll do everything we can to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas
In 2018, 418 motorcycle operators and passengers were killed in Texas. Hundreds more suffered critical injuries while thousands sustained less serious injuries. People often assume that motorcyclists are reckless and that accidents are usually their fault. However, drivers or other vehicles are often responsible for the injuries bikers suffer. Some of the most common reasons motorcycle accidents occur in Texas include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Improper lane changes
- Mechanical problems
- Dangerous road conditions
Injuries Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Often Encounter
While we recommend that all riders where helmets, Texas law only requires riders under the age of 21 to where one. Older bikers can ride without a helmet if they complete a motorcycle operator course or have health insurance coverage. It goes without saying, that those who choose to ride without a helmet increase their likelihood of suffering a serious head injury, should they be involved in a wreck.
Some of the injuries that motorcyclists suffer include:
- Concussions
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
Many of these injuries are painful and victims face long recovery periods during which they can’t work. If you find yourself in such a situation, you need to do everything you can to recover your losses.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Dallas
If you were struck by a much larger vehicle, your injuries are likely to be severe. If you are able, the first thing you should do is call 911 and ask for the police and an ambulance. You may be too badly hurt to do anything else but wait for first responders to arrive. However, if you’re physically able, you should take photos of the scene and the damage to the vehicles. This could serve as invaluable evidence later when you file an insurance claim. You should also make sure you get the license plate of the car that hit you and the contact information for the driver.
If you’re too badly injured to think about any of this, don’t worry. Bystanders usually call the police to the scene of serious accidents and the responding officers will file a report. However, as soon as you can, you should contact one of the Dallas motorcycle accident lawyers at TorkLaw. We will get started on preserving the evidence that remains. The sooner you contact us, the better it will be for you.
However, if the scene is cleared by the time you call us, we have other ways of proving what happened. If necessary, we can enlist the services of accident reconstruction experts. When we have a clear picture of the circumstances and who was at fault, we’ll take care of negotiations with the insurance company.
How to Avoid Jeopardizing Your Claim
What you do is just as important as what you don’t do. When you hire us, one of the things we will caution you against is talking to insurance adjusters. A representative of the other motorist’s insurer is likely to call you and ask you to provide a statement. They may even ask you to accept a low settlement offer.
The individual may call you shortly after the accident while you’re still in pain and not thinking clearly. Try to keep your wits about you and politely decline to talk to them. Instead, refer them to your lawyer. No matter what an insurance adjuster tells you, they’re looking out for their employer, not you.
Another thing we will advise you against is posting about the accident on social media or talking to other people about it. It’s natural to want to discuss such a major life event but the insurance company may learn about your comments. They could use this information to reduce the amount of compensation you get or even deny your claim altogether. There’s just too much at stake after a serious motorcycle accident to risk losing the damages to which you’re entitled. You need experienced, committed Dallas motorcycle accident lawyers on your side.
Determining How Much Your Accident Claim is Worth
One of the first things accident victims want to know is how much money they can get in compensation. This is understandable since motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries that are costly to treat. Some victims can never return to work. However, each accident and victim is unique and several factors determine how much you can claim. Some of the things to be considered are:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The extent to which your injuries prevent you from working
- Whether you are permanently disabled
- Whether you are permanently scarred
- How much income you lost
- How much medical care you will need in the future
If you can prove that the other driver caused your injuries, you can get recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for financial losses including:
- Doctor and hospital fees
- Money spent on wheelchairs, canes, crutches, walkers and other assistive devices
- Loss of income
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
Non-economic damages cover intangible losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Inconvenience
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your attorney will add up all your losses and advise you on what’s considered fair compensation. In most cases, you and the other party’s insurer will agree on a settlement during negotiations. Personal injury claims rarely go to trial.
Contact TorkLaw Today for a Free Case Review
At TorkLaw, we’ll fight hard for a settlement that truly covers your losses. Our Dallas motorcycle accident lawyers know how difficult it can be to move on after a catastrophic accident. Your life can change in a split second and the fallout from the crash can affect your entire household. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and get an expert legal opinion on your case.